High Tide ~ England

Sea Shanties (1969)

High Tide's debut is arguably the heaviest album to be released up to that point in time, even predating the first Black Sabbath album. Perhaps Blue Cheer's Vincebus Eruptum comes first chronologically, though High Tide seems more professional. Tony Hill sets the amps to 11, while Simon House destroys his poor violin into oblivion. Like the first Stray album, the group's primary focus is on long and intense jams. There just wasn't anything else like this on the market, especially on a major label. Guess the execs thought it was worth a shot. Probably didn't work out commercially speaking, though clearly High Tide were leagues ahead of their time.

Unlike their second album, High Tide does appear to take the time to put together a composition or two, though it doesn't seem like they were patient enough to let them breathe before pummeling the listener with some more distortion. I love their sound and its relentless. I'm not sure anyone sticks around until the end, but the last track is truly complex progressive rock.

Ownership: 1994 Repertoire (CD). Booklet with liner notes. Acquired in 1996.

First copy: 1969 Liberty USA (LP). Gatefold. I'll get this one back eventually. May even splurge for the UK original. Sold it long ago when US commodity pressings like this weren't worth much. How times have changed. Acquired in 1988.

1988; 1996; 6/2/16; 8/7/26 (review)
 

High Tide (1970)

High Tide were a well known UK heavy primarily instrumental rock group with powerful guitar and violin leads. The Eclectic / Esoteric CD is a must own just to hear the near 16 minute 'The Great Universal Protection Racket', which was recorded with the same sessions as the others on the album and was a last minute cut due to time constraints. And it's as strong as the other material, maybe even a little better.

---5/22/26

For 1970 England, it was rather unusual for such long jamming sessions, especially on a major label. Tony Hill and Simon House are battling it out on guitar and violin with the rhythm section creating a racket behind them. This is at least a full year before the Krautrock movement got going in full force, and it's there that you might here this kind of unhinged ripping. Perhaps Amon Duul II was in this league by then, though I don't get the impression that High Tide were stoned out of their minds. It doesn't have the gravitas we hear from their neighbors. Blissful jamming I'd conclude. Vocals are an afterthought though they suit the music well. It's telling that High Tide never released a single in an era when that was expected.

There's more material on the bonus tracks than the album proper. Roughly 35 minutes, in fact. Though two of them are just different mixes (or takes). I mentioned 'The Great Universal Protection Racket' in my initial notes, and it does stand out. It feels more composed than the other three jams that made the album proper. Has more of a prog rock approach than psychedelic. Until they throw away the rule book about halfway through, and get back after it. 

After this you're likely to feel a bit exhausted, as the music is relentless without much of a breather. It appears the final bonus song 'Ice Age' was the last recording from the original incarnation of High Tide (not sure if it predates the Precious Cargo sessions). It definitely was more song focused. Would have been interesting to hear them develop this style further.

If psych jamming isn't your bag, then it's probably a good idea to steer well clear of this title. I think if one considers the era in which it was released, it's quite an extraordinary accomplishment. 

Ownership: 2006 Eclectic (CD). Booklet with a full history and photos. Contains four bonus tracks. Acquired in 2011.

First copy: 1994 Repertoire (CD). Acquired in 1994. 

1994; 7/26/11 (review); 5/22/26 (update)

Also own: Ancient Gates

Previously owned: The Reason of Success; The Flood

7/26/11 (new entry)