Epysode 07: "The Fabulous Wailers", by The Wailers
Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
Release Date: 05/06/2024
Epysode 09: "Rebirth", by Blonde On Blonde
Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
GUEST: Blonde On Blonde vocalist/guitarist Dave Thomas. In this epysode, we dive into this Welsh band's 2nd album, Rebirth. Dave Thomas provides detailed background information of the band's formation, their time on the BBC, touring with major acts, their 1969 Isle of Wight performance and the recording of their third and final album when they knew it would be their last. We also discuss Dave's resurgence, decades later ("I signed my second recording contract at the tender age of 70"). Blonde On Blonde mixed folk, psychedelia, blues-rock and prog all into a unique style...
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Epysode 08: "Fuchsia", by Fuchsia
Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
Guest: Fuchsia bandleader Tony Durant. Exeter University, 1971. Hearing classical music played in lunchtime concerts sparks a creative idea for a young student who decides "I can do that!". Corralling 5 classmates, they help develop his uniquely written songs melding rock with classical instrumentation. Together they record a brilliant album that goes completely unnoticed. Without an opportunity to record a follow up, the band split and the album is forgotten...until 40 years later when it makes a suprise comeback re-igniting the career of their songwriter and...
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Epysode 07: "The Fabulous Wailers", by The Wailers
Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
Guest: Wailers guitarist Neil Andersson. In this epysode we go WAY back...all the way to the start of what we now call "Garage Rock". Many music scholars point to The Wailers as being the first true Garage Rock band. My guest Neil Andersson has a very unique perspective on the band. Before he joined, he was a fan! He would play along to Wailers albums having no idea that one day he would have the good fortune to join them. He tells the story about being nervous for his first gig with the band opening for the Everly Brothers in front of 2000 fans...with no...
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Epysode 06: "Heya!", by J.J. Light
Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
Guest: J.J. Light (aka Jim Stallings) In this epysode we hear the tale of how an American artist recorded an album featuring songs about his Navajo background, with the title track becoming a smash hit in Europe...yet inexplicably the record company decided not to release the album in North America. What?!? The album was recorded with a huge budget and had most of The Wrecking Crew as session musicians, which automatically means you are in for a good time. J.J. Light was an artist that should have gone on to more fame and fortune, but as it turns out success was his biggest failure....
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Epysode 05: "Riley, Riley, Wood & Waggett", by Shape Of The Rain
Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
Guests: Ian (Tag) Waggett, Shape of the Rain drummer; David McPhie, Shape of the Rain band manager; with additional audio excerpts used with permission of Keith Riley, Shape of the Rain singer/guitarist/songwriter. In this epysode, we learn how this fantastic UK band was influenced by the West Coast sounds of Love, HP Lovecraft etc. to create a unique sound all their own. With excellent songwriting from band leader Keith Riley, they incorporated 12 string guitars with a pedal steel guitar - very unusual for a psychedelic band to use at that time. Shape of the Rain played with...
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Announcement: Introducing "BonusTrax"!
Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
Psychedelic Relics is expanding! Additional bonus content is now available at: patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic In Bonustrax 01, learn how the band Neon Pearl eventually morphed into T2 as we dive into their archival album "The 1967 Recordings". In Bonustrax 02, Farmer John and Uncle Herff discuss the "2023 In Memoriam Fantasy Band" they would assemble from artists we sadly lost in the last calendar year. So much great talent to choose from...who would you pick for your fantasy band? In Bonustrax 03, we feature the story of a strange album by The Leathercoated Minds", in a mini...
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Epysode 04: "A Gathering of Promises", by Bubble Puppy
Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
Guest: Bubble Puppy drummer David Fore. In this epysode we learn how this Texan band came swinging right out of the gates with a smokin' hit in 1969. After some unfortunate record company shenanigans they were forced to move to another label and change their name to Demian. One album later and with a promising future ahead, it all falls apart. "It was stupid. Don't ever be in a band!", David said jokingly. My thanks to drummer David Fore for joining the program to talk about his days with this awesome band. David is still recording and performing live. You...
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Epysode 03: "Mighty Baby", by Mighty Baby
Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
Guest: Mighty Baby's Ian Whiteman. In this epysode, we hear how the UK mod/soul-inspired band "The Action" - who were produced by none other than George Martin - morphed into "Mighty Baby". Vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Ian Whiteman joins the show to talk about his memories of his days with this fascinating band that is often cited as "England's Grateful Dead" due to the improvisational elements of their live shows, which culminated as the closing act on day one of 1970's famous Isle of Wight festival in front of 600,000 people. "People compared us the Grateful Dead, but not really. We...
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Epysode 02: "Blue Mountain Eagle", by Blue Mountain Eagle
Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
Guest: Blue Mountain Eagle drummer Don Poncher. In this epysode, Farmer John unearths the fantastic self titled album by West Coast band Blue Mountain Eagle. A unique band featuring 3 guitarists, 5 vocalists and 5 songwriters. Hear how this band was formed from the ashes of Buffalo Springfield. Fans of that band and of the West Coast sound that was dominant in the mid to late 60's should definitely explore this album. Background information, track analysis, reviews and of course we hear from Uncle Herff. Support the show for as little as $1/month here: Feedback? Ideas for future...
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Epysode 01: "Suddenly One Summer", by J.K. & Co.
Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
Guest: Musician/Arranger Bob Buckley In this epysode, Farmer John unearths the fantastic 1968 psychedelic album "Suddenly One Summer". Guest Bob Buckley worked on the album and acted as the arranger. Bob solves the mystery of which musicians played on this record (note: even the liner notes of a recent reissue have it wrong!). Background information, track analysis, reviews and of course we hear from Uncle Herff. Bonus content available on our Patreon page: Full Bob Buckley interview photos of the album photo of the "Fly" EP cover issued in France only photo of the 4 page insert...
info_outlineGuest: Wailers guitarist Neil Andersson.
In this epysode we go WAY back...all the way to the start of what we now call "Garage Rock". Many music scholars point to The Wailers as being the first true Garage Rock band. My guest Neil Andersson has a very unique perspective on the band. Before he joined, he was a fan! He would play along to Wailers albums having no idea that one day he would have the good fortune to join them. He tells the story about being nervous for his first gig with the band opening for the Everly Brothers in front of 2000 fans...with no rehearsal!
The Wailers version of 'Louie Louie' became the template for all others to follow, including the most well known version by the Kingsmen (they even copied the yelp before the solo).
These guys even started their own label (as teenagers!) and released the first albums by The Sonics.
It's a fascinating story about a fantastic band that was pivotal in influencing so many acts to follow. You like Hendrix's "Spanish Castle Magic"? Thank The Wailers for that too...
Note: I used a few seconds of another podcast called "History of Rock Music in 500 Songs", specifically Episode 106 which discusses the history of the song 'Louie Louie'. This episode goes into great detail of this song, providing much more information and insight than I had time to discuss here. I highly recommend this podcast to any music fans, it's excellent. Here is the link to the episode I referenced:
https://500songs.com/podcast/episode-106-louie-louie-by-the-kingsmen/
My thanks to guest Neil Andersson for taking time to walk down memory lane and talk about his time with this great band. He has lots of music and fantastic art available - check it all out at his website:
https://www.neilandersson.com/
Lastly if you have not already done so, check out my Patreon page for bonus content and if you like this show please consider supporting us for as little as $1/month here:
patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic
Thanks for tuning into Psychedelic Relics, I hope you dig The Fabulous Wailers as much as I do.
-FJ
Here's a Spotify playlist featuring all the tracks used in this epysode:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6rWCvNsANERVZUK80cY3C8?si=91fc155b359f4123