Cherry Red [Release date : 28.03.25]

From the beginning to the end, this is five star stuff.

Heavily influenced by the Beatles “invasion” of the USA in the sixties, electrified Folk Rock became the currency of US rock’n’roll.

This 3 CD set celebrates the artists who turned it into best selling recordings – singles and albums – and those who simply plugged in to make electric noise.

Without knowing it, Bob Dylan, Buffalo Springfield, The Grateful Dead, Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, Love, Big Brother and The Holding Company and many others were adding their names to the pantheon of musical artists who led where others followed.
And they are all here.

Effectively then, this boxset eulogises the annexation of popular music by a new generation. Up to that point neither folk nor rock had enjoyed such prominence. The ongoing social upheaval – racial activism and anti (Vietnam) war protests – was the major catalyst.

There were protest songs in the genre, but they were few. Barry McGuire’s ‘Eve Of Destruction’ is one (originally a B-side, flipped by DJ’s across the USA). It was a worldwide hit. No.1 in the USA, Canada and many other countries. No.3 in the UK.
Buffalo Springfield’s ‘For What Its Worth’ became the clarion call of the counterculture movement in the USA. It went Top Ten in many countries.
Both these songs are here.
Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Sound Of Silence’ was an unspecific protest song, railing gently but pointedly against a world in political chaos.

And, quite literally, the hits just keep on coming.
The Byrds’ worldwide hit ‘Mr.Tambourine Man’ (a Dylan cast off).
The Lovin’ Spoonful’s debut single and Top Ten hit, ‘Do You Believe In Magic’ and Sonny Bono’s Top Ten hit ‘Laugh At Me’ are here. As is huge worldwide hit for Judy Collins ‘Both Sides Now’ (written by Joni Mitchell).
Arguably, Michael (Monkees) Nesmith was the first artist to “mix a country sound with a rocker’s instincts”, on his First National Band debut album, Magnetic South, back in 1970. His hit single from the album, ‘Joanne’ is here.

So, who else? The Mamas And The Papas; Tim Hardin; Judy Collins; Phil Ochs; Johnny Winter; Poco; Melanie; Gene Clark; Tim Buckley; Quicksilver Messenger Service.

There are more of course, just not enough space here. They add up to four hours – 74 tracks, 3 CDs – of changing times.

The informative, detailed liner notes from Richie Unterburger are (almost) worth the admission price alone.

“In the jingle jangle morning, I’ll come following you”. *****

Review by Brian McGowan

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Next session: Sunday 6 April (Fifth Anniversary!)

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 23 February 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 25 February 2025

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Power Plays w/c 10 March 2025

THE SOUL REVIVAL Outlaw (indie)
WHEN RIVERS MEET Addicted To Love (indie)
ISABELLA STORM Satan’s Valentine (indie)
KEYSTONE Slow Down Honey (indie)
THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE Sleep Tonight (Metropolis Records)
SAWMOON Madness (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 10 March 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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