Topsy Turvy

Description

Topsy Turvy is a full-length studio album by the British gospel beat group The Chordials, released on Pilgrim Recordings in 1969. The group consists of Eric Williams (lead guitar and vocals), Durward Goudie (rhythm guitar), Ian Watters (bass and vocals), and Raymond Goudie (drums). Four years earlier the group actually released a two-sided 7-inch vinyl single on Evangelical featuring “Walking In The Shadow” and “He Is The Answer”.

A wonderfully fun entry from the tail end of Britain’s Christian beat phase. More ‘60s AM pop-oriented than other bands in this scene, yet teeming with energy. These four guys love reckless fuzz guitar, using it liberally alongside their go-go organ and doo-woppy bubblegum harmonies. Intensely cheesy sounding but in a positive sense, recalling the carefree era of old Cuff Links and Tommy Roe. «Satisfied», «Dreams» and «Preacher Man» are all electrifying tracks, each with a heavy dousing of fuzz guitar. «Why?» is an irresistible number with choppy rhythmic guitar chords coupled with some of the looniest ‘60s harmonies on record. A few songs like «World Of Pretence» have catchy string-and-brass pop orchestration that actually works a charm, even if it does make things a bit cluttered. Also some slow tunes like the title song, a great mushy hug-your-honey slow dancer. Twelve original songs, all written by lead guitarist Eric Williams. Irritate the critics – find a copy and play it loud! See also the 7-inch section. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Satisfied” – 2:30
A2. “Have You Ever Wondered?” – 1:55
A3. “Why?” – 2:36
A4. “Day After Day” – 2:28
A5. “Generation” – 2:09
A6. “Preacher Man” – 3:39

Side Two
B1. “Dreams” – 2:41
B2. “World of Pretence” – 2:41
B3. “Heaven” – 2:29
B4. “What Will My Answer Be?” – 1:47
B5. “Topsy-Turvy World” – 2:29
B6. “Wave Goodbye” – 2:34

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