Various Follow Me Down

(2014/Vanguard) 18 tracks.
Follow Me Down: Vanguard's Lost Psychedelic Era 1966-1970, co-produced by Vanguard staffer Stephen Brower and Birdman Records founder David Katznelson, is an 18 track compilation that encompasses hand-selected tracks from Vanguard's best lost records and 45s. Many of the bands featured here only released one record, or a smattering of singles, before drifting into obscurity, while others went on to greater fame after their stint at Vanguard was done. While they are stylistically varied, there lies a common thread of musical integrity to these groups: no matter how bombastic, fuzz-soaked or outer-worldly the music may have seemed. Artists include: The 31st of February who recorded one album for Vanguard Records, disbanding shortly afterwards. Drummer Butch Trucks subsequently joined the Allman Brothers as a permanent member. Circus Maximus recorded two albums for Vanguard, each driven by the dual song-writing contributions of the band's leaders and co-founders, Bob Bruno and Jerry Jeff Walker. The Hi-Five were regulars at the famous Café Wha? when Beatles manager Brian Epstein walked into the club and signed them to management. When Epstein died at 32, the doors that had been opened were slammed shut. It was then that Vanguard, offered them a single deal, producing Did You Have To Rub It In?