(The Complete Studio Recordings 1966-1969) @320
Terry Reid, often nicknamed “Superlungs” for his remarkable vocal power and range, was one of the most promising young talents on the British rock scene in the late 1960s. This 2004 EMI double-CD compilation gathers virtually every studio recording he made between 1966 and 1969, including early sides with Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers, his solo singles and album tracks, and a handful of previously hard-to-find demos and alternate versions.
The period captured here sits at a fascinating crossroads in British music: the tail end of the beat boom giving way to blues-rock, psychedelia and soulful singer-songwriter territory. Reid, managed and produced by Mickie Most, toured with major acts and was even approached by Jimmy Page to front what became Led Zeppelin (he politely declined and suggested a young Robert Plant instead). Though commercial success largely eluded him at the time, these recordings show why Reid was held in such high regard by his peers. The set offers a near-complete portrait of an artist on the cusp of greatness, just before his sound evolved further in the 1970s.
Reid possessed a strikingly expressive voice – capable of tender intimacy one moment and raw, soulful belting the next, with impressive control and dynamics. The collection spans a rich variety of styles: punchy beat-group material with the Jaywalkers, soulful covers such as “Stay With Me Baby” and “Ain’t That Peculiar,” blues-rock explorations, and extended psychedelic jams.
Standout moments include the hypnotic, ten-minute-plus takes on “Season of the Witch” and the medley “Writing on the Wall – Summertime Blues,” which showcase Reid’s ability to stretch songs into gripping improvisational territory. The title track “Superlungs My Supergirl” (a Donovan cover) bursts with energetic swagger, while gentler numbers like “Silver White Light,” “July” and “Marking Time” reveal a more reflective side. The set also features strong interpretations of Bob Dylan (“Highway 61 Revisited”) and other contemporary material, all delivered with Reid’s distinctive phrasing and emotional commitment.
Disc one leans towards earlier, more pop-oriented recordings, while disc two delves deeper into the heavier, bluesier and more expansive territory that defined his late-1960s reputation. The inclusion of mono mixes, alternate versions and a couple of 2003 remixes adds welcome depth for collectors.
This 2004 compilation has been well remastered, presenting the material with clarity and punch while retaining the warmth and character of the original analogue recordings. The mono focus for many tracks suits the era perfectly, delivering a direct, punchy sound that suits Reid’s powerful delivery. In near-mint condition, the two discs and packaging feel clean and well preserved, making this an attractive and comprehensive way to experience this chapter of Reid’s career.
Super Lungs: The Complete Studio Recordings 1966-1969 is an essential release for anyone interested in late-1960s British rock, soulful vocals or the “what if” stories of rock history. It showcases Terry Reid as a genuinely gifted singer with real star potential, delivering a consistently enjoyable and varied collection that rewards repeated listening. For fans of blues-rock, psychedelia and powerful British voices of the period, this double-CD set offers outstanding value as the definitive document of Reid’s formative years. A hidden gem that deserves far wider recognition. Highly recommended. (Classical33)
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