Limited Edition 3CD Set all housed in a CD sized hardback sleeve with booklet.Clouds were a highly influential Scottish prog-rock band formed in Edinburgh in the mid-1960s. Under their original name 1-2-3, the band gained attention in London’s underground scene, especially at The Marquee Club in 1967.Their sound was ahead of its time, melding classical, jazz, and rock influences with no lead guitarist, and Billy Ritchie taking centre stage on keyboards.Ritchie’s flamboyant, frontman- style organ work would later inspire keyboardists like Keith Emerson.In 1968, under the guidance of Brian Epstein’s NEMS agency and Terry Ellis (who would go on to co-found Chrysalis), they changed their name to Clouds.They were the first band signed to Chrysalis Records and were early architects of progressive rock, predating many better-known acts of the genre.Though short-lived, Clouds are now seen as pioneers of the progressive rock movement.Their innovative structure, particularly Ritchie’s role as a lead keyboardist, helped pave the way for bands likeYes, ELP, and Genesis.Clouds “Once Upon A Time – The Collection” features the band’s first three studio albums: “Scrapbook” (1969), “Watercolour Days” (1971), and the US-only release “Up Above Our Heads”.The collection essentially compiles the band’s early work, showcasing their blend of psychedelic pop and progressive rock elements.Scrapbook (1969):This album, the band’s debut, is known for its psychedelic pop sound with early progressive rock influences.Watercolour Days (1971):The second album, “Watercolour Days,” demonstrates a more refined and mature sound compared to their debut.Up Above Our Heads:This album was released only in the US, adding a unique piece to the collection for international listeners.Essentially, the collection provides a comprehensive look at the band’s early development, from their psychedelic beginnings to their more polished sound.At the centre of the package is a booklet featuring new essays from all three original band members: Billy Ritchie, Ian Ellis and Harry Hughes along with never-before-seen photographs and rare ephemera.All housed in a CD sized hardback sleeve withbooklet.
Tracks:
Disc 11 Introduction - Scrapbook2 The Carpenter3 The Colours Have Run4 I'll Go Girl5 Grandad6 Ladies And Gentlemen7 Humdrum8 Union Jack9 Old Man10 Waiter, There's Something In My Soup11 Scrapbook12 Make No Bones About It13 Heritage14 Sleepless Nights15 Laughin'16 She's A Dish17 Go Now Sheray18 Preacher Man19 Old Folks Home20 Smokey Old Town21 You've Been Bad22 Miscellaneous23 Union Jack24 Ice Cream25 Pawnshop26 No Sign Of Being Better27 The Clothes She Wore28 The Camera Never Lies29 French Franc30 J. Graham, Watchmaker Jeweller31 Danger, Roadworks Straight Ahead32 Thats What Bothers MeDisc 21 Imagine Me2 Sing, Sing, Sing3 Take Me To Your Leader4 Big Noise From Winnetka5 In The Mine6 The World Is Madhouse7 Once Upon A Time8 See Me I'm Home9 That Was Yesterday10 The Feeling11 R.I.PDisc 31 Watercolour Days2 Cold Sweat3 Lighthouse4 Long Time5 Mind Of A Child6 I Know Better Than You7 Leavin'8 Get Off My Farm9 I Am The Melody10 Once Upon A Time11 Mind Of A Child12 Why Is There No Magic13 Shadows14 A Day In The Rain15 Clockwork Soldier
