Crystal Syphon "Marcy Your Eyes"1966-70 West Coast Psych.
- 11 years ago
Crystal Syphon did not release any recordings during their existence but a collection of studio and live music was released in 2012.
Crystal Syphon, one of the greatest “lost” groups of the West Coast psych scene, came together in Merced, California in 1965. Originally a Beatles / Byrds-influenced unit called the Morlochs, they soon shed their original moniker and moved in a more psychedelic direction, becoming a fixture on the ballroom circuit from 1966-1970. Although their music may nod in the direction of the New Tweedy Brothers and Quicksilver Messenger Service at times, it’s imbued throughout with a distinctive sound that arose from practicing up to six nights a week. The band entertained offers from various labels during their existence, but as they insisted on complete artistic control and ownership of their music, no deals were struck. Now, some 44 years after its creation, Roaratorio is proud to make the music of Crystal Syphon available for the first time ever. Drawn from studio tracks, rehearsal tapes and a live recording from the Fillmore West, Family Evil is released in an edition of 500 copies, with cover art by Norman Orr and extensive historical liner notes in an old-style “tip-on” jacket. Digital download included..
8/10 : "...unlike many of the scene's almost-rans, Crystal Syphon had great songs on their side, borrowing the best moves from primitivist garage energy, adding the glass-spun guitars and the warp and weft harmonies of The Byrds, and then dosing further with just the right amount of psychedelics. Particularly staggering are several longer cuts, like "Fuzzy And Jose" and the live "Winter Is Cold," where the quintet stretch the songs with sinuous organ and needlepoint guitar solos that are period-piece perfect." - Jon Dale, Uncut..
"This is amazing. I'm way past believing that everything of worth has already been mined - I've been surprised too often. However, Merced, California's Crystal Syphon represents a true lost West Coast gem...I'd hate to curse the disc with over-enthusiasm, but you really should own this." - Paul Martin, Shindig!..
"If you thought the sixties gold rush was over, think again. Someone just hit an unexpectedly deep seam of pure California gold...The quality of the songwriting, the vocal harmonies and the musicianship throughout this 10-song set is first rate...Everyone I've played this record for has same reaction: WOW! How come I've never heard this before?!" - Mike Stax, Ugly Things..
Crystal Syphon, one of the greatest “lost” groups of the West Coast psych scene, came together in Merced, California in 1965. Originally a Beatles / Byrds-influenced unit called the Morlochs, they soon shed their original moniker and moved in a more psychedelic direction, becoming a fixture on the ballroom circuit from 1966-1970. Although their music may nod in the direction of the New Tweedy Brothers and Quicksilver Messenger Service at times, it’s imbued throughout with a distinctive sound that arose from practicing up to six nights a week. The band entertained offers from various labels during their existence, but as they insisted on complete artistic control and ownership of their music, no deals were struck. Now, some 44 years after its creation, Roaratorio is proud to make the music of Crystal Syphon available for the first time ever. Drawn from studio tracks, rehearsal tapes and a live recording from the Fillmore West, Family Evil is released in an edition of 500 copies, with cover art by Norman Orr and extensive historical liner notes in an old-style “tip-on” jacket. Digital download included..
8/10 : "...unlike many of the scene's almost-rans, Crystal Syphon had great songs on their side, borrowing the best moves from primitivist garage energy, adding the glass-spun guitars and the warp and weft harmonies of The Byrds, and then dosing further with just the right amount of psychedelics. Particularly staggering are several longer cuts, like "Fuzzy And Jose" and the live "Winter Is Cold," where the quintet stretch the songs with sinuous organ and needlepoint guitar solos that are period-piece perfect." - Jon Dale, Uncut..
"This is amazing. I'm way past believing that everything of worth has already been mined - I've been surprised too often. However, Merced, California's Crystal Syphon represents a true lost West Coast gem...I'd hate to curse the disc with over-enthusiasm, but you really should own this." - Paul Martin, Shindig!..
"If you thought the sixties gold rush was over, think again. Someone just hit an unexpectedly deep seam of pure California gold...The quality of the songwriting, the vocal harmonies and the musicianship throughout this 10-song set is first rate...Everyone I've played this record for has same reaction: WOW! How come I've never heard this before?!" - Mike Stax, Ugly Things..