Touch ~ USA ~ Portland, Oregon

Touch (1969)

Depending on one's perspective, Portland, Oregon based Touch is a very inventive late psychedelic era release - or it was at the vanguard of the progressive rock movement, something that never really took off in the USA, but was starting to roll in England.  Like many bands from the late 60s, Touch tried their hand at various styles hoping something would stick. It isn't until track 4 that the highly experimental progressive side of the band emerges from the closet. The album closes with its most impactful and influential 12 minute opus 'Seventy Five'. According to history, both Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger showed up in person and were fascinated by what Touch were accomplishing in the studio. Surprisingly, even to this day, the LP isn't rare or expensive. It sold a lot of copy initially, and yet didn't have much impact on the American underground. Europe, on the other hand, was more intrigued. 

As an aside, I found a Don & The Goodtimes 45 in recent years, and wasn't aware they were pre-Touch.

Ownership: 1993 Renaissance (CD). Historical liner notes and two relevant bonus tracks.

1998 (acquired); 11/30/24 (review)

11/11/25 (new entry)

Crysys ~ USA ~ Portland, Oregon

Hard as Rock (1981)

Crysys were a band from Portland, Oregon who released this one fine hard rock / metal album and then disappeared without a trace. Though released in 1981, they were clearly following along the same path as others of that American late 70s restless breed like Riot, Granmax, The Rods, Bad Axe, and Alkana. Judas Priest were certainly an influence, perhaps even early Van Halen. There's some sophistication in the arrangements, and all the tracks rock hard with plenty of metal riffing, and remain interesting throughout the length. It's from the era where the blues still played a major role in everything hard rock, and there's traces of that here within the songcraft. The psychedelic cover and hair metal styled moniker doesn't do the band any favors with an expected audience that never appeared, despite two LP pressings and covers. For late hard rock / early metal fans, this is an historical gem not to be missed. Excellent.

Ownership: 1981 Long St. Records (LP)

The original is on Long St. Records and features the cool psychedelic cover. The Metalworks issue (1983) usurped a photo from the back cover of the original and blew it up for their front cover. I can understand that, given the audience it was trying to lure in. Though perhaps a fantasy warrior cover may have been more appropriate.

As an aside, Metalworks was a sublabel of importer/label Jem Records, who were clearly trying to tap into the burgeoning heavy metal market. As far as I can tell, this is the only full length album to be released, before abandoning the project. They certainly had the right idea, and one has to look at their execution as an example of poor business judgement. Time has proved they made a costly mistake, and Jem ultimately ended up bankrupt in 1988 (for various reasons).

8/27/16 (review / new entry)

Dweller at the Threshold - Generation Transmission Illumination. 1998 USA-Oregon

Intriguing album from Dweller at the Threshold who, despite possessing a full 3 piece unit and two guests, sound somewhat like a one man electronic album. In particular, I hear strong hints of Edgar Froese, and the album comes across like a cross between Ages and Pinnacles minus the psychedelic guitar (unfortunately). A band can do worse than that. A fine album for the style, though those looking for more active sequencing will need to move on to the next album in the stack. This is for EM fans who enjoy moody melody lines, and atmospheric sequences.

Former ownership: CD: 1998 Eurock

1/27/16 (review / new entry)

Neighb'rhood Childr'n - Long Years in Space. 1968 USA-Oregon; California

A well documented psych album, and I'm in the majority with those who say that Neighb'rhood Childr'n are a prime example of the entire American late 60s era. Originally from the southern Oregon town of Medford, the band migrated to San Francisco like many others to be a participant of the scene. While never hitting the big time, they were certainly one of its finest exports. The music is tight and compact, with memorable melodies, bumble bee fuzz, older stock organ, and male/female vocals. The songwriting is extraordinary, and Neighb'rhood Childr'n could have easily been one of the big names of the entire genre (and beyond). Essential for fans of late 60s American psych.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Sundazed. Jewel case purchased near the time of release. This reissue, known as Long Years in Space, requires you to pay attention here, because it's not "album as released" + bonus tracks, but rather the original is all jumbled up and one of those tracks were mixed in with the "bonus" tracks. Overall it's an excellent document, with great liner notes, and fascinating renditions of cover songs and other originals. 

LP: 1968 Acta. Single sleeve. Comes in a classic American psych era cover with a wonderful photo of the rolling hills of San Francisco and the Victorian housing with the classic bay windows. Acta was Dot Records' psychedelic era imprint and only lasted about 2 years. Purchased at a store in Laramie, Wyoming (2022). Got this at a steal of a price. Not the best condition, but certainly collectable. It goes straight to the wall of albums, near the top. Love the cover and I have no intention of getting rid of the CD, which remains the primary.

3/1/15 (new entry); 6/4/21; 9/20/22 (added LP)