Various Once Upon A Time In The West Midlands - The Bostin’ Sounds Of Brumrock 1966-1974 (3-CD Box)

(Grapefruit Records) 69 tracks, digisleeve in slipcover box, with 47-page booklet

A 3-CD, four-hour celebration of the late 60s/early 70s rock scene in the West Midlands post-Brumbeat.

- Traces the birth and evolution of this scene as local musicians embarked on an epic journey that encompassed mod pop, psychedelia, blues, progressive rock, glam rock and heavy metal, inspired by the emergence of main catalysts The Move.

- The big names of the region take center stage, with selections from The Move, The Moody Blues, The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, The Idle Race, Slade, The Electric Light Orchestra, Roy Wood and Wizzard, Judas Priest and others.

When the beat/R&B explosion died down around 1965, the influence of cities like Liverpool and Manchester also waned. However, the live scene in Birmingham and the surrounding cities went from strength to strength. By the end of the decade, the West Midlands had become the crucible of the emerging hard rock/metal revolution.

Featuring a string of classic cult singles (The Craig, Locomotive, Medicine Head, The Ghost) and essential recordings from local legends such as Steve Gibbons and his band The Ugly's, Denny Laine, The Montanas and Jimmy Powell.

Also included are several previously unreleased tracks, including music by Kansas Hook, the follow-up band to World Of Oz, Big Bertha, Cathedral and the first recording (from 1967) with future Magnum vocalist Bob Catley.

“Once Upon A Time In The West Midlands” is available in a stylish gatefold box with a 48-page, richly illustrated and annotated booklet and offers a fascinating insight into the development of British rock music post-beat and pre-punk that will be of great interest far beyond its narrow geographical focus.