Usually I don't like compilation issues of originally abandoned tracks for cash-in purposes. Most of the time the reason they weren't used in the first place was they didn't keep up. But there are always exceptions...and this is one - at least parts of it. Released after the group left Deram for Chrysalis in UK and consisting of unused cuts from earlier sessions, all but one produced by Mike Vernon. The long "Boogie On" seems to be an excuse for the members to show off through a number of solos and would certainly be a great live experience, still it's rather meaningless as a studio cut. But apart from that all is good. "Standing At The Crossroads" cover works out with nice guitar. "The Sounds" is in a psych mood and would have been fine on "Stonedhedge". "Portable People" is slow country style with soft vocals and the remaining two sounds like early recordings, carrying a reliable "eager" TYA attack. Audio shifts a little depending on time for recording, but all comes through OK. First US on Deram brown/white label (XDES 18064). Early UK with label as shown here and laminated cover. (XYÄ*)(DÄRR*)
I have this too. The opening track is pretty good, but I haven't really warmed up to the rest yet.
SvaraRaderaMost of these are outtakes from the first album (A-1,2,3 & B-1), while B-2 is an outtake from Stonedhenge and A-4 is an outtake from the live album Undead.
Maybe not their absolutely best stuff, but good as a retrospective and worth having. I agree opening track is the best on it.
SvaraRadera