THE CALLIOPE/STEAMED BDS 5023 (-68) US

 When checking this blog you've probably noticed I have a soft spot for today almost forgotten one-off LP:s from shortlived bands. Especially those that offer some of my favorite dishes - like the psych rock one here. Can't find much facts about the group itself. Apparently a Seattle combo existing between 1968-70. Vocalist Danny O'Keefe is today more known as a solo singer/songwriter with a carreer including release of sixteen albums 1966-2020. Guitarist Clyde Heaton came from Seattle garage rock band Dimensions while guitarist Paul Goldsmith had a background in Seattle bands The Nitesounds and Emergency Exit. No sure what happened to them later, but drummer John Simpson went on to today celebrated acid rock band Cristopher. Here I get a mix of self penned and covers, produced by Lewis Merenstein (who also worked with Van Morrison, Spencer Davies, Mamas & Papas and John Cale among others). Don't know how smart it was to handle already iconic stuff by Mamas & Papas, Dylan and Elvis, but to my taste they do just fine - especially the slow semi-psych "Hound Dog" version. My favorite tracks are "Hello Hello" with its killer guitars to sweeping organ and the art psych "Atlas", which might take some time to get into. Maybe not the best psych rock effort ever, but certaily worth to be spun more than once if you're into that genre. Full album below. Also issued on vinyl in UK (Buddah 203016). Spanish 2008 CD on Retro Disc International (RDI 33025). Premiere US had label as shown here in a glossy cover.  (YZÄ*)