I realise this post is ancient history, but it is one of the few mentions of this incredible 45 on the net and I couldn't let the comment of 'definitely a novelty record' stand unchallenged. For me this is one of the most futuristic and truly demented psych records from a time when 'psychedelia' was a glint in the musical eye. Anyone without a pic sleeve copy will not have had the opportunity of seeing a section of the mindblowing lyrics, second only to The Elevators and The Deep in terms of acid immersion. These boys were on a mission into uncharted territory - hence the title referencing Columbus - a voyage to a new world. Musically this is amazing - hard fuzzed guitars, jazzy changes, flute and twisted vocals. It is beyond almost anything recorded in 1966. When I first heard it I assumed it was from 69/70 as it was so heavy and tight. I love this 45 and I think it deserves respect on every level, not simply dismissed as a novelty. I guess that tag is largely based on the vocals on the B side version, which for some reason are sung entirely with a lisp. Why? Maybe the lead singer was sick and tired of singing a song he hated over and over until they got the music tight, he sabotaged it. Maybe the band were trying to avoid accusations of pretention or drug promotion by attempting something that would potentially appeal to the novelty/teen market. But that is the B side.
