second slice of cranium pie

Fruits De Mer have announced their first release this year with Cranium Pie's double LP of classic UK progressive rock.

"...three years in the making, at last the band follow up their brilliant (and highly-collectible) first long-player on Fruits de Mer ( 'Mechanisms Part 1', for those of you keeping count), and it's a more than worthy successor to the album that was voted by Geoff Barton in Classic Rock as "bonkers prog LP of the year, 2012".
Mainly instrumental, with lots of lovely Hammondy organ sounds and fx, 'Mechanisms 2' recalls the classic bands and years of progressive rock, with shades of Van Der Graaf Generator, Egg, Soft Machine, even Zappa - but with that twisted Wiltshire sound. Four sides of great music, it could almost be a lost album from Charisma, Vertigo or Music for Pleasure, but it isn't..."

No it's a typical piece of FDMs fine vinyl and as usual they'll be in short supply if you don't advance order. In the UK you can pre-order 'Mechanisms 2' for £20 post-free direct from Fruits de Mer if you're not, please pre-order from heyday-mo.com or shinybeast.nl
Here's the splendid 'The Lost Song' from the new album and a cautionary tale about the band and crustacean interference.

fruits de mer take on the impossible

Like any independent record label you might follow, after a period of time you become familiar with the style of music and which artists they pick for their releases. This is the main reason why anyone might follow a label rather than just the artist.
It did use to to be more common decades back, whether it was back to the days of Chris Blackwell's progressive rock and reggae of Island Records, or Zappa's avante garde label Bizarre, or the prog rock of the Harvest label, or the punk of Stiff Records, you can probably name your own favourite. The beauty of it was you could trust these guys to find an album or artist you'd probably never even heard of, or dreamed of listening too, yet based on the labels previous output you sort of trusted their judgment. As a result it often produced a very varied listening experience and was never boring, which ever generation you came from. Of course as the independent labels became sucked up by the giant corporates so was that vital ingredient one of the old style independent labels were often prepared take, imagination. Or perhaps it was just the love of a new idea, something different.

In the case of Fruits De Mer who we've been following for last couple years their choice of psychedelic and progressive music, progressive that is in the original sense as opposed to 'Prog Rock', releasing their vinyl 7" records has been fascinating. Thanks to the guiding light behind the label, Keith Jones, who undoubtedly comes from a generaton that remembers and loved those long gone independent labels and their artists, has always stuck to his principals when it comes to Fruits De Mer vinyl. Have some fun. Take some risks.
It's been a real pleasure to see how the label has grown over the last couple of years, and in the face of stubbornly indifferent responses by the likes of the mainstream music press, there is at least one music mag that have recently backed them, Record Collector. Sure, FDM's limited edition vinyl is always collectible, but it would be hoped that Record Collector also see the pleasure this label is bringing to a lot of folk out there who still like their music to have credibility and and that scarce commodity, integrity.

So it is always with great interest we read any FDM promo on what their new line of vinyl is going to produce next. And to be honest the sight of one particular 7 inch release due out in November provokes the imagination immediately. It's not only daring, but in the face of the labels past years releases is wildly unpredictable to the point of outrageous. For this time, FDM have teamed up two bands on one vinyl EP who have in themselves dared take on what has until now been deemed by most sane musicians as nigh on impossible. The little matter of on one side, Superfjord covering John Coltrane's circular breathing jazz opus 'Love Supreme', and on the other by Earthling Society covering the transcendentally perfect and impossibly sublime 'Journey In Satchidananda' by Alice Coltrane, John's wife and inspiration. To even mention the prospect of covering these two inspirational jazz milestones to even the most experienced of jazz musicians would normally bring about hoots of derision or accusations akin to near heresy, and certainly over the years there's no recollection from these quarters of a single alternative version ever existing to that of the originals.
Until now that is, and Fruits De Mer have dug out this pair of tyro outfits to share the results on this treasure of vinyl simply called 'Coltrane'. The fact that it's been produced as an EP is even more outrageous and rather hilarious given the originals are near the whole side of an LP, and it has to be likely the bands own versions have been reduced in length to fit the 7 inch vinyl, it's known the Earthling Society do have a version which is at least 15 minutes long, although Superfjord's version of 'Love Supreme' is a more manageable 6 plus minutes so ought to just about squeeze on the record.

So maybe it has taken two rock bands to take on the impossible because.. well... they just love the music and are not afraid of the risk. But it's also taken a label as daring as Fruits De Mer to make it all fall into place for this November. You can just imagine Keith Jones grinning from ear to ear at the prospect of it all. Risk.. what risk!

The 'Coltrane' EP also comes with a 70 minute CD including exclusive Astralasia remixes all for £5.50. All the details and advance ordering from Fruits de Mer website Here is Superfjord's - "A Love Supreme" although the FDM verison will have their usual eye for detail and production value so may vary to this video version.

now U2 see it, now U2 don't

Heard about the recent invasive automatic download of the latest U2 album on iTunes? Of course you have. After the thickheaded publicity stunt cooked up by the corporate monster (choose your pick which one it is) Apple have now done an about face and made a removal tool available after gazillions of complaints of not being able to remove the playlist once it had arrived in their iTunes music library. They have also added in somewhat sour grapes fashion, words to the effect of, once you remove it you can't play with our toy no more.
If you would like to rid yourself of 'Songs Of Innocence' get the download here
And before we all have a quiet smirk at how that's all turned out remember it's been downloaded by 33 million people already. A more sobering thought altogether.

fruits de mer 7 and 7 singles

And now something that won't be forcing itself on you and is much more desireable, the new Fruits De Mer "7 and 7" singles release. A box-set of fine vinyl 45s featuring some of the labels favourite bands reinterpreting songs by some of the best bands that came out of the USA in the 60s.

The Bevis Frond play Clear Light
The Higher State play 13th Floor Elevators
The Chemistry Set play Love
Sendelica play the United States of America
King Penguin play The Byrds
The Gathering Gray play Moby Grape
Black Tempest/The Seventh Ring Of Saturn play Spirit/Grateful Dead

All in FDM's bespoke packaging and even with a free 7" bonus vinyl.
Details of ordering from fruitsdemerrecords.com Here's a preview of one of the treasures within - Nature's Way' by Black Tempest (originally recorded by Spirit).

the luck of eden hall be with you

That kaleidoscope of psychedelic songs, The Luck Of Eden Hall are releasing a new single "The Happiness Vending Machine". This Chicago band have been way ahead of the recent emergence of new psyche over the last 2 or 3 years are approaching their 25th anniversary, and what a compendium of sound they've created throughout the decades.
Best known to us in the UK with their EP release a couple of years back on Fruits De Mer they've also recently forged a partnership with Headspin Records in the Netherlands. And yes of course it takes a record label from the Netherlands to grab a bag of the Chicago night trippers last album 'Victoria Moon' with a lavish vinyl package. Although you should note Headspin currently don't have the album in stock although it's predicted release date is Sept 1st. The groups Bandcamp site do have a limited supply. Either way one of these will yield results.
The Luck Of Eden Hall on bandcamp - Headspin Records
.
And if all that ain't enough for the songwriting mind of Greg Curvey he's also got a Soundcloud page full of twists and turns he's been working on. One of which is his soundtrack for the recent movie "The Stream".
"The Happiness Vending Machine" below is released on September 1st from their website
Below that the 'Victoria Moon' stream including 13 songs. "We have 10 alternate mix and final tracks to share with you here."
Now get out of here Curvey your fab productivity is depressing us all.

astralasia arrival

It's been a month past it's initial release date with Fruits de Mer struggling to get the print run accurate for the new Astralasia vinyl album.

"a black and white optical image card sleeve housed within a optical image PVC outer sleeve -- so the images disappear when you put the two together

Bet Keith at Fruits De Mer won't be trying that too often. Still it's all come out in the printers wash in the end and is now ready to disappear before your very eyes.

Astralasia's Marc Swordfish remarks they made a departure from their usual approach for the new recording

"Wind On Water' mostly came about thru jams, a bit similar to our first cassette, rather than being sample-led; it kinda takes us to a more organic, free situation, especially to redo them live. It certainly makes it more exciting for us, even our full-on wig-outs. The current line up is so fluid, it's certainly a most exciting place. Vinyl releases matter to us more than anything and are still paramount, no matter how many people download it or cds,its not the same buzz or sound/art representation gratification, some magic disappears. we may be in a digital age but we are still real, let's keep it so

Krautrock style trance psychedelia. With some nice guitar.
Available from Fruits De Mer for around 20 quid in the UK and from Hey Day or Shiny Beast outside the UK.

the journey of tir na nog

It is one of the better stories you'll hear about the business of making music, when two young guys from Ireland first set out on their musical story in the late 60's / early 70's, it has now come full circle for them after their last recorded music, just some 30 plus years ago (!), with the release of Tir na nOgs new vinyl 7" EP released this month on Fruits De Mer. (See previous post for the fuller story).
With the general consensus by old fans and new that their record is a joyous thing to behold Tir Na Nog have now given us all an added bonus and recently commissioned a promotional video for one of the tracks from the 'I Have Known Love' EP.
In what looks very much like a location shoot on the west coast (?) of Ireland they play the song "You In Yellow". And with the sound of the Irish Sea or is that the Atlantic we hear (on the video only), it holds all the charm and magic of the green Isle with the very highest song writing quality that Sonny Condell, who wrote this one, and Leo O'Kelly are producing in 2014.

The vinyl is available in the UK for just £5.50 from Fruits De Mer or Overseas for £7 from Shiny Beast. And it's worth every penny of your hard earned.

Now be transported to the world of Tir na nOg. It's been a 30 year journey.

fruits de mer new releases

Fruits De Muir have just started sending out their new summer vinyl releases. Tor Peders, Craig Padilla and Tir na nOg are now available from their web site. Beautifully recorded and packaged as usual and all at excellent prices.
One of the finest independant labels around.

Tor Peders
The man from strangefish one returns with a double LP of kosmische/synthesiser sounds that recalls Klaus Schulze and the Sky label - 80+ minutes of inner space music, late-night listening, all previously-unreleased on vinyl or CD; colour vinyl, naturally Guaranteed horizontal listening pleasure

Craig Padilla
A brilliant instrumental classic psychedelic, progressive rock, even spacerock and surf rock album from a Swedish band which was only recorded a few years ago, but might have been lost forever - except we found it; it's like the best moments of your Vertigo/Charisma/Harvest collection! (includes a bonus 7”)

Tir na nOg Ireland's prog-folk/acid-folk legends are still creating magical music over 40 years after their first slbum was released by Chrysalis; they join Fruits de Mer with a four-track 7” featuring three spellbinding new songs and a unique cover of the Silver Apples’ 60s cult classic ‘I Have Known Love’ - colour vinyl, of course

Here's 'Sonar' - an excerpt from Craig Padilla's new double LP

to hell and back for tor-peders

This our final preview of the Fruits De Mer upcoming summer vinyl album releases, and it's a sad tale as much as it is a story of determined completion for how the Swedish band 'Tor-Peders Kepell' (or 'Tor-Peders) album 'Brev Fran Ederstorp' actually came to be.

"The band was conceived in guitarist Jonas' (Redmo) mind around 2007, the vision being an "organ-propelled fuzz-injected instrumental beat" orchestra with barbed-wire surf guitar on top...
The influences consisted of different kinds of 60's and 70's music, fusing high-energy surf/garage with jam-oriented prog/psych, and an occasional touch of Swedish folk music.
After a year's hiatus, the debut gig was performed and a 7" released. Further recording and more gigs in Sweden and abroad followed,
It all, however, came to a grinding halt as Jonas tragically was run over and killed by a car in August of 2011. The band effectively ceased to be, and what was going to be the debut album was put on ice in the mourning of the loss, probably never to see the light of day.."

The group by then had managed to record enough material for their first album at the time of Jonas' accident.
A few weeks before this he'd also been in contact with Keith Jones at FDM before the fatal accident. At a later date and by a fate of luck (the band at least deserved that) one of the musicians names had been recognised by Keith on a separate FDM recording and subsequently renewed contact was made leading to the release of this one and only album by the band.

"The music is raw, honest, and follows the original intention of sounding like an unreleased album from decades past— something it almost became itself."

A final part of the bands synchronicity to FDM releasing 'Brev Fran Ederstorp' came when they found they'd covered a well recognised tune from BBC Radio One's early years back in the mid 60's composed by George Martin called 'Theme One', and which also happened to be FDM's first release in their catalogue (vol 1) by 'Schizo Fun Addict' back in 2008, and long since sold out in case your wondering.
A triumphant sounding theme also made very familier in the 70's by prog rock legends Van Der Graaf Generator and also given true justice here by Tor-Peders.
It's a great tribute to Jonas and the band, and reaffirming "Fruits de Mer is clearly a label of love".
Details on the album ordering are here.

Here is a clip of Tor-Peders' new version of "Theme One".

craig padilla and 'sonar'

Fruits De Mer are building the electronic music section of their label very nicely. Another high quality recording, this time a double album 'Sonar' by Craig Padilla.
Padilla has been evolving this his electronic symphonies for some years now. You'll recognise the sound instantly. This clip has that compelling "Rainbow in Curved Air" Terry Riley vibe and the modernist electronic composers of the 70's influece. It'll be those vintage synths that do it everytime.

'Sonar' is a compilation of recordings by Craig Padilla from 1996 onwards, none of which have appeared on CD or vinyl before. Although they span nearly 20 years of recordings, Craig and I selected them to provide a consistent feel across four sides of listening -- music influenced by the kosmische sounds of the 70s, but fed through 21st century equipment. Immerse yourself.

And it's not difficult to immerse yourself in this clip from 'Sonar'. And below that the Tubular Bell like 'Velvet Moon'
All the order details are here

astralasia vinyl on fruits de mer

Fruits De Mer summer albums have the unmistakeable quality the London independant label have been consistently releasing for some years now.
Astralasia, described by All Music as "mysterious ambient-dub and tribal house" are pretty much born from the New Age early 90's and have a good dozen recordings behind them by now.
Their latest for FDM 'Wind On Water' is exactly where they want to be.. on vinyl.
The bands Marc Swordfish...

'Wind On Water' mostly came about thru jams, a bit similar to our first cassette, rather than being sample-led; it kinda takes us to a more organic, free situation, especialy to redo them live. it certainly makes it more exciting for us, even our full-on wig-outs. The current line up is so fluid, it's certainly a most exciting place. Vinyl releases matter to us more than anything and are still paramount, no matter how many people download it or cds,its not the same buzz or sound/art representation gratification, some magick disappears. we may be in a digital age but we are still real, let's keep it so..."

In his usual open humour Keith Jones at FDM describes the sleeve as "black and white optical image card sleeve housed within a optical image pvc outer sleeve -- so the images disappear when you put the two together (that's the theory anyway, we haven't printed them yet!) "
Let's hope it all works out K and them printers get it matched.

Wind On Water is released in early June 2014 - more information here
One look at the artwork and you sort of know what's waiting in this excerpt of their track 'Rangoon'. High quality trance begins >

the return of tir na nog

In the next few posts we're going to focus on the new upcoming albums from London's truly independent label, Fruits De Mer. No rubbish is guaranteed. They'll all be vinyl releases, 'cause that's what FDM do, and packaged in a wondrous way, 'cause they do that as well.
But before the albums are previewed here's the not so small matter of a new single from a couple of guys that have been going since the days of yore (60's) and sound as well if not better than ever before.
It certainly is a most welcome sighting of Tír na nÓg.
What's that?... you've never heard of them. Well that's because they have been hidden away in Ireland since the mid 70's with only a few gigs here and there since the 80's, mostly in Ireland. Until 2010 when some one had the good sense to get them to play a couple of gigs in the UK. From that they've made a speedy recovery to many more live performances collecting many a new fan on the way until here they are in 2014 teaming up in the best possible partnership, with a record on Fruits De Mer .
Sonny Condell and Leo O’Kelly are they that are Tir na nOg and during those long gone days were regular names around the college circuit and festivals. They toured with some of the big names in rock at the time (Tull, Procol Harum, The Who, Roxy Music) but more often seen in a folk line-up because.. well they're two guys with guitars right, and that's what your meant to do.
But there's much more to these guys than folk music. Their website is tirnanog-progfolk.com so they're obviously at ease with using that description. There's no doubt these two lads have a most remarkable sound. We say "lads" because you know what Tír na nÓg means? .... it's Gaelic for "land of eternal youth". What a great name. They fully deserve to still be around to befit that inspired title.

In this clip from the new single you'll hear the ageless roots of Irish music and yet a song craft that is born of that unmistakeable era, and one that many a young band would envy. The voices are rich and full of expression, the music is sonorous and timeless. It is a joy to hear. And all this short 1.34 clip does is make you long to hear more. But Keith at FDM is no mug, he wants you to buy this recording to hear the rest. Which surely we must.

Here's the business end - Coloured vinyl 7" (33rpm) four-tracker, including three new songs and a unique cover of the Silver Apples' 'I Have Known Love'. Price is £5.50 ( more information here.
Pre-ordering outside the UK, from Heyday Mail Order or Shiny Beast.

The duo will be gigging in the UK during May and June, playing old songs and tracks from their new EP. (see their website link above)
Now here is the superb clip from the song 'The Angelus'

fruits de mer new releases

Our favourite independent label Fruits de Mer have just announced their new colour vinyl 7" releases for spring. Packaged immaculately as usual here's 5 more modern collectables to add to the impressive back catalogue. These sell out quickly so advanced orders are recommended. All the ordering info is on their website - fruitsdemerrecords.com

Over to Keith at FdM to break down these 5 bundles of fishiness.
"Old songs, new songs, old bands, new bands....acoustic folk, progressive rock, pop-psych, concept double 7" EP(!), cult movie themes... it's all here".

• cat no. Crustacean 46 : Schnauser 'As Long As He Lies Perfectly Still' 7" - Schnauser are new to Fruits de Mer but music critics have been falling over themselves to heap praise on their latest album, so I am more than a little pleased with myself to have secured their first venture onto vinyl, and they really go for it in style, taking on the Wyatt/Ratledge song, 'As Long As He Lies Perfectly Still', taken from Soft Machine 2, and they couple it with the Yes track from 'Time And A Word' that helped to establish the 'Yes sound'; scarily good stuff! (45rpm)
• cat no. Crustacean 47 : Crystal Jacqueline and The Honey Pot double 7" - I'm not sure where to start, or end, with this one - for now, let's just say there are four sides of great psych covers from Crystal, Icarus and his band - ranging from Mighty Baby to Curved Air, Pink Floyd to Jefferson Airplane and The Electric Prunes - all contained within a gatefold sleeve, and with an 8pp insert booklet featuring a short story from none other than Andy Bracken that weaves the whole thing together - sort of (33rpm)
• cat no. Crustacean 48 : Schizo Fun Addict 'Suspiria' 7" - the Schizos are back! It's taken them over 5 years to recover from launching FdM with 'Theme One' back in 2008 and they've somehow managed to recreate the same warped feel on their new single, which sees (hears?) them doing strange things to the theme to Italy's most famous horror film, and something equally strange to 'In The Long Run', taken from Russ Meyer's 'Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls' - talk about having a lot of front (45rpm)
• cat no. Winkle 14 : US and Them 'By The Time It Gets Dark' 7" - everyone's favourite Scandinanvian duo reinterpret a Sandy Denny song, and do it beautifully. I always thought Britt was capable of doing justice to one of Sandy's songs and my god she doesn't disappoint - it's sweet, innocent and utterly spellbinding. Plus 'Jabberwocky (from 'HMS Donovan') and an epic new Us and Them composition - and it's damn-perfect listening for these cold winter nights (33rpm)
• cat no. Winkle 15 : Bronco Bullfrog 'Time Waits For Norman' 7" - the band's first recordings for FdM, Bronco Bullfrog turn the clock back to 1966/67 and deliver two self-penned songs that don't just recreate UK pop-psych, they are CLASSIC pop-psych songs in their own right - once you've heard them, you'll be completely hooked. AND they add in a cover of Sands' 'Listen To The Sky' to make sure it's an essential 7" (45rpm)

We'll post clips of the releases when they come on line in the meantime this is what Schizo Fun Addict can get up to with "Pterodactyl" from their recent album 'The Sun Yard'.

2013 - year of the new psychedelia

Reviewing the year of stats on the most popular posts here at The Garage we'll always remember 2013 as the year of the new psychedelia.
This year there's been more bands and individual artists from all over the globe coming on line with their own exploration into a genre that from it's formative year in 1966 is nearly 50 years old. Maybe it's the wretched state of conformity in modern music and life that's brought the new artists to explore their imagination and create the music that can escape from this 24:7 rolling horror show of war mongering, money grabbing, disaster ridden, mind numbing exploitative reality.
So if the words of Timothy Leary in 1965, "Turn on, tune in, drop out" might be the preferred option for many then the hits registered here show that's precisely what is happening.
Also amongst these new tripsters there's the appropriate entries from two of the 60's originals - Hendrix and Yoko Ono. All good then.
There should also be mention that Record Label of the year has to be Fruits De Mer who continue to not only put out a dazzling display of contemporary psyche on vinyl but have begun to organise their own one dayer festivals (see post).
Plus radio programme of the year is from the ever vigilant Valis with Trip Inside This House) at KDHX radio who has given airtime to so many of the new psyche bands.

Here's the 2013 top 10 -

1. Wooden-Shjips (US) see post

2. Truckfighters (Sweden) see post

3 Samsara Blues Experiment (Germany) see post

4. Polska Radio One (Poland) see post

5. Doug Tuttle / Morgan Delt (US) see post

6. Liverpool Psyche Festival (UK) see post

7. Hendrix documentary (US) see post

8. Yoko Ono (Japan/US) see post

9. Uncle Acid and The Dead Beats (UK) see post

10. Me and My Kites (Sweden) see post

russian prog rock

Yes some Russian progressive rock from Vespero. And very good they are too. In fact there are some imaginative and creative bands coming from all over the country these days and they deserve far more recognition in the West. Of course whether they can find contacts and have the resources to play more in other countries is the big question, but there's no question they deserve the recognition.
Fortunately Vespero haven't gone unnoticed by the ever progressive Fruits De Mer Records here in the UK and the band is leading the way with the latest batch of vinyl on the label released this November (we'll cover more of those later).
The band confirm their interests "Since the very first demos their sound has been influenced by GONG, early FLOYD, FAUST and related bands from that era"
The A side track of the new single reflects just that with their version of Pink Floyds classic "Careful With That Axe, Eugene". An ambitious cover to attempt and they do it with style.
Keith at FDM : "I'm sure whoever invented the 7" single had nothing like this in mind at the time for the format - but the guys squeeze everything they can into the grooves and it makes for epic listening"
Here's a two minute extract of just that. Get your advance order in at fruitsdemerrecords.com.

fruits de mer one dayer

Last call : this Saturday Fruits De Mer in association with Record Collector present their first psyche out One Dayer at the Borderline, London (10 August).
The Pretty Things top the bill, with extra cosmic support from Sendelica (Wales), Jack Ellister (Netherlands), Stay (Spain) and The Luck Of Eden Hall (USA), and the first 150 through the door on the day get the special Fruits De Mer goodie bag. It all boots up at 2.30pm.
And if anyone makes it out of there we'll get a full report next week.
Here's the wonderful 'Stay' with a reworking of the Beatles classic "If I Needed Someone".

jack ellister ep

Our last preview this week of the excellent new psychedelic vinyl releases by Fruits de Mer due out in August.
Jack Ellister's EP is as good an hallucinogenic journey around today taking on the heavy weight psychedelic masterpieces of George Harrison's 'Sgt Pepper' song 'Within You, Without You', a track from Mark Fry's 'Dreaming With Alice' 1972 album - 'Song For Wild', and Syd Barrett's seminal Pink Floyd 1967 single 'Flaming' ('Piper at the Gates of Dawn' LP).

"The best thing to come out of the Netherlands since you forgot about that little packet in your coat pocket when you went on a stag do to Amsterdam, Jack Ellister returns to Fruits de Mer armed with three new tracks recorded exclusively.." FdM

Jack will also be playing live at the Summer Fruits de Mer All-Dayer, at London's Borderline on August 10th with the The Pretty Things headlining.
Get all you need of the beautifully packaged 7" vinyl from here.
Here's a blotting paper taste of 'Flaming'.

crystal jacqueline and cousin jane

Fourth in the Fruits De Mer singles released this August revisiting psyche classics of the tripped out distant past is Crystal Jacqueline's version of Reg Presley's (The Troggs) strange and haunted song 'Cousin Jane', the long-lost Second Hand's 1968 classic 'A Fairy Tale' - and an early Stones single 'Play With Fire'.

"If you're wondering whether female vocals work on 'Cousin Jane', well....please take a listen to this short excerpt, Jane is in for even more than she bargained for with Crystal Jacqueline around than when the late, great Reg Presley was climbing the stairs. While Crystal and Icarus create a driving slice of freakbeat out of the massively underrated Second Hand's song, 'A Fairy Tale', which is surely one of the finest slices of 60s psychedelia ever recorded and was long-overdue a revisit."

Order the 7" vinyl here

me and my kites

The new and first single is called 'The Band' the bands name is Me and My Kites. Just so there's no confusion from the get go you'll understand.
Me and My Kites are a new arrival in the psychedelic acid folk world and a convincing sound they make too. The visions of Syd Barret and Kevin Ayers approach to song writing lies at the heart of these Swedish dreamers and they play it with great skill and imagination. Check out their new albums Soundcloud tracks here and you'll understand exactly what we mean.

The new single on Fruits De Mer's drop of August 7" vinyl we're featuring this week is a good example of how good this folk combo are. Me and My Kites have produced a version of a UK lost classic of 1971 originally released by progressive folk rock band 'Fuscia', and to pay homage to one of their inspirations the B side is dedicated to Kevin Ayers called ''Like A Dream Back Then'' (see Soundcloud tracks).
Here's a clip of 'The Band' with guest singer Tony Durant the original lead singer with Fuscia.
Get over to Fruits De Mer here for the vinyl.

white sails

For the next few days we'll feature more of the excellent new psychedelic singles released by Fruits De Mer this August. As always their attention to detail makes it a must for your vinyl collection.

Keith at FdM "White Sails are a group combining musicians from the USA (Leigh Gregory) and Finland (Ville Vilpponen and his brother, Jaakko). Leigh and Ville are long-time members of the San Francisco music scene -- Leigh fronted Mellow Drunk for many years, while Ville is a member of the power-pop band The Bias; their first album was released last year on Ruska Records.
After getting in touch with Leigh, I explained that I'd heard his solo guitar pieces and I was looking for someone who shared my love for a couple of very old acoustic instrumentals by....er....Black Sabbath....
long pause while Leigh tracked the songs in question down and came back with a, "Yes, let's do it!"
Many months later, and here we are -- two lovely Sabbath covers, played by Leigh and his new band While Sails, together with two original songs, one written by Leigh, the other by Ville.
The video introduces an excerpt from 'Laguna Sunrise', buy the single here

stay return to Fruits de Mer

"Stay return to Fruits de Mer! Spain's leading psych band Stay are back on FdM after almost five years away. They've taken a break from gigging (including playing support to Beady Eye and Ocean Colour Scene) to record three 'new' sixties covers exclusively for FdM, and kick off with a new Stay song, Mersey Beat' for good measure. Three 60s songs get the Stay treatment...lovely stuff

Drop in on Fruits De Mer for a pre-order on their limited addition 45 vinyl single here.
'Stay' play live at the Summer Fruits de Mer All-Dayer, at London's Borderline on August 10th.
Here's a clip from a near perfect piece of George Harrison psyche -
'If I Needed Someone'.