Amazing Charlatans

Amazing Charlatans

After almost 30 years, there's finally a definitive document of one of the first San Francisco psychedelic groups -- or, at least, as definitive a document as surviving tapes allow. This compilation assembles 23 tracks from their demos for the Kama Sutra and Autumn labels, as well as a couple of later sessions recorded at San Francisco area studios. Much of this material has been bootlegged previously, on both vinyl and tape, but here it appears in its best fidelity to date by far. Those expecting psychedelic fireworks will be surprised. There's some acid-soaked folk-rock here (most notably "We're Not on the Same Trip" and "I Saw Her," the two best cuts), but on the whole it's much more of a travelog of roots music, with White blues, jugband, folk, country, and music hall influences much more to the fore. Sure the Charlatans never really got the opportunity to flex their muscles in the studio, but it's also true that they didn't possess either the songwriting or instrumental chops to rival the Jefferson Airplane or Moby Grape. If you gear your expectations to the appropriate level, there's plenty of good-time mid-to-late-'60s Bay Area rock to savor here. Big Beat's meticulous packaging and programming also ensures that an important chapter in psychedelic/San Francisco music has been properly presented for the first time. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
Country USA
Brand Ace Records
Manufacturer Big Beat
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber 1382
ReleaseDate 1996-09-17
UnitCount 1
Format Import
UPCs 029667413824
EANs 0029667413824

Country	USA
Brand	Ace Records
Manufacturer	Big Beat
Binding	Audio CD
ItemPartNumber	1382
ReleaseDate	1996-09-17
UnitCount	1
Format	Import
UPCs	029667413824
EANs	0029667413824

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