Group 1850 - Paradise Now. 1969 Netherlands

Wow. The first 3 tracks are psychedelic songwriting at its best. Trippy droned-out voices, acid wah-wah guitar, psychedelic organ, pounding bass, active rhythms and memorable melodies round out the opening of Paradise Now - Group 1850's second album, and a work of pure genius. 'Friday I'm Free' is my pick for the ultimate late 1960's psychedelic song . This is followed by 3 short incidental psychedelic interludes, whose placement is perfect and sets up the album's masterpiece - the appropriately named '?!'. Perhaps in 2012 they would name the track 'WTF?!'. This instrumental journey into the netherworld of your mind is highlighted by some of the most incredible organ sounds you've ever encountered. 11 minute closer 'Purple Sky' shows Group 1850 paying homage to the blues psych of Jimi Hendrix, but tripped out Amsterdam coffee shop style.

A stunning work of psychedelic music, that makes you pine for more of it. If only there was more of it....

At least one well known collector on RYM says it's his favorite album ever. That's outstanding. I'll say top 25 for me. An amazing piece of music.

Ownership: LP: 1969 Discofoon. Single sleeve with flapback cover. Online acquisition (2012). Can you believe this album was released by a department store (Vroom & Dreesman)? It blows my mind to even dream of albums like this coming out from, oh I dunno... say... Montgomery Ward. It's impossible to fathom! Incidentally the store is still going strong today, but it's been many years since they were in the music business.  

CD: 2019 Pseudonym (as part of an 8 CD box set called Purple Sky). 

1993; 1/17/01; 2009; 8/21/12 (new entry); 12/21/17; 7/18/19