Clear Light Expanded.

[Clear Light]

A few years back I asked Alec Palao to see what he could find in the Elektra archives relating to Clear Light, I was hoping that the tapes for their unreleased second album might still be languishing on a shelf somewhere. Unfortunately those tapes were absent, but Alec did discover a number of early out takes by the original line up of the band. At the end of February Big Beat is due to release an expanded CD of the LP featuring these previously unheard tracks, along with the non LP 45 side 'She's Ready To Be Free' and both sides of the Brain Train 45 originally issued on the Titan label. If that wasn't enough, the CD booklet includes an in depth history of the group (as penned by me) and plenty of rare photos. So, until those lost second album tapes turn up, this will be the definitive Clear Light release. As you may imagine, I'm delighted!

 

[Frantic]

Sure will beat the crap outta that Collectors Choice release.

 

[Clear Light]

Sure will beat the crap outta that Collectors Choice release.

Without a doubt, and the recent bootleg release from Germany.

 

[Clear Light]

Here's the sales blurb from Big Beat and the tracklisting:

Clear Light’s eponymous 1967 album is one of the jewels of Elektra Records’ 1960s catalogue. A short-lived, much-loved Los Angeles aggregate, the band is best known for including sometime Doors bassist Doug Lubahn and future CSNY and Manassas drummer Dallas Taylor, but Clear Light’s blend of quirky songwriting and psychedelic arrangement has helped make their record become a cult classic.

Produced by Paul Rothchild (the Doors, Love), the record was intended to showcase the dynamic double-drumkit sound of the group. Previous reissues have sounded flat, but this definitive remaster gives the record the punch it deserves. A major bonus are several excellent, recently uncovered outtakes from the June 1967 sessions for “Clear Light”, which are featured alongside the non-LP side ‘She’s Ready To Be Free’ (in both mono and stereo mixes) and a rare single by Clear Light precursors the Brain Train.

In addition to the expanded contents and sonic upgrade, in-depth liner notes by Clear Light biographer Gray Newell and some rare illustrations help make this Big Beat release the last word on Clear Light’s legacy.

1. BLACK ROSES
2. SAND
3. A CHILD'S SMILE
4. STREET SINGER
5. THE BALLAD OF FREDDIE & LARRY
6. WITH ALL IN MIND
7. MR BLUE
8. THINK AGAIN
9. THEY WHO HAVE NOTHING
10. HOW MANY DAYS HAVE PASSED
11. NIGHT SOUNDS LOUD
12. BYE BYE BOOGIE MAN
13. SHE'S READY TO BE FREE (STEREO)
14. DAWN LIGHTS THE WAY
15. THE SUSAN YEARS
16. EASTERN VALLEYS
17. ME – The Brain Train
18. BLACK ROSES - The Brain Train
19. SHE'S READY TO BE FREE (single mix)

 

[greenfuzz]

Definitely picking this one up...

 

[Alexander]

CD only?

 

[Clear Light]

CD only?

Afraid so.

 

[Alexander]

So be it. Looking forward to it.

 

[William Jense]

hi,

There are a few tracks posted on the band's website that are from the 2nd album sessions - these couldn't have been included? Darkness of Day sounds pretty good to my ears even if the production is a bit primitive....

 

[Clear Light]

hi,

There are a few tracks posted on the band's website that are from the 2nd album sessions - these couldn't have been included? Darkness of Day sounds pretty good to my ears even if the production is a bit primitive....

Sorry for the delay in responding to your question - it was while searching for the second album tapes that the other previously unissued recordings were discovered, sadly we have been unable to locate the masters for the second album sessions which is why those tracks have not been included. The only source we had for the two tracks you can hear on the Clear Light web site came from an ancient and much deteriorated cassette dub that had been stored in a Californian attic for several decades and weren't of a sufficient quality to be included. Hope that explains why!