Churchill's / Jericho Jones / Jericho ~ Israel

Churchill's (1968)

Churchill's were one of those big name bands when I first started collecting in earnest in the late 1980s. When I finally did manage to hear the album, I was somewhat nonplussed. Once again it was a case of the wrong expectation being set. Churchill's is by no means a radical psychedelic album, which is what I had thought the descriptions were telling me. Rather it's a measured album, very similar to many psych artists from the USA and England at the time. The songs are well crafted, and there's plenty of great period instrumentation to enjoy. The kicker here is the time and place. Releasing an album of this quality in war torn Israel circa 1968 is something to admire and behold. There just are no other examples like it. And for collector's, it's rarity is real, and the reward is great - which is not always a given. Especially back then when information was far more scant than today. So yes, it's understandable why it was hyped. Just be prepared to hear a very good psychedelic album - typical of its era - rather than to be completely blown away.

Ownership: 2003 Hed-Arzi (2xCD). Two full albums including Jericho Jones. Also contains four full A / B singles and four unreleased tracks. The liner notes are all in Hebrew and reads right to left. 

6/18/20 (review)

Junkies Monkeys & Donkeys (1971)

The Churchill's decided to relocate to England and changed their name to Jericho Jones. By 1971, the band had not only moved to a new country, but also moved their sound forward into the 70s. Mostly Junkies Monkeys & Donkeys is a hard rock album but with psychedelic undertones. It's a fine transitional album that leads to their 3rd album masterpiece - Jericho (see below). In some ways it's their most "safe" release, but there's plenty of meat on the bone here to enjoy.

Ownership: 2003 Hed-Arzi (2xCD). See Churchill's above.

10//06 (first listen); 6/18/20 (review)

Jericho (1972)

---11/2004

Yet another early 70’s hard rock / psych album that has prog rock crossover appeal. Dual guitar with plenty of changes and dramatic solo sections, that recall bands like Cargo, Clear Blue Sky, and Janus. Other than the short throwaway ‘Don’t You Let Me Down’, most of this contains inventive instrumental interplay. ‘Featherbed’ is the kind of late heavy psych piece that fills the void between Electric Ladyland-era Hendrix and Agitation Free’s Malesch. Only five tracks, so plenty of room to stretch. Sparse use of piano, strings and flute provide color and contrast. This one is a goodie and has stood the test of time in my collection."

---5/2/20

What a blistering set this is from the 3rd incarnation of The Churchills. These Israelis deliver the goods. Some of this is proto-metal honestly. There's some blues and more than a nod to their psychedelic past, but mostly this is non stop hard rock with gruff vocals. And the tracks are long, filled to the brim with great soloing. If you're into early 70s hard rock, and haven't heard this, then you'll want to move it to the top of your list.

Ownership: 1972 A&M UK (LP)

1997 (first listen); 11//04 (review); 5/2/20 (update)

5/2/20 (new entry)