Spooky Tooth has to be one of the most eclectic (i.e. adaptive, imitative or just indecisive) UK bands ever, during a decade or so going trough an unprecedented number of different names, settings, genres and collaborations. Started as pop/rock combo Ramrods 1960, three years later playing r&b with renewed setting as VIP:s. Reformed as Art 1967 with yet another setting and recorded a psych album produced by Guy Stevens. Thereafter following Stevens through the 1967 Hapshash & The Coloured Coat sessions, providing backing as "The Heavy Metal Kids". First album as Spooky Tooth - "It's All About" - came 1968 then produced by Jimmy Miller. Later they would back French electronic and experimental composer Pierre Henry on his album "Ceremony" and do a collaboration with Joe Cocker's Grease Band on "The Last Puff", as "Spooky Tooth Featuring Mike Harrison", before breaking up 1970. However in 1972 they reappeared and continued with various settings up to final breakup 1974. Counting the "Ceremony" album this was their fifth original LP and second after reforming. To me it slightly reminds of "Spooky Two", with about the same blend of gospelish and bluesy rock, but not as strong. Less psych than before and more hard rock. Much of it a little too mainstream seventies rock, but with enough goodies to make it worth while. "Ocean Of Power" very sincere with sturdy backing, "Things Change" has an idiom reminding of Mountain, but enough self-containd to stand on its own and "Sunlight Of My Mind" with great guitar backing all through. To my ears not all hunky dory, but even if uneven still one of my good guys. Originally issued on vinyl pretty much all over the world. First US (Island SW 9337) came with different sleeve design. Japan 2016 CD on Island (UICY-78072). Premiere UK had label as shown here and thick matt fold-out cover. (FSÄ*)
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