Megaton “Megaton” 1971 UK ultra rare UK Hard Prog
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rare single
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2008 release, the first official CD release of this rare album, originally released on the Deram label in 1971. a thrilling, no-hold’s-barred, Heavy Rock treatment of a clutch of riff-based but fairly commercial Pop tunes, Megaton’s sole album has plenty of admirers these days. For Megaton is the creative inspiration of vocal harmony leader Les Humphries (as in the Les Humphries Singers, big hit makers in early 70’s Germany) and his writing partner/right hand LHS man, Jimmy Bilsbury. Perhaps having the likes of future Uriah Heep vocalist John Lawton in the midst of the LHS was an inspiration, but whatever, Humphries nose for a commercial opportunity sniffed out the Free, Led Zep Hard Rock/Blues Rock market and he duly delivered. RPM……~
“Megaton” is poorly known and underrated one album wonder of famous Les Humphries (better known in continental Europe as frontman of pop outfit Les Humphries Singers Best of Les Humphries Singers]).
“Megaton” was strictly sudio project, vintage hard’ n heavy of the 70s, “manufactured” by Les Humphries himself and Jimmy Bilsbury, while the icon of Euro-pop orchestras, James Last, patronized as producer. Apart from borrowing from Rolling Stones (“Out of Your Own Little World”) and unashamefully stealing from Led Zeppelin (“Niagara”), “Megaton” unexpectedly came with decent original tunes - heavy and menacing “Fairy Tale Song” is a true hard rock gem. Hard rock tracks are testily backed by gospel-inspired unison singing and excellent piano work. As I said, the whole album is as heavy as they used to be in the 70s (apart from popyish ballad “Life Was Easy Yesterday”).
Les Humphries was a seasoned singer and pianist with Royal Marines Corps Band in Germany, and after been discharged in 1965, he returned to UK, and ventured into pop. His first group, “Summer Set” became mildly successful. Minor achievements of various incarnations of Les Humphries’ acts are irrelevant, except the fact that as of 1968 (back to Hamburg again) he closely co-operated with oustanding German rock-guitarist Achim Reichel ([[ASIN:B000GFKUGI Volxlieder, for example), and in 1969 started his own band - “Les Humphries Singers” (John Lawton of “Lucifer’s Friend” fame - Lucifer’s Firend- was an associate for a while). In any case, Les Humphries Singers were peddling around their pop tunes in the continent for quite a long time and even made it to 1976 Eurovision (an achievement or a disgrace?) before vanishing into obscurity. In Britain and USA “Singers” were almost completely ignored, but were popular enought behind Iron Curtain.
“Megaton” re-issue by “Cherry Red” comes together with an excellent leaflet and is strongly recommended for those about hard rock of the 70s…by…..Golovanov Alexey….~
Originally released in 1970 killer driving UK progressive with keyboards, superb guitars, and original UK copies goes for stupid money! Underrated cool album with lengthy tracks and well-crafted songs. Groovy psychedelic DJ’s must look at this album! Remastered 180 gram vinyl shrink wrapped…….~
A thrilling, no-holds-barred, heavy rock treatment of a clutch of riff-based but fairly commercial pop tunes, Megaton'ssole album has plenty of admirers these days. Perhaps this should be a rock label staple, but the LPs origins are more pop than that with more akin to those ranks of over looked production library classics recorded for one purpose and taking on a different guise and importance to collectors years later.
One of the rarest Decca albums gets a legit release. Megaton was a one-off hard rock exploitation album recorded by Les Humphries and JImmy Bilsbury with unknown musicians in tow. Apparently Humphries and Bilsbury have a bit of a history in the European music scene - and not in a good way. They hit on success right after this album with The Les Humphries Singers. They seemed to dabble in different genres looking for a hit. Megaton was one of those projects. Its a curious affair that is obviously influenced by Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Don’t know who the singer is but he’s pretty damn good! “Wanna Be A Hero” features a cool Iommi style riff with a neat flute solo laid on top.
Although the tracks aren’t particularly long they do feature some killer guitar work and soulful “my woman don’t understand” vocals. This is one to consider alongside Human Beast, Head Machine, Incredible Hog - although not quite of that caliber. Great liner notes spill the beans on the whole story of Humphries/Bilsbury. File under: Guilty Pleasure…..~
Megaton
*John Lesley Humphreys - Vocals, Guitar
*Jimmy Bilsbury - Vocals, Keyboard
other musicians remain unknown.
Tracklist
A1 Out Of Your Own Little World
A2 Niagara
A3 Wanna Be A Hero
A4 Fairy-Tale Song
A5 Coo-Cooki Choo
B1 Carry It On At The End
B2 Woman I Gonna Make You Mine
B3 Man In An Airoplane
B4 Life Was Easy Yesterday
B5 Tomorrow Never Comes My Way