• The Sparrow, formed by the McCrohan brothers in the 1960s, initially thrived in the Toronto music scene with a British pop sound. After line-up changes and a shift towards a blues style, they recorded with Columbia in New York and…

    The Sparrow | Tomorrow’s Ship | Columbia | 1966
  • The Beatles’ new double A-side single, “Penny Lane” and “Strawberry Fields Forever,” released in February 1967, showcases their musical evolution. Critics have mixed reactions, with some praising its catchy melodies and clever lyrics, while others express doubt about their direction.…

    The Beatles | Penny Lane | Parlophone | 1967
  • The Craig’s single “I Must Be Mad”, released in June 1966, showcases British freakbeat with intense vocals, powerful guitar, and drumming by a young Carl Palmer. Although it was initially overlooked in the U.S. and UK, the song stands out…

    The Craig | I Must Be Mad | Fontana | 1966
  • Matthew Katz, born in 1929, became a significant figure in the San Francisco music scene, initially managing Jefferson Airplane and later Moby Grape. His creative ambitions included founding ‘San Francisco Sound’ and promoting various musical acts. Despite his dedication, Katz…

    San Francisco Sound | Matthew Katz
  • The Who’s EP “Ready Steady Who” features tracks like “Batman,” “Bucket T,” and “Barbara Ann,” showcasing their characteristic sound. Initially captivating audiences with their debut TV performance in 1965, they later dominated the show, culminating in chaotic performances. This EP…

    The Who | Ready Steady Who ‘EP’ | Reaction | 1966
  • The Lemon Drops were a Chicago-based psychedelic pop band formed in 1966, notable for their single “Open Up Your Mind.” Comprising high school students, they contributed to the psychedelic pop genre with their innovative sound. Despite brief success and subsequent…

    The Lemon Drops Love-In
  • KICKIN’ CHILD: DION AT COLUMBIA: 1965 BY SCOTT KEMPNER “They didn’t sign Chuck Berry or Little Richard or Jerry Lee Lewis. Those guys were from outer space! No, they signed a good-looking Italian kid from the Bronx, and threw their…

    Dion | Two Ton Feather
  • “Portrait Of Youth” highlights the 1968 album “Dragonfly” by the band Dragonfly. Known for its heavy psychedelic sound, impressive guitar work, and dynamic songwriting, the album features standout tracks like “Enjoy Yourself” and a vibrant cover of “Hoochie Coochie Man.”…

    Dragonfly | Portrait Of Youth
  • Kaleidoscope’s debut album, “Tangerine Dream,” released in November 1967, is acclaimed for its unique blend of psychedelia and engaging melodies. Critics laud its imaginative songwriting and production quality, considering it a masterpiece reflective of 1967’s musical landscape. The album transports…

    Kaleidoscope | Kaleidoscope | Fontana | 1967
  • Rick Sanders reviews various LPs and singles in February 1968, highlighting notable works such as The Herd’s inventive “Paradise Lost”, the joyous “Don’t Stop The Carnival” by Alan Price Set, and the emotive “Once I Was” by Tim Buckley. He…

    Intro Record Reviews | Part Five