{"product_id":"clouds-once-upon-a-time-the-collection","title":"Clouds - Once Upon A Time: The Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eLimited Edition 3CD Set all housed in a CD sized hardback sleeve with booklet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClouds were a highly influential Scottish prog-rock band formed in Edinburgh in the mid-1960s.\u003cbr\u003eUnder their original name 1-2-3, the band gained attention in London's underground scene, especially at The Marquee Club in 1967.\u003cbr\u003eTheir sound was ahead of its time, melding classical, jazz, and rock influences with no lead guitarist, and Billy Ritchie taking centre stage on keyboards.\u003cbr\u003eRitchie's flamboyant, frontman- style organ work would later inspire keyboardists like Keith Emerson.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 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.\u003cbr\u003eThey were the first band signed to Chrysalis Records and were early architects of progressive rock, predating many better-known acts of the genre.\u003cbr\u003eThough short-lived, Clouds are now seen as pioneers of the progressive rock movement.\u003cbr\u003eTheir innovative structure, particularly Ritchie's role as a lead keyboardist, helped pave the way for bands like\u003cbr\u003eYes, ELP, and Genesis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClouds \"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\".\u003cbr\u003eThe collection essentially compiles the band's early work, showcasing their blend of psychedelic pop and progressive rock elements.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScrapbook (1969):\u003cbr\u003eThis album, the band's debut, is known for its psychedelic pop sound with early progressive rock influences.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWatercolour Days (1971):\u003cbr\u003eThe second album, \"Watercolour Days,\" demonstrates a more refined and mature sound compared to their debut.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUp Above Our Heads:\u003cbr\u003eThis album was released only in the US, adding a unique piece to the collection for international listeners.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEssentially, the collection provides a comprehensive look at the band's early development, from their psychedelic beginnings to their more polished sound.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt 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.\u003cbr\u003eAll housed in a CD sized hardback sleeve with\u003cbr\u003ebooklet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHRYSALIS RECORDS","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":53206477308231,"sku":"TRI-64868","price":39.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0931\/9779\/5655\/files\/ba74ed64c9962e171084e2987bbb059e.jpg?v=1769371844","url":"https:\/\/towerrecords.ie\/products\/clouds-once-upon-a-time-the-collection","provider":"Tower Records Dublin Ireland","version":"1.0","type":"link"}