Galadriel - Galadriel (1971)

(Australian 1969 - 1971)

Only a period as heady end musically expansive as the early-'70s could have produced a band as intriguing as Galadriel and an album as diverse as that outfit's eponymous debut LP. Galadriel was simply a product of its time. Unfairly ignored on it's initial release in 1971 on Polydor (2907-001), the album remained buried in the mists of time until the recent resurgence of interest in early -'70s progressive rock created a new home for it.

As one of the rarest major label Australian progressive rock artefacts of the era, Galadriel emerged as a much sought-after gem on the collectors' market but in this case the rarity factor didn't outweigh the quality of the music on offer. Galadriel has now been unearthed and dusted off for reissue on CD. Presented here with the best quality sound available and full reproduction of the original cover artwork, it's now time to re-evaluate this fascinating period piece.

Firstly, here's a brief history lesson on the subject of Galadriel. Ths band was formed in late 1969 by guitarist/songwriter Garry Adams and drummer Doug Bligh. Garry and Doug had plied their wares as members of Sydney band House Of Bricks, an in-demand dance circuit band whose stock in trade was note-perfect renditions of hits of the day. Motivated by a desire to play original material, the pair linked up with like-minded singer/songwriter John 'Spider' Scholtens, lead guitarist Gary Lothian (ex-Elliot Gordon Union) and bassist/flautist Mick Parker (ex-Samael Lillith).

For a suitable moniker, the fledgling outfit consulted J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy masterpiece 'The Lord Of The Rings'. They chose Galadriel as it suited their purposes. In the book the golden-haired Lady Galadriel was the beautiful, yet powerful Guardian of the elves of Lorien. Accordingly, the songs Adams and Scholtens were writing began to take on a semi-mystical flavour.

Initially drawing inspiration from the popular rock acts of the day, including the likes of Jethro Tull, Cream, Jimi Hendrix and Free, Galadriel's music soon took on its own identity. The band made a name for itself on the thriving Sydney club/concert circuit, often sharing stages with the likes of Tamam Shud, Kahvas Jute, Blackfeather and Spectrum. Around October 1970, the band laid down an album's worth of material at United Sound Studios with American producer Tom Lubin at the controls. The Du Monde label picked up two of Scholtens' songs, "Lady Was A Thief" and "Girl Of Seventeen", for release as a single at the beginning of 1971. Finding a home for the album proved more difficult, with Polydor finally picking up the option and issuing the album 'Galadriel' in May 1971 .

This was Polydor's first local 'rock' production and, as it transpired, they simply didn't know what to do with it. Not surprisingly, the album sank without a trace, although Polydor did give it a full release in Germany.

Despite the lack of local sales, the album itself was an impressive effort. From the eye-catching cover artwork to the music contained in the grooves, Galadriel held a great deal of promise. The songs ranged from bluesy hard rock (Amble On, Girl of Seventeen) to innovative head-music (Such A Fool, Mind Games, One Day To Paradise) where Lothian's psych-inflected, fuzz-laden lead break held counterpoint to the dramatic nature of the song arrangements.

Note incorrect spelling
of band !

There were a few softer moments as well, including the country-flavoured "Lady Was A Thief" and the ballad "Standing In The Rain" with Parker's flute solo giving the piece an icy jazz feel. "Standing In The Rain" was duly lifted as a single with another album track, Adams and Scholtens' rollicking paean to the 9-to-5 grind, "Working", as the B-side. This coupling was the band's most commercial shot at the singles chart, but again it missed its mark.

As a closing piece to the album, Galadriel included a brief acoustic number called "Things To Come" which was a prelude to the band's live showstopper, the epic "Song For Your Reason". This song was to have been included on the band's second album, which was commenced in late 1971. Sadly, the album never saw the light of day. Due to complications beyond the band's control (and which have never been satisfactorily explained), the master tapes for the work-in-progress were wiped. Other tracks set for inclusion were "In The Night" and "Poor Boy", one of the band's most commercial numbers which had been earmarked for single's release.

Stop Press: According to Dave Allen (see Milesago Website) the true story is: "My memory is this. The second album was to be recorded with Festival. Contracts were drawn up, the band was rehearsing, but there was some dispute between Gary Adams and Spider Sholten, the songwriters of the group, and the whole thing was broken up. The second album never existed."

This latest setback, coupled with the lack of chart success for the first album did little to bolster the confidence of a band already on shaky ground. Parker had left prior to the second recording sessions, and although his replacement, Bruce Belbin (ex-Gutbucket), was a confident blues player the band's days were numbered. After two years of hard work, growth and setbacks, fun and frustrations, highs and lows Galadriel was laid to rest at the start of 1972.

All the members went onto various musical projects throughout the 1970s, but the most visible was drummer Doug Bligh. In late 1976, he joined forces with Mario Millo and Toivo Pilt (both ex-Sebastian Hardie) in their new venture, Windchase, eventually appearing on that band's majestic 1977 album, Symphinity.

The 10 tracks on this CD comprise the only remaining recorded legacy of the once legendary Galadriel. Take the time to savour and enjoy a little piece of Australian rock history.  [Extract from CD Liner Notes: Ian McFarlane (Editor - Freedom Train Magazine) April 1995]

This post consists of FLACS ripped from a Vicious Sloth CD (thanks to PeterPopPower) and includes full album artwork for both vinyl and CD, along with label scans.

This is yet another lost gem released by a talented and highly underrated Aussie Progressive rock band of the 70's.  Best track on the album is "Girl of Seventeen", but as a whole this album is a masterpiece and should not me missed.

Tracks:

01. Amble On - 3:37

02. Such A Fool - 3:09

03. Girl Of Seventeen - 4:37

04. She Left Her Lover At Home - 3:48

05. Working - 3:35

06. Standing In The Rain - 3:26

07. Mind Games - 5:30

08. Lady Was A Thief - 3:12

09. One Day In Paradise - 5:19

10. Things To Come - 1:21

Personnel:

John Scholtens - vocals

Garry Adams - guitar, vocals

Doug Bligh - drums

Gary Lothian - guitar

Mike Parker - bass, flute

Bruce Belbin - bass

Galadriel Link (235Mb)