The Third Rail - 1967 - Id Music

The Third Rail: "Id Music"
Epic, 1967
(Psych Pop/Bubblegum)

Track: "Run Run Run"


DOWNLOAD THIS ALBUM (50.44 MB) .zip

The single "Run, Run, Run" hit #53, but that is the highest The Third Rail would ever climb on the charts. This is an album I nearly overlooked due to it's overwhelmingly poppy demeanor. The production of the record is outstanding, and should almost be seen as a stereo-type for how bubblegum pop should have been produced. All-in-all this is a fun album, good for a few listens at the very least. Song highlights include "From a Parachute," "Dream Street," and "The Shape of Things To Come." If you ever need help putting a smile on your face, this is the album to reach for.

*The last 4 tracks on this are bonuses from the Revola re-release.

Various - 1965-1970 - UK Psych Pop Compilations

Various: "Pop In, Volume 1 (1966-1970)"
Various: "Piccadilly Sunshine, Part 1 (1965-1970)"
(Psych/pop)

Sample Song: Svensk - "Dream Magazine"


DOWNLOAD Pop In, Vol. 1 (92.9 MB)
DOWNLOAD Piccadilly Sunshine, Vol. 1 (96.25 MB)

Out of the nearly 20 compilations of psych pop I have, these are probably two of my favorites. There's really not a lot to say about these, as there are so many different artists (nearly 50!) and their sounds are very different in most cases. If you only listen to a few songs from these, do yourself a favor and at the very least check out the song "Dream Magazine" by Svensk on the Piccadilly Sunshine comp.

Fairfield Parlour (Kaleidoscope) - 1970 - From Home to Home

Fairfield Parlour: "From Home to Home"
Vertigo, 1970
(Psych pop)

DOWNLOAD (138.13 MB)

The story goes, around 1969 after Kaleidoscope had released two albums on the Fontana label, the band had disputes with the record label and left. They were not able to take along their name, so they became Fairfield Parlour. Compared to the Tangerine Dream album, From Home To Home shows maturity in the bands sound. It is much more mellow and the musicianship is much more precise. If you like Kaleidoscope, you will more than likely enjoy this album.


Peter Daltrey's Myspace page. I urge you to send him a message on there telling him what you think of his work, if you feel inclined to do so. I did and received a response.

Growing Concern - 1968 - The Growing Concern

Growing Concern: "The Growing Concern"
Mainstream, 1968
(Psych pop)

Sample Song: "Hard Hard Year"


DOWNLOAD (84.15 MB) .zip

This album was first released on Bob Shad's Mainstream label and re-released by Radioactive Records in 2004. After the album's initial release the group was dropped from the Mainstream label. It seems like it is finally starting to receive much-deserved appreciation. "The support of vocalists Bonnie MacDonald and Mary Garstki are an intrinsic part of the band's distinctive sound, and the songs contributed by organist Dan Passaglia, bassist John Pedley and guitarist Ralph Toms are more than equal to the offerings from more illustrious contemporaries." The recording quality of this album is outstanding given the time and circumstances. The musical and vocal quality also shine brightly on this record. Although I have not been able to find it on sale anywhere that isn't on backorder, this is a must listen!

Kaleidoscope - 1967 - Tangerine Dream

Kaleidoscope: "Tangerine Dream"
Fontana, 1967 (Psych-pop)

Sample Song: "Kaleidoscope"


DOWNLOAD, (80.7MB)

Although there are a few other bands that possessed this name at one point, this is the UK gathering of the band. To keep this short, this album is one of my all time favorites. That is how much it means to me. My iPod reports 900+ plays to this album alone. Fairy-tale lyrics and dreamy chords surround the listener in a warm position that will be kept throughout the album. Each song takes you on a spacey journey throughout time and the earth, while keeping you at attention in your seat. These folky pop ballads have aged so well. Peter Daltrey, the leader of the band, is still active to this day, and keeps up a myspace page. After Kaleidoscope dissolved due to label issues, the band renamed themselves Fairfield Parlour, and recorded an album, which stayed along the original concept.