Clear Light – CLEAR LIGHT***

Black Roses/Sand/A Child’s Smile/Street Singer/The Ballad Of Freddie & Larry/With All In The Mind/Mr Blue/ Think Again/They Who Have Nothing/How Many Days Have Passed/Night Sounds Loud

Self titled only LP from the obscure Los Angles folk rock group Clear Light. This period piece struggled on the US album chart before the band disappeared from the radar. (US:126)

“Here's one of those interesting Elektra, West Coast one offs that didn't do much upon release but has since gained a decent reputation. While it's good for the most part it's not one of the best in the genre. If nothing else it's interesting for presaging the progressive rock scene of the late 60s-early 70s. Delicate psychedelia, Byrdsian folk rock, some garage moves and bombastic acid rock, with enough time changes shoved into mini rock symphonies that were pretty unique for 1967, make up their self titled debut.”

“Very fine psychedelic rock here. Clear Light are similar to early Love. However they still have their own sound which combines elements of psychedelic rock smoothly with pop, producing excellent songs like the album's opener Black Roses. Another example why 1967 was musically the best year ever.”

“Great high energy psych/folk rock. The musicianship is top-notch, the playing inspired, and the arrangements are always very interesting.”

“It was full of experimental songs, like Black Roses that had more time signature changes than chords. For those of you looking for a classic sixties album, you can't go wrong with Clear Light. They produced a groundbreaking album that is well worth seeking out.”

“A nice mix of lightweight psych with occasional guitar fuzz bursts. This is not a classic album, but for fans of the Summer of Love sound it holds many delights.”

“Clear Light may be dismissed by some as a Doors lite band, but I think the material and playing on this LP is outstanding. I was hooked as soon as I heard Black Roses with its amazing time signature changes, played at a breathtaking pace. They had a sound of their own, one album and out, but what a legacy they left. Not that the entire album is consistent but the highlights define the psychedelic era.”