SPIROGYRA – Bells, Boots & Shambles Mega Rare 1973 UK Folk Psych LP £2375

Here we have `Bells Boots & Shambles` the 1973 LP released by `Spirogyra` in the UK on the Red Polydor Label (2310 246). Although released on a major label it sold poorly and the band went their separate ways soon after which is why a top condition copy sold in 2016 for £2375 making it one of the rarest Folk Lp`s ever released. So an original UK issue in decent condition is well worth looking out for. Often referred to as Psych-Folk because of it`s beautiful ethereal sound, singer Barbara Gaskin re-emerged later with a hit song `It`s My Party` Why not subscribe as I post regularly Side 1 Furthest Point 0:00 2. Old Boot Wine 8:16 3. Parallel Lines Never Separate 12:34 4. Spiggly 17:38 Side 2 1. An Everyday Consumption Song 18:51 2. The Sergeant Says 23:20 3. In The Western World 27:02 a) In The Western World b) Jungle Lore c) Coming Back d) Western World Reprise Founded in Bolton although hailing from Canterbury, the original line-up consisted of main writer Martin Cockerham as singer and guitarist, the beautiful Barbara Gaskin on vocals, Steve Borrill on bass and Julian Cusack on violin. Although Dave Mattacks of Fairport Convention played drums on all three albums, he was never a member. When Martin went to the University of Kent at Canterbury in December 1969 he expanded the band to include fellow students Barbara Gaskin (vocals), Steve Borrill (bass guitar), and Julian Cusack (violin). They were soon spotted by student union entertainments officer Max Hole, who offered to manage them and got them a recording contract with B&C Records. Their debut album, St. Radigunds, was named after the street that their student house was on. It established them as a cult act on the underground club circuit, and sold respectably. Its follow-up, 1972’s Old Boot Wine, appeared on Peg Records and showcased a harder-edged sound than their predominantly acoustic debut. After the release of Old Boot Wine, the band was pared back to the duo of Cockerham and Gaskin, who were by now romantically involved. Their final album, Bells, Boots and Shambles, appeared on Polydor in April 1973 and sold poorly. Widely regarded today as one of the classics of British ’acid folk’, it featured guest appearances from the band’s former members, as well as contributions from Henry Lowther on trumpet. Copies of all three albums are rare and expensive today. All three also appeared on Brain Records in Germany, with gatefold sleeves (unlike their UK counterparts). Dave Mattacks of Fairport Convention played drums on all three albums as a guest.