Jason Crest | Turquoise Tandem Cycle | Philips | 1968

Jason Crest – ”Turquoise Tandem Cycle” / ”Good Life” (Philips BF 1633) January 1968

Jason Crest | Turquoise Tandem Cycle | Philips | 1968 | Jason Crest have been posted on my music blog a couple of times in the past. Today I’ll concentrate on their beginnings and first single for Philips.

They formed in the suburbs of Kent, first calling themselves The Spurlyweeves but by early 1967 they were playing regular gigs and making a name for themselves as The Good Thing Brigade. By the end of ’67 they had secured a record deal with Philips and began recording their first single.

The beautifully psychedelic ”Turquoise Tandem Cycle” was released during January 1968 as Jason Crest. During the recording session(s) they had obviously decided to change their moniker inspired by an imaginary composer ”Justin Crest.”

”A turquoise tandem cycle has wheels of rubber rings
A choir of silent voices, a book of silent hymns.” 

New Kentish group, with tremendous effects both instrumentally and vocally. Self-written, too, and unusual enough to command attention. With dee-jay support, could click ++++ (Record Mirror, 06/01/68)

JASON CREST have a Tomorrow sort of sound on “Turquoise Tandem Cycle.” Nice way of separating the vocal from the backing and a chorus of sound like underwater fish. Could easily grow into a hit. (Penny Valentine, Disc, 06/01/68)