Loading cart
Paradise Now (Magenta Vinyl)
"Recorded, edited and mixed over one long Red Lebanon hash-fueled weekend in October 1969, Group 1850’s second album, Paradise Now, remains one of the high-water marks of European psychedelia. A wide-eyed, wide-open, synapse-electrifying set of songs, it sounds like the transmissions of a burnt-out satellite spinning through the galaxies of inner space. Group 1850 leader Peter Sjardin skillfully edited the group’s free-flowing improvisations into eight cohesive yet distinctly different tracks, part Saucerful Of Secrets, part Electric Ladyland, part Guru Guru, part Can circa Monster Movie.
Bypassing the established network of record labels, distributors and stores, the album was released on Discofoon, the label owned by the Dutch department store chain V & D, and carried exclusively in their shops nationwide. It has since become a highly sought-after collectors’ item. Finally this album sees its first official reissue on 180 gram audiophile vinyl, dynamically remastered from the original master tapes. Packaged in a lavish gatefold sleeve with the original cover artwork supplemented by rare photos and liner notes by Mike Stax of Ugly Things magazine."
"This band was one of the earliest space/psychedelic/progressive rock bands and certainly the first Dutch prog-band. Their very psychedelic debut from '68 is a forgotten starting point of the genre. Whilst Group 1850 must have been a provocative and mind-blowing experience at it's time of release, the band never became very famous. The vinyls of the band are very expensive these days and I felt lucky to get this early vinyl reprint (with the alternative blue cover with names).
Paradise Now is a spacey and psychedelic record with use of symphonic keyboards/organs, Gilmore & Hendrix influenced guitars, stoned amateur vocals and an underground-feel rhythm section. The result is a rare record sounding like a... well an obscure and rare record. There are mostly symphonic compositions on side one with mainly the spacey opener as a highlight, whilst the second side is more concentrated on improvisation. In between there is a little bit of song-writing and a psychedelic folk-track as opener for side two. The ending track Purple Sky has a strong blues-rock influenced style. Perhaps early Floyd can be named a main influence for the band, but that's speculation.
This is the kind of record that will make collectors feel very satisfied. It's hard to find, it has a distinctive obscure sound and it really is a very impressive record for the year 1969. When it comes to great compositions or professional playing the record fails to be very impressive, but it's atmospheric and positively naive throughout and most of the guitar-solo's of Daniël van Bergen sound great.
Conclusion. Obscure (sounding) psychedelic/space record with an emphasis on synth/organ and electric guitars. For certain the first progressive rock band to come with a record from Holland. A big three and a halve stars for this one, but mainly recommended to fans of obscure prog, early prog and spacey prog." - ProgArchives