TIME MACHINE: VERTIGO RETROSPECTIVE

One of my main regrets in life is that I was born too late to attend the great UK rock festivals of the 70s. Oh the pain of missing out on Isle of White 1970, Glastonbury 1971, Knebworth 1976. Quite frankly, sod it!

In the absence of a time machine and to try and compensate, I have been buying up some of the multi-CD box sets recently brought out by the various progressive labels of the 70s - Liberty, Island, Deram and the legendary Vertigo. Ideal for trying to recreate that 70s festival experience (recreational drugs, Afghan cost and appearance by The Edgar Broughton Band optional).

As with any festival bill there is some stuff that holds you in rapt attention and some where you feel like nipping off to the cider tent. A lot of the music contained herein could be described as hairy boogie rather than prog, but that's not a problem for me as I'm quite partial to a bit of Ye Olde Hairie Boogie.

The final CD out of the three is probably the most consistent with strong tracks from Ramases (backed by early 10cc), Gravy Train, Beggars Opera (have to agree with reviewer ExittheLemming - that lead singer really does love himself doesn't he) and Aphrodite's Child (the fantastic and chilling Four Horsemen). The Gentle Giant selections confirmed how I will always admire but never really love that band. The Black Sabbath ones reminded me how great they could be (love Bill Ward's syncopated jazzy drumming on Behind the Wall of Sleep).

Overall I had a really groovy time listening to this, met some cool people, the weather was fine and I will definitely be coming back for next year's event. Oh hang on, that was in 1972 wasn't it? Sod it!