ASHTON, GARDNER & DYKE/THE WORST OF E-ST 563 (-70) UK

British rock combo existing between 1968 -71, today mostly seen as a one-hit-wonder because of the successful 1971 single "Resurrection Shuffle", reaching #3 in UK and #40 on Billboard. Ashton and Dyke came from beat group "The Remo Four" - which among other things did backing on George Harrison's "Wonderwall Music" - and Gardner previously played together with Ron Wood in "The Birds". Australian guitarist Mick Liber was a member most of the time, although never part of the group name. During three years they released four singles and five LP:s - whereof one soundtrack and one live. This was their second studio album. It has a good guest list - Jim Price (at the time also working with Rolling Stones), Stan Webb (Chicken Shack) and jazz trombonist Chris Barber. The list also includes four pseudonyms, probably used due to contractual problems. Three are obvious. "George O'Hara Smith" (George Harrison), "Romulus Woodworth" (Ron Wood) and "Sir Cederic Clayton" (Eric Clapton), but I don't have a clue what "mouth organ" player hides behind "Miscellaneous Moxy". Anyway it's a good album blending jazzy prog with simple rock and making it dirty. Even if the songs themselves aren't memorable the performances and intensity makes it worthwhile. Three tracks stands out. "Let It Roll" has some adventurous brass and a very rude guitar at the end. "Don't Want No War No More" and "Paper Head Paper Mind" both intense funk with great keyboards. Further it's fun hearing Ashton's homage to "Sweet Patti O'Hara Smith" (Pattie Boyd/Harrison), made at about the same time as "Layla", showing Harrison and Clapton weren't the only musicians in love with that girl. Back sleeve says all tracks were produced and arranged by the band, but also giving hints George Harrison was involved in production of "I'm Your Spiritual Breadman" and Jon Lord had something to do with "Oh Lord". First US on Capitol (ST-563). German 1994 CD on Repertoire (REP 4458-WY). Premiere UK had label as shown here and laminated flip/back cover.