Complex - Complex (1970) GBR

These psychedelic albums are among the most sought-after artefacts of British psychedelia. Only 99 copies of the album by this Blackpool-based band were pressed. Despite the fact the debut album was recorded in November 1970 it sounds like it's straight out of the Summer of Love. Basically we're talking echo-laden organ-driven garage psychedelia which is marred only by poor sound quality. Eight of the eleven compositions were penned by Steve Coe and a guy called Mitchell, two were Steve Coe compositions and the finale, Live For The Minute, was the product of a Coe-Shakespeare songwriting collaboration. This has lots of fine guitar organ interplay. Other highlights are Witch's Spell and Storm On The Way, both notable for some punchy organ work and strong vocals and Self Declaration, which has lots of fuzzy guitar and cheesy organ. A couple of tracks, Josie and Madamoiselle Jackie veer more towards pop with a commercial edge.

Despite its rarity and value many collectors regard The Way We Feel, which was recorded at Deroy Sound Studios the following year, as an anti-climax. A few songs, particularly Moving Moor and We Don't Exist, are on a par with the debut album, but overall the quality of material is comparatively disappointing. Soon after the release of this album the band's main songwriter Steve Coe departed. Several years later he re-emerged in Monsoon. The remaining members recorded a five-track acetate for a third album, which remains unreleased, before disbanding.

First ever CD issue of classic UK psych private pressing from 1970. This definitive issue features 15 tracks including 4 unreleased bonus tracks from the same period including a great version of the Deep Purple hit 'Hush'. Additional bonus tracks include 'Images Blue' (Alternate Version), 'Green-Eyed Lucy' (Alternate Version), & 'Norwegian Butterfly' (Alternate Version). Eight page booklet includes the Complex story, details of the albums recording, & previously unseen photos. Wooden Hill. 1999.

1. Funny Feeling
2. Message from the Year 2000
3. Green-Eyed Lucy
4. Josie
5. Witch's Spell
6. Norwegian Butterfly
7. Self Declaration
8. Images Blue
9. Storm on Way
10. Madamoiselle Jackie
11. Live for the Minute
12. Hush [Bonus]
13. Images Blue [Alternate Version]
14. Green-Eyed Lucy [Alternate Version]
15. Norwegian Butterfly [Alternate Version]