Before forming Mushroom, Keary’s work was less distinguished
and his taste in artists often dubious. This spotty period in which he was
cutting records at Maximum Sound studio is highlighted on the second disc of a
new compilation called Spaced Out: The
Story of Mushroom Records. Disc one compiles choice cuts from the
aforementioned Mushroom artists, and it is perfect background for your next
hookah party. Disc two is often more like one of those Golden Throats anthologies. There are incompetently sung versions
of “See See Rider” (by the esteemed Alexis Korners’ Blues Incorporated of all
artists) and “Knock on Wood” (Oliver Bone), as well as other questionable
contributions from the likes of Denis Couldry, The Mark Leeman Five, The
Carolines, and Mel Turner.
It would probably have been easier if the entire second disc
were ghastly; then I could just say skip it and stick to the first one, but
some really fine psychedelic nuggets by Second Hand, Felius Andromeda, and
Tuesday’s Children, as well as some cool Mod rock by The Attraction and Mersey
pop by The Cherokees, are mixed amongst the dross. So be ready to work the
remote control hard while grooving to disc two of Spaced Out.
