FLAC (tracks+cue, log, scans) | 1h 9 min | 463 MB
With 16 slabs of vintage British prog rock rarities recorded between 1969 and 1975, this set shifts signatures more often than a flock of sparrows over a snowy field in the wind. Track after track bounces off in complex directions, rock at its most assured and bombastic. Not much is subtle. It works as a playlist, though — maybe because the scenery changes so fast. Among the highlights are keyboard whiz Don Shinn\’s tribute to Grieg, \»A-Minor Explosion,\» Abacus\’ ever-shifting and rising \»Cappuccino,\» and Rock Workshop\’s (led by jazz rock guitarist Ray Russell) \»Wade in the Water,\» a punk-paced prog reshaping of the old gospel-folk tune into a desperate, skittering plea for, well, who knows. It\’s easy to get lost. It\’s also a lot of fun.
1. Don Shinn — A-Minor Explosion (04:10)
2. Aardvark — Copper Sunset (03:18)
3. Rock Workshop — Wade In The Water (03:46)
4. Second Hand — Ha\’ On An Eyelid (04:17)
5. Sweet Slag — Specific (05:42)
6. 9.30 Fly — Life & s (05:10)
7. Samurai — Saving It Up For So Long (03:44)
8. Quiet World — Body To The Mind (03:02)
9. Big Sleep — Aunty James (04:45)
10. Heaven — This Tomorrow (05:10)
11. Brainchild — She\’s Learning (04:23)
12. Abacus — Cappuccino (04:46)
13. Titus Groan — I Can\’t Change (05:45)
14. Quicksand — Sunlight Brings Shadows (04:21)
15. Czar — Follow Me (03:25)
16. Goliath — Port & Lemon Lady (04:05)