PSYCH!
British Prog, Rock, Folk & Blues 1966-1973
Various Artists
Released Friday, 21 June 2024
In the heart of the swinging sixties, the British music scene was in the midst of a seismic shift. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were leading a new wave of rock that swept across the nation and beyond. Decca Records, traditionally known for its classical repertoire, found itself at a crossroads after famously passing on The Beatles in 1962 while signing The Rolling Stones in 1963. Determined not to miss out on the next big thing again, Decca executives Tony Hall and Hugh Mendl embarked on a bold venture in September 1966: the creation of Deram Records, a subsidiary designed to capture the pulse of contemporary pop culture while benefiting from the resources of a major label.
Deram Records and the Musical Revolution
The inception of Deram marked a significant departure from Decca’s traditional confines. Hall and Mendl envisioned a subsidiary label that would embrace the spirit of independence while leveraging the promotional power of its parent company. Deram aimed to sign innovative artists and capture the changing musical landscape of the 1960s, driven by a mission to secure global licensing deals and champion emerging talent. Eclectic, occasionally esoteric, but always interesting, the new label was described as a “hip label for groovy people” by the music press of the day. The name itself, derived from Decca Panoramic sound recording technique, symbolized its commitment to innovation and creativity.
As the boundaries between Deram and Decca blurred over time, both labels found themselves at the forefront of a musical revolution. The mid-1960s through the early 1970s saw an explosion of musical styles, with genres like psychedelia and progressive rock captivating audiences. From the ethereal, far-out sounds of Genesis and Caravan to the symphonic melodies of The Moody Blues, Deram and Decca cultivated a roster of artists who pushed the boundaries of conventional music.
Celebrating a Diverse Musical Era
Amidst the mainstream success stories, there existed a tapestry of lesser-known acts whose contributions were equally profound. Bands like Tintern Abbey, Khan, Jan Dukes De Grey, and T2 might not have achieved commercial stardom, but their experimental sounds and boundary-pushing compositions left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. The era also saw a blending of genres, as folk, blues, and classical elements intertwined with rock to create something wholly new.
Psych! – A Tribute to Innovation
In tribute to this remarkable catalogue of original voices and exceptional music, Decca Records is proud to present ‘Psych!’, a newly compiled 64-song, 3-CD set that celebrates an extraordinary era in British pop and rock music. This collection highlights how the spirit of the 1960s and early 1970s heralded the arrival of psychedelia and progressive rock. ‘Psych!’ sheds light on the cultural significance of these pioneering labels and their enduring impact on generations of music lovers. As befits a time that saw “serious” music fans embrace albums over singles, ‘Psych!’ will also be available as a 24-song ‘highlights’ package on 2LP vinyl, housed in an eye-catching gatefold sleeve. Both formats feature new sleeve notes from music journalist Mike Barnes, author of ‘A New Day Yesterday: UK Progressive Rock & the 1970s’, published by Omnibus Press in 2020 and shortlisted for the 2021 Penderyn Music Book Prize.
Deram and Decca: Beacons of Innovation
From the heady days of psychedelia to the dawn of progressive rock, Deram and Decca stood as beacons of innovation, forever synonymous with musical exploration and artistic expression. Their spirit of adventure is perfectly exemplified in the release of ‘Psych!’. This collection not only brings together the familiar sounds of Genesis and The Moody Blues but also shines a light on the lesser-known gems that helped shape a generation. The enduring legacy of these labels is a testament to their dedication to creativity and their willingness to take risks in a rapidly evolving musical world.
Get ready to travel back to a time when music was pushing boundaries, and creativity knew no limits. ‘Psych!’ is a must-have collection for any music lover curious about the golden era of British prog, rock, folk, and blues.
Phil Aston, Now Spinning Magazine
