 Collection from early architects of prog rock - includes 23 unreleased tracks plus other rarities.
Format: CD / Cat No: CRC1762 / PRE-ORDER Release Date: 29/08/2025
Track Listing: CD 1 - The Clouds Scrapbook (1969): Introduction - Scrapbook / The Carpenter / The Colours Have Run / I'll Go Girl / Grandad / Ladies And Gentlemen / Humdrum / Union Jack / Old Man / Waiter, There's Something In My Soup / Scrapbook / Make No Bones About It / Heritage / Sleepless Nights / Laughin' / She's A Dish / Go Now Sheray / Preacher Man / Old Folks Home / Smokey Old Town / You've Been Bad / Miscellaneous / Union Jack / Ice Cream / Pawnshop / No Sign Of Being Better / The Clothes She Wore / The Camera Never Lies / French Franc / J. Graham, Watchmaker Jeweller / Danger, Roadworks Straight Ahead / Thats What Bothers Me
CD 2 - Up Above Our Heads (1970): Imagine Me / Sing, Sing, Sing / Take Me To Your Leader / Big Noise From Winnetka / In The Mine / The World Is Madhouse / Once Upon A Time / See Me I'm Home / That Was Yesterday / The Feeling / R.I.P
CD 3 - Watercolour Days (1971): Watercolour Days / Cold Sweat / Lighthouse / Long Time / Mind Of A Child / I Know Better Than You / Leavin' / Get Off My Farm / I Am The Melody / Once Upon A Time / Mind Of A Child / Why Is There No Magic / Shadows / A Day In The Rain / Clockwork Soldier
More information: Clouds were a highly influential Scottish prog-rock band formed in Edinburgh in the mid-1960s.
Under their original name 1-2-3, the band gained attention in London's underground scene, especially at The Marquee Club in 1967. Their sound was ahead of its time, melding classical, jazz, and rock infuences with no lead guitarist, and Billy Ritchie taking centre stage on keyboards. Ritchie's famboyant, frontman-style organ work would later inspire keyboardists like Keith Emerson.
In 1968, under the guidance of Brian Epstein's NEMS agency and Terry Ellis (who would go on to co-found Chrysalis), they changed their name to Clouds. They were the frst band signed to Chrysalis Records and were early architects of progressive rock, predating many better-known acts of the genre. Though short-lived, Clouds are now seen as pioneers of the progressive rock movement. Their innovative structure, particularly Ritchie's role as a lead keyboardist, helped pave the way for bands like Yes, ELP, and Genesis.
Once Upon A Time - The Collection: includes their three studio albums The Clouds Scrapbook (1969), the band's debut album, which blends psychedelic pop with early progressive rock elements, Watercolour Days (1971), their second album, which showcases a more refned sound, along with the US-only release Up Above Our Heads (1970). The set comes with 23 previously unreleased tracks, pulled from the vaults and a wealth of additional rare material. Featuring singles, B-sides and previously unheard demos, providing a complete picture of the band's brief but infuential career. At the centre of the package is a booklet featuring new essays from all three original band members: Billy Ritchie, Ian Ellis and Harry Hughes along with never-before-seen photographs and rare ephemera. All housed in a CD sized hardback sleeve with booklet.
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