THE JACKPOTS/TIC TAC TOE SLP-57 (-67) SWEDEN

                                                                        

     

 Band that to my taste issued one of the better pop/psych albums with their second and last effort - "Jack In The Box".  I've now updated that post with four songs so check back if You want something really sweet  - https://monolover.blogspot.com/2012/09/jackpotsjack-in-box-slp-68-68-sweden.html .  This debute album isn't that experimental, then more an able vocal pop LP, well fitting the period.  The psych outcome of JITB was probably due to studio presence of the always creative Michael B. Tretow, who later would work wonders with ABBA.  This was produced by Claes af Geijerstam, at the time member of Ola & The Janglers.  Of the twelve tracks only two are self penned - one by Geijerstam and one by the band.  The singing and high pitch voices are here already and do touch, but the arrangements a little too well groomed for my taste. I get some listeners prefer that, but I miss some the adventure and sometimes even danger brought by JITB.  Nevertheless this is still good to the ears.  I especially like the covers of "Tossing And Turning" and the Cole Porter classic " I've got You Under My Skin". It has  become a collectors item also because of the front sleeve design, especially made for the album by renowned artist Ardy Struwer. And since the record didn't sell a lot from the beginning many seem to be willing to pay for one of the first pressed to get an early print of the paintings.  Issued on vinyl in Canada (Stone Records 3729) and in Italy with different sleeve design (Vibration VB-L 6024). Reissued in Sweden on Sonet's Grand Prix label (same number).  Never released like this on CD, but the 2003 EU on Universal Music (018 333-2) came with a mix of tracks from this and JITB. Premiere Swedish had label as shown here on heavy unflexible vinyl in a fully laminated cover.  (SCÄ*)  (CCÖ*) (SÖNÄ*)