Andromeda - The Definitive Collection (1969)

Andromeda - The Definitive Collection (1969)

This two-CD set does include the entirety of Andromeda's sole, self-titled album (presented in sequence as the first eight songs), but there is so much more material here that this is much more than a mere expanded reissue of Andromeda. There's the non-LP single "Go Your Way"/"Keep Out 'Cos I'm Dying," and no less than 24 previously unreleased tracks, including the last six cuts on disc one and the entirety of disc two. Some of these additions are alternate versions of material from their LP and single, but most are entirely different songs. Sources are not given for all of these previously unavailable items, although five are identified as having been done for John Peel's Top Gear radio show in 1968, and two are noted as outtakes from Andromeda, two as 1967 recordings, and four as live 1967-1968 cuts. Although some psych/prog collectors may beg to differ, on the evidence of these tracks, Andromeda seem to have been a better band before their official album. Prior to Andromeda, they usually espoused a lighter, more melodic brand of British psych, sometimes strongly echoing the songs that Jack Bruce wrote and sang for Cream (check out "Ode to the Sea" especially) and the late-period Yardbirds (whom Andromeda sometimes supported live). Dig those couple of neat guitar-psych versions of "Exodus," and the tender folk-rock of "All in You," which differs from anything else the band recorded. The self-titled LP consists of erratic, undistinguished heavy psych with one foot in hard rock and one toe in metal, although the band does vary the mood with occasional quiet and reflective passages (see review under Andromeda entry for full details). Due to the wealth of material, this set is certainly preferable to other Andromeda releases -- legitimate or otherwise -- which contain less material, or only the tracks from the Andromeda LP.
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2 CD set includes much bootlegged first album by 60's UK band, featuring John DuCann (Atomic Rooster). Also includes unreleased tracks from John Peel's 'Top Gear' radio show.

Two discs,a total of 34 songs that showcase John DuCann's band just prior to joining up with Atomic Rooster.Honestly,some of these UK imports make certain U.S. releases look like a joke.Angel Air's packaging convinces you,the purchaser that you're getting something special,and you are.The best tracks on disc one are "The Day Of The Change",the rocking "Turns To Dust","The Reason","I Can't Stop The Song","When To Stop" and the irresistible "Let's All Watch The Sky Fall Down"(possibly the best cut of this entire compilation).Disc two is just as good,if not better.With tunes like another version of "The Reason","Keep Out 'Cos I'm Dying",the sinister-like sounding "Lonely Streets",the wailing "Sleep Like A Child" and a couple of semi-rough recorded live tracks,"Round House Blues" along with "Acidus".'Definitive...' is one of the better comp. CD's I've heard in sometime.I don't think I'm making an overstatement when I say that DuCann is quite a talented songwriter as well as performer.A true slice of psychedelic heaven with plenty of brilliant guitar work.Includes nifty twelve-page booklet where DuCann speaks of touring with Zeppelin and Sabbath back in the days long gone. Most highly recommended.

Tracklist

Disc: 1

1. Too Old
2. The Day Of The Change
3. Now The Sun Shines
4. Turns To Dust: Discovery/Sanctuary/Determination
5. Return To Sanity: Breakdown/Hope/Conclusion
6. The Reason
7. I Can Stop The Song
8. When To Stop: The Traveller/Turning Point/Journey's End
9. Go Your Way
10. Keep Out 'Cos I'm Dying
11. The Garden Of Happiness
12. Return To Exodus
13. Journey's End (Reprise)
14. Let's All Watch The Sky Fall Down
15. Darkness Of Her Room
16. See Into The Stars

Disc: 2

1. The Day Of The Change
2. The Reason
3. Return To Sanity
4. Keep Out 'Cos I'm Dying
5. Search On Listen
6. Ode To The Sea
7. Lonely Streets
8. Sleep Like A Child
9. I Was Left Behind
10. I Just Wanna Live My Life
11. The Lodger
12. Dreamland
13. Round House Blues (Live)
14. Walking On (Live)
15. I'm Searching (LIve)
16. Acidus (Live)
17. All In You
18. Step This Way