Search - Various Artists :: 94 Baker Street: Pop Psych Sounds of Apple

A collection of history

P. Tennant | England | 03/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am the writer and lead singer of Focal Point, and was very amazed when this album was released. All the tracks by Focal Point were recorded at Decca Records, with the exception of 'Cept Me. Unfortunately, this was a demo of myself sitting in front of a mike singing a song. It was never intended for a general release, or any release of any kind. It was as I said a demo. It was however, good enough to impress John Lennon and Brian Epstein, and got us a recording and publishing deal. All the tracks on the album are expressive of the time, and all the writers, singers, guitarists whatever all worked hard, and had hopes and aspirations. This album is part of history, so the quality of recordings may not be the best, but it is what it is a collection of songs from an era that was probably the most influential in history."

Despite Muffed Track Listings, Pure Sixties Gold from the UK

Leggo Ami | Richmond, VA USA | 12/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Despite substantial track listing errors (titles of songs #1 and #2 are reversed and there are 18 songs, not the 21 listed on the cd back cover--tracks by The Misunderstood are missing), the music contained within is fantastic and really grows on you.



You should also know that the bands on the disc were signed to and represented by Apple Music Publishing. Some had Apple Records releases. Some did not. Do not think you are purchasing a collection of non-Beatle Apple 45's as I did.



Also, don't expect a collection of Beatle clones. Certainly, their influence is felt, but the major influence on many of these songs is the Hollies! (For example, "Breaking Up a Dream" by Ways and Means sounds exactly like the Hollies to me.)



If you love Syd Barrett you must own a copy of "Sycamore Sid" (actual track one) by Focal Point. It is the best Syd Barrett-style lyric I've ever heard, other than Syd's own. Truly, one of the greatest and most hilarious unheard sixties gems. If the disc contained only this song, it would be worth your few quid.



You must also experience the mind-blowing psych of "Lullaby" by Grapefruit, also one of the greatest sixties obscurities, fusing elements of Hollies, Beatles and Beach Boys. Utterly lovely.



Certainly, the Iveys (who grew up to be Badfinger)demos are fantastic,propelled by the energy of the Who (especially the dead-on Who impression "Tube Train") and the harmonies of the Hollies and Beatles. Tremendous stuff.



"

Interesting Iveys Pre-Badfinger Recordings

Morten Vindberg | Denmark | 02/19/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a big fan of Badfinger I was particularly excited to hear the 5 "new" Iveys recordings released here for the first time with this RPM sampler of the Apple era. The other artist are the great band "Grapefruit" with Alex Young, (brother of George Young of the Easybeats and Flash and the Pan), Focal Point, Misunderstood, Paintbox and others. "I'm Too Shy" is a commercial pscychedelic type song written by Tom Evans; nice song, surprisingly good sound.
The demo version of "Maybe Tomorrow" is without the string arrangement from the finished version; otherwise much the same as the known version.
"Tube Train" by Ron Griffiths is a very interesting song showing the experimental and psychedlic side of the band. Much in the style of early Who and Tomorrow recordings. Great song.
"She Came Out of The Cold" is a quite different recording than the one released with the brilliant Badfinger biography by Dan Matovina. Different lyrics too. Fine song."I've Been There Once Before" is another experimental and psychedlic recording. Would have been the perfect closing track on an Iveys Pscychedelic 1967 album.

A great new piece of information on the booklet says:
"RPM plans to release a comprehensive collection of these rare Iveys demos. live performances and radio sessions sometime in 2004, tentatively titled, "The Iveys: How Much Is The Sky" My favourites:Lullaby (Grapefruit), Tube Train ( Iveys ) and Getting Ready For Love ( Paintbox)"