(Blossom Toes, 2CD, Soundbeam Records 5049, April 9, 2009)
Blossom Toes are well established as one of the UK's best-loved 60s psych bands, and this double CD set captures them at the height of their powers. Disc One was recorded live in Stockholm's Filip Club on August 26th 1967, just after they'd completed their classic debut, We Are Ever So Clean. It finds the band poised between that album's cheery popsike and the dense progressive psychedelia of its follow-up, 1969's If Only For A Moment. Previously available only as an incomplete bootleg, it is mastered from original tapes supplied by the engineer who recorded it, Anders Lind. Disc Two kicks off with two rare tracks from 1967 radio sessions, then continues with two cuts apiece from the band's appearances at 1969's Amougies and Bilzen festivals—the latter boasting a guest appearance from none other than Frank Zappa. The set comes complete with a full booklet (including rare photos and an introduction from the band's leader, Brian Godding), making it essential for all fans of British psychedelia.
'Everyone agrees they're one of our very best groups live'—Disc & Music Echo, 12/7/69
'The archetypal mid-to-late 60s English band: talented, imaginative, full of potential'—Ptolemaic Terrascope