Search - Charlatans :: The Amazing Charlatans

THE original San Francisco Sound

Home Cinema | Switzerland | 02/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have any affection for the Psychedelic sounds of the 60s and want to get an idea of how it started, this is the Record to listen to: The Charlatans started it all, before the Jefferson Airplane, before Moby Grape and yes, before Grateful Dead. The group did release a record in 1969, but most of the original band members were gone by then and it is a rather mediocre affair. This colloction however brings together for the first time the songs that made them famous in the Bay area during their 1965 and 1966 heydays. Some of these songs may sound strange and not "psychedelic" at all, more like old fashioned good time music. But try to imagine their outfit, place yourself in the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco around 1966 and the music will fit perfectly. Listen to "Alabama Bound", their version of "Codeine" and "How Can I Miss You, When You Won't Go Away". I just wish there would be some live recordings salvaged from that time. But this collection is the only thing left and therefore the best there is."