Wildwood: Plastic People (1968 - 1971) 2012

 

Psychedelic Garage Rock, Hard Rock band from Stockton, California, USA, late 1960s. Wildwood evolved from The Mal-T's, a garage band with a single in 1967. Deciding their name sounded more like a surf

band, The Mal-T's became Zephyr Blue but their lead singer and songwriter Bob Zachary break up the group to start a new one. At this point the rest of the band renamed Wildwood and became much heavier and more riff-based. Signing in 1968 to the Magnum label (a new venture for the former Fantasy Records owner Max Weiss), Wildwood issued two singles with little promotion by the record label. Although Wildwood enjoyed some high-profile gigs (including appearances at Fillmore West), they disbanded in 1972. 
                          

Oh, 60s California, what a special time to be young! It was the beginning of an era that, while brief, marked one of the most significant moments in music history. Within this exciting cultural shift, new sounds were constantly emerging, and Wildwood was one of them. This truly heavy band from

Stockton grew out of earlier garage escapades, morphing into an intense psych outfit fueled by ferocious organ playing. What’s remarkable is how little of their music was released back then. Most of it was recorded at Max Weiss’ Fantasy Studios but remained shelved until Frantic Records unearthed it decades later. And what they found wasn’t just dusty leftovers, it was the real deal. I envy anyone who discovers such a unique slice of music history. Take ‘Plastic People,’ one of their rare 45s on Magnum Records. It possesses a punk before punk vibe, complete with fiery guitars and hard hitting lyrics. Then there’s “Steel Cathedrals,” which builds a moody, almost spooky atmosphere that truly sticks with you.
                               

Here we go for the toughest and meanest hippies you could find: a Heavy-Acid-Rock biker gang from

Stockton, CA who hates Flower-Power-hippies. The title-track with it’s heavy buzzsaw fuzz-guitar is 1 of THE best ever tracks of the whole genre!!! They released only 2 singles during their life-span and this compilation gathers material recorded 1968-1970. Raw, in-your-face hard psychedelia with plenty of Vox and Hammond organ, hard guitar and powerful vocals courtesy of WILDWOOD. Formed in the late ‘60s in Stockton, California, this powerful outfit rubbed shoulders with groups like Country Weather, Steve Miller Band or Grateful Dead and played at legendary venues such as the Fillmore and the Matrix.
                          

Featuring tracks from their two rare 45s for the Magnum label (including the punk-a-delic classic

“Plastic People”) plus a selection of their fabulous, not released at the time studio cuts from 1968-1970, recorded at Max Weiss’ Fantasy Studios and originally unearthed by Frantic Records in 2012 for their 2CD Wildwood compilation. Dark and vaguely sinister in both look and sound, Wildwood melded the fuck-you attitude of the garage era with a soulful R&B streak and some enviable hard rock chops.
                            

WILDWOOD - IT'S PSYCHEDELIC BABY MAGAZINE

 

The Wildwood – Plastic People
Label: Frantic Records (3) – 0303
Format: 2 x CD, Compilation 2012
Country: US
Released: 1968 - 1971
Genre: Rock, Blues
Style: Garage Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Hard Rock

CD1.

                                   

01. The Wildwood – Plastic People
02. The Wildwood – Mothers
03. The Wildwood – Mary Midnight
04. The Wildwood – Choo Choo Thunder
05. The Wildwood – Free Ride (Hammond)
06. The Wildwood – Wildwood County
07. The Wildwood – Gotta Keep Movin
08. The Wildwood – Swimming
09. The Wildwood – Steel Cathedrals
10. The Wildwood – Probing The Secrets
11. The Wildwood – Durango
12. The Wildwood – Mister Wild Love
13. The Wildwood – The Weasel

CD2.

                             

01. The Wildwood – Knock On Any Door
02. The Wildwood – Lonesome Roads
03. The Wildwood – Steel Cathedrals (Mercury)
04. The Wildwood – Free Ride (Vox)
05. The Wildwood – Blue Eyed Woman
06. Mal-T's – Here To Stay
07. Mal-T's – Stand Up Today
08. William Chalker – Wildwood County
09. William Chalker – Frisco Fog
10. William Chalker – Choo Choo Thunder
11. Chalker – Death Is A Horseman
12. Chalker – Sweet Lorraine
13. Chalker – Nevada Voice
14. Chalker – Mary Of The Midnight 

NOTES

This collection contains all Wildwood known recordings 1968-1971, along with the 1967 single by the Mal-T's. Rounding out the package is some whacked-out bonus material by the mysterious William Chalker, occasional lyricist for the band.

Flac CD1 + CD2 Size: 537 MB

Ozzy Osbourne (3 December 1948 – 22 July 2025): Blizzard Of Ozz 1980 + Ozzy Live + Diary Of A Madman (3CD BOX 30th Anniversary)

 

John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (3 December 1948 – 22 July 2025) was an English singer,

songwriter and media personality. He rose to prominence during the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, during which period he adopted the nickname "Prince of Darkness". Establishing himself as heavy metal's Prince of Darkness early on as vocalist for the genre-defining Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne has shown an un-killable perseverance as he remained one of metal's most powerful voices for over 50 years and became an international multimedia superstar along the way.
                          

The band was highly influential in the development of heavy metal music, in particular their critically

acclaimed releases Paranoid (1970), Master of Reality (1971), and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973). Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to his problems with alcohol and other drugs.  After parting ways with Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne quickly launched a solo career, burning through the '80s in a storm of controversy and substance abuse while making some landmark albums like 1980's Blizzard of Ozz and 1981's Diary of a Madman. 
                            

Ozzy's impeccable showmanship and knack for surrounding himself with star-powered guitarists like

Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde kept him in the charts and playing stadiums throughout the '90s, and the antics of his family were captured on the MTV series The Osbournes, making him part of the reality TV wave of the 2000s. Osbourne sold over 100 million albums, including his solo work and Black Sabbath releases. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024. 
                              

He was honoured with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham Walk of Stars. At the

2014 MTV Europe Music Awards, he received the Global Icon Award. In 2015, he received the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors. Heavy metal star Ozzy Osbourne has died aged 76, just weeks after reuniting with his Black Sabbath bandmates and performing a huge farewell concert for fans

                                             

Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard Of Ozz ✝ Diary Of A Madman
Label: Epic – 88697 75147 2-MC, Legacy – 88697 75147 2-MC
Format: 3 x CDr, Box Set, 30th Anniversary Collectors Edition
Country: US
Released: 2011
Genre: Rock
Style: Heavy Metal

CD1.  BLIZZARD OF OZZ 1980        

                                    

01. I Don't Know   5:13
02. Crazy Train   4:51
03. Goodbye To Romance   5:33
04. Dee   0:49
05. Suicide Solution   4:17
06. Mr. Crowley   5:02
07. No Bone Movies   3:52
08. Revelation (Mother Earth)   6:08
09. Steal Away (The Night)   3:28

BONUS TRACKS        

    
10. You Looking At Me, Looking At You (Non-LP B-Side)   4:15
11. Goodbye To Romance (2010 Guitar & Vocal Mix)   5:42
12. RR   1:13

Flac Size: 381 MB

CD2.  OZZY LIVE        

                     

01.  I Don’t Know    5:08
02.  Crazy Train    6:26
03.  Believer    5:37
04.  Mr. Crowley    6:19
05.  Flying High Again    4:17
06.  Revelation (Mother Earth)    5:58
07.  Steal Away (The Night)    8:00
08.  Suicide Solution    8:34
09.  Iron Man    3:12
10.  Children Of The Grave    5:07
11.  Paranoid    3:17

Flac Size: 516 MB

CD3.  DIARY OF A MADMAN    1981    

   

 

01. Over The Mountain    4:31
02. Flying High Again    4:44
03. You Can't Kill Rock And Roll    6:59
04. Believer    5:15
05. Little Dolls    5:39
06. Tonight    5:50
07. S.A.T.O.    4:07
08. Diary Of A Madman    6:14
        

Flac Size: 353 MB

LINE - UP

Lead Vocals, Harmony Vocals – Ozzy Osbourne (tracks: CD1, CD2)
Bass – Rudy Sarzo (tracks: CD2)
Bass Guitar, Harmony Vocals, Gong [Gongs] – Bob Daisley (tracks: CD1)
Drums – Tommy Aldridge (tracks: CD2)
Drums, Percussion, Tubular Bells, Timpani [Timpani Drums] – Lee Kerslake (tracks: CD1)
Guitar [Guitars] – Randy Rhoads (tracks: CD1, 2)
Keyboards – Don Airey (tracks: CD1)

Gravy Train: Second Birth 1973 + Staircase To The Day 1974

 

Prog rock band from Lancashire, UK, formed in 1969 by guitarist/vocalist Norman Barratt. After they managed to get a contract with the famous Vertigo label their first outing aptly named Gravy Train hit the street in early 1971. Their 2nd album, by many critics and followers hailed as their best, came later

that same year titled: (A Ballad Of) A Peaceful Man (december 1971). That also saw the ending of contractaul obligations with Vertigo. However Dawn records signed them for another 2 albums: Second Birth was released in 1973 and Staircase To The Day in 1974. The group’s core members were Norman Barratt (vocals/guitar; b. 5 February 1949, d. 30 July 2011), Barry Davenport (drums), J.D. Hughes (woodwind/keyboards/vocals) and Les Williams (bass/vocals).
                           

Their first, self-titled 1970 album was dominated by Hughes’ flute melodies, which earned the group initial comparisons to Jethro Tull, as well as extended rock riffs. One of the songs, ‘Tribute To Syd’,

was an obvious salute to the genius of Syd Barrett. The follow-up collection, which sold poorly, was Ballad Of A Peaceful Man. Despite its relative lack of success, many critics considered it to be far superior to the group’s debut, with its complex arrangements, strong musical values and disciplined vocals attracting particular praise.
                         

Though they continued to draw crowds on their extensive UK touring schedule, Vertigo became frustrated with their lack of record sales, leading to a move to Dawn. For their final album, 1974’s

Staircase To The Day, the group experimented with Greek folk and classical signatures (notably on the Bach-inspired title track), while Roger Dean supplied the cover artwork. The group utilized a wide variety of collaborators for this album, including Russell Cordwell (drums), Jim Frank (drums), George Lynon (guitar), Pete Solley (synthesizer) and Mary Zinovieff (synthesizer/violin). Original drummer Davenport had now left, and the rest of the band elected to close their career after further moderate sales.
                                   

GRAVY TRAIN - SECOND BIRTH 1973

      

                      

This is Gravy Train, and I like this album even more than it's predecessor and successor. By the way,

second part (instrumental) of title track is one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard. And such raisin is present on all GT albums (e.g. ending of title track Staircase to the day). Gravy Train have really surpassed themselves with this marvellous melange of music, featuring big romantic orchestral numbers on Side One and hard and heavy rockers on Side Two.
(Raleks)
                    

Gravy Train – Second Birth
Label: Sequel Records – NEM CD 612
Format: CD, Album, Reissue, Remastered 1991
Country: UK
Released: 1973
Genre: Rock
Style: Prog Rock

TRACKS

                  

01. Morning Coming   6:40
02. Peter   4:08
03. September Morning News   5:40
04. Motorway   5:47
05. Fields And Factories 8:39
06. Strength Of A Dream   4:00
07. Tolpuddle Episode   5:10
08. Second Birth   7:01

BONUS TRACK        

    
09. Goodtime Girl   4:15
Written-By – N. Barratt

LINE - UP

Norman Barratt / guitar, lead vocals
George Lynon / guitar
J. D. Hughes / flutes, sax, keyboards, vocals
Lester Williams / bass, backing vocals
Barry Davenport / drums & percussion (1,5,7)

WITH

Russell Cordwell / drums (2-4,6,8,9)

NOTES

Track 9 from single B-side of " Starbright Starlight " ( 1974 ) [Dawn DNS1058]. On original version is credited as " Good Time Thing ".
Track 9 is a bonus selection.

Flac Size: 355 MB

GRAVY TRAIN - STAIRCASE TO THE DAY 1974

            

A very beautiful album by GRAVY TRAIN is "Staircase to the Day", even though many, as mentioned,

swear to "Ballad to a Peaceful Man". Musically they´re sort of a mix of good solid UK prog / rock / folk (plenty of wonderful flute playing.), incorporating some lovely sweeping string arrangements, giving the music a rich orchestrated fullness.
                                 
                

Gravy Train – Staircase To The Day
Label: Repertoire Records – REPUK 1089
Format: CD, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue 2007
Country: UK
Released: 1974    
Genre: Rock
Style: Hard Rock, Prog Rock

TRACKS

                        

01. Starbright Starlight   4:27
Written-By – Barrett
02  Bring My Life On Back To Me   5:44
Written-By – Barrett
03  Never Wanted You   4:00
Written-By – Barrett
04  Staircase To The Day   7:29
Written-By – Barrett
05  Going For A Quick One   5:14
Written-By – Candy Carr, Vic Smith
06  The Last Day   5:35
Written-By – Barrett
07  Evening Of My Life   2:59
Written-By – Hughes, Barrett
08  Busted In Schenectady   8:11
Written-By – Barrett

BONUS TRACKS        

       
09. Starbright Starlight   4:13
Written-By – Barrett
10. Good Time Thing   4:15
Written-By – Barrett
11. Climb Aboard The Gravy Train   3:08
Written-By – Barrett
12.  Sanctuary   4:02
Written-By – Barrett

LINE - UP

Norman Barratt / acoustic & electric guitars, vocals
George Lynon / acoustic & electric guitars
J. D. Hughes / flute, piano, e-piano, organ, clavinet, Mellotron
Lester Williams / bas
Russell Cordwell / drums

WITH

Mary Zinovieff / synth (4), electric violin (8)
Peter Solley / synth (1,5)
Jim Frank / drums & percussion (1,5), harp (3)
Patricia Cole / backing vocals (8)
Gospel Ayres / backing vocals (5)
Bobby Harrison / backing vocals (2,5,8)
Victor Smith / cowbell (5), producer

NOTES

Limited Edition (3000 copies)

Flac Size: 441 MB

 

Gravy Train on Urban Aspirines (2 Albums 1970 + 1971) HERE

Coven: Coven 1971

 

Coven originally materialized in Indianapolis, Indiana during the late 1960s. According to "Witchcraft" producer Bill Traut, band members began their early gigs by being carried onstage in coffins. Alongside

England’s Black Widow, Coven are credited as being one of the very first rock bands to embrace occult imagery and outright Satanic references. They are recognized as being the band that first introduced the 'Sign of the Horns' to rock and pop culture. The band released their first album, "Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls", in 1969 after signing a contract with Mercury Records in their own blood.
                              

Coven was composed of vocalist Jinx Dawson, bassist Greg "Oz" Osborne, guitarist Chris Neilsen, keyboardist Rick Durrett (later replaced by John Hobbs), and drummer Steve Ross. In addition to

pioneering occult rock with lyrics and aesthetics that explicitly deal in themes of Satanism and witchcraft, they are recognized by metal fans and metal historians as being the band that introduced the "Sign of the horns" to rock, metal and pop culture, as seen on their 1969 debut album release Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls.
                  

Jinx Dawson and Oz Osborne, after playing together in the group Him, Her and Them, formed Coven

with Ross in Chicago in the late 1960s. In 1967 and 1968 they toured, playing concerts with artists including Jimmy Page's Yardbirds, the Alice Cooper band, and Vanilla Fudge. Coven signed with Mercury Records and released their debut album, Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls in 1969.
               

From the very beginning, Coven's performances took the shape of elaborate satanic rites that largely

overshadowed their music, but this didn't stop local producer Bill Traut (the owner of local independent, Dunwich Records, and a major mover and shaker in the Windy City rock scene) from recognizing the core trio's potential, then pairing them with external songwriters, and securing a wider distribution deal with Chicago's own Mercury Records.
                 

The first spawn of their unholy union was 1969's legendary Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps

Souls album, which draped Coven's diffuse mix of psychedelic prog rock and pop under a veritable catalog of deeply occult lyrics, opening with a song named -- remarkably enough -- "Black Sabbath," and culminating in a 13-minute reading of the Satanic Black Mass itself.
                   

                  
Three years after their Mercury debut, the Coven come back on an MGM imprint, Sunshine Snake

Records, with a more musical album produced by Frank Laughlin and Larry Brown, though their hit record, "One Tin Soldier," included here, was produced, arranged, and conducted by Mundell Lowe. The cover photography by William R. Eastabrook is pretty clever, a black cat in front of the five bandmembers, whose faces have been removed. Only an eye of the cat stares out from the picture.
                     

Where the original album, Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls, generated interest for its notorious content, the pop music crafted on this self-titled sophomore disc had to stand on its own. And it does when Jinx Dawson is given a melody and allowed to sing, as on the opening track,

"Nightingale," something not afforded her on the Witchcraft experiment. She and guitarist Christopher Nielsen, who also gets a more expanded role here, are responsible for the material. Dawson can actually belt out a tune when given the opportunity. Third album "Blood on the Snow" was put out on Buddah Records in 1974 for which they also made a video for the LP title track, seven years before MTV started in 1981.
                        

Coven – Coven
Label: MGM Records – SE-4801, Sunshine Snake Records
Format: CD, Album, Reissue
Released: 2020
Genre: Rock
Style: Hard Rock

TRACKS

                  

01. Nightingale   2:57
Producer – Coven, Frank Laughlin
Written-By – Jinx Dawson
02. Shooting Star   2:54
Producer – Coven, Larry Brown
Written-By – C. Neilsen, J. Dawson
03. Natural Love   4:00
Producer – Coven, Frank Laughlin
Written-By – Chris Neilsen
04. What Can I Get Out Of You   3:45
Producer – Coven, Larry Brown
Written-By – Chris Neilsen
05. Dark Day In Chitown   3:51
Producer – Coven, Frank Laughlin
Written-By – Chris Neilsen
06. Jailhouse Rock   2:06
Producer – Coven, Frank Laughlin
Written-By – J. Leiber - M. Stoller
07. Lonely Lover   3:32
Producer – Coven, Frank Laughlin
Written-By – Chris Neilsen
08. I Guess It's A Beautiful Day Today   3:19
Producer – Coven, Frank Laughlin
Written-By – Chris Neilsen
09. Washroom Wonder   3:50
Producer – Coven (3), Larry Brown
Written-By – C. Neilsen, G. Glovacki, R. Durrett, S. Ross
10. Nobody's Leavin' Here Tonight   3:42
Producer – Coven, Larry Brown
Written-By – Chris Neilsen
11. One Tin Soldier (The Legend Of Billy Jack)   3:18
Arranged By, Conductor, Producer – Mundell Lowe
Written-By – Lambert - Potter

LINE - UP

                      

Bass – Oz Osborne
Drums – Steve Ross
Guitar, Vocals – Chris Neilsen
Lead Vocals – Jinx Dawson
Piano – John Hobbs

Flac (24/192 KHz) Size: 1.60 GB

Coven: Witchcraft Destroys Minds And Reaps Souls 1969 HERE