@reubent -- Bad assed album. Even the US pressing of the first album is fabulous compared to the UK, which is polite sounding by comparison. Second album of theirs, also on Swirl, is equally brilliant, but sadly, the US pressing is terrible. I was fortunate to find a UK copy in top condition. Ollie Halsall, while generally unknown, was apparently very influential, and brought a vibraphonist's sensibility to his guitar playing, doing tap harmonics on lead lines. Mike? Patto eventually went to Spooky Tooth if memory serves.
Most people know the label, if at all, b/c of Black Sabbath or possibly Gentle Giant, but that catalog had some real "head" stuff for the era-- Patto is great, ditto the first May Blitz and if you are into "prog," both Cressida albums on Swirl are wonderful (the UK of their 2nd album, Asylum, is now 4 figures for a minty copy). I got in late, but still found some bargains along the way. Some of the stuff isn’t really "me"- the Catapilla albums, while rare (particularly the 2nd one) are pretty strange; ditto Dr. Strangely Strange-Heavy Petting and some others. However, there are some jewels in there-- and of course, Sabbath rocks really hard on the early UK Swirls. (first through Vol4 released on Swirl until they left the label).
I’m always telling people the best value in these is the 1970 Annual- UK pressing- a two record "sampler" of tracks from some pretty recherché albums. It gives you a taste of some of the great stuff without the heavy tariff, although it’s been some years since I shopped that album.
You are invited anytime! :)
