Beau

2018 Repress. Originally released in 1971 on John Peel's Dandelion Records, Creation is the second album by underground folk troubadour Trevor "Beau" Midgley. Influenced by Tom Paxton, Lead Belly, and Dylan, Beau started to write his own songs in the late '60s. After trying to secure a contract with Elektra Records with no success, he was approached by Clive Selwood (Elektra) and Peel as they were launcing Dandelion Records. Beau signed with them and released his eponymous debut album in 1969. For his second effort, Beau decided to experiment with a more folk-rock sound and add to the mix some avant-garde influences. Jim Milne (lead guitar and bass) and Steve Clayton (drums) from Dandelion stablemates The Way We Live/Tractor were the perfect backing band for him. Creation is a brilliant psych/acid folk offering with superb 12-string guitars, heartfelt vocals, studio effects, and occasional acid-fuzz guitar. Beau's avant-garde influences come to the fore on the title-track, which verges into White Noise territory. The album closes with "Silence Returns," featuring one of the most ear-splitting fuzz assaults ever committed to wax, courtesy of Jim Milne. This first vinyl reissue includes two previously unreleased bonus tracks from 1972 (featuring Tractor as backing band), recorded for aborted third album High Mass. Also includes four-page insert featuring the first cover design (which was never used), plus detailed liner notes by Beau himself and lyrics. Master tape sound.