Apple - An Apple A Day (1969)
Artist: Apple
Album: An Apple A Day
Released: 1969 Page One
1994 Repertoire (REP 4366 WP)
Genre: Psyche/Bluesy Rock
A rather typical British psychedelic-pop group of the late '60s, although perhaps not as fruity or indulgent as some. Their sound was characterized by a blend of spiky guitar and piano, as well as accomplished harmonies. Their material was okay, but not remarkable, with the exception of the buoyant single "The Otherside," which is rated by psychedelic collectors as one of the finest obscure pieces of its kind from the era.
(AMG)
This is one of the most sought-after UK psychedelic albums. It's a fine amalgam of psychedelia and heavy R&B though not all the material is good. Their first two 45s are included and these four tracks are among its finer moments. The most psychedelic being The Otherside and Buffalo Billycan. The most commercial being Doctor Rock, a straight-ahead rocker, and Let's Take A Trip Down The Rhine. There are also a couple of good Yardbirds' covers - Rock Me Baby and Psycho Daisies - and a competent effort at the Lovin' Spoonful's Sporting Life. Not as inventive as the Open Mind LP, for example, but with just a couple of throwaway tracks, it does deserve to be up there as one of the gold nuggets of British psychedelia.
(The Tapestry of Delights)
Quote:
Formed in London in 1968, Apple led by lead guitarist Rob Ingram and vocalist Denis Regan recorded only one album during their short tenure, but what an album it is. Repertoire Records has compiled all 12 tracks from the original lp along with both sides of the two singles the band released on Larry Page's Page One Records, a total of 16 tracks and 52 minutes playing time of pure, unadulterated classic British psychedelic rock. Nealy every track is a highlight in and of itself, but particular standouts are the single b-side "The Otherside," a Yardbirds cover "Psycho Daisies" and a Lovin' Spoonful Cover "Sporting Life." All three of these tracks contain exceptional guitar work from Ingram. Another standout is the b-side "Buffalo Billycan" again due to Ingram's work. The album was released with very little label support and failed to chart as did the singles and thus Apple lasted only a short time, as has been the fate of so many other talented bands. Thankfully "An Apple A Day" remains as proof positive of the band's tremendous talent. Fans of psychedelic rock and rock in general should do themselves a favor and snatch this one up, it is a prime example of how exciting guitar-driven psychedelic rock can be.
--- Amazon review
Lineup
Denis Regan (vocals),
Robbo Ingram (guitar),
Jeff Harrod (bass),
David Brassington (drums),
Charlie Barber (piano)
Tracklist:
1. Let's Take a Trip Down the Rhine
2. Doctor Rock
3. Otherside
4. Mr. Jones
5. Mayville Line
6. Queen of Hearts Blues
7. Rock Me Baby
8. Buffalo Billycan
9. Photograph
10. Psycho Daisies
11. Sporting Life
12. Pretty Girl Love You
13. Let's Take a Trip Down the Rhine [Single Mix]
14. Buffalo Billycan [Single Mix]
15. Doctor Rock [Single Mix]
16. Otherside [Single Mix]