Sunforest

* 2021 Stock* There was once a band called Sunforest, who recorded a splendid album in 1969. The record is (as has been said elsewhere) a unique compendium of UK acid folk with a popsike feel, sporting harpsichord and (somewhat) medieval-tinged arrangements integrated into electric and acoustic folk-esque tunes. But one thing must be said straight away: the Sunforest album is not at all twee—the songs are far too clever, and the production (by legendary producer Vic Coppersmith-Heaven) has far too much depth—we say this despite cover art that seems to have misled people since the album was released. Worthy of special mention is the phenomenal folk/funk vibe-fest ‘Magician In The Mountain,’ which has made this LP the object of desire of many a DJ and a sampler. And, of course, lest we forget, the Sunforest album supplies the answer to the recent burning question (for those of you living in the UK): “What’s that song on the Marks and Spencer TV advert—the one with Twiggy and those other girls in it, singing, "I want to marry a lighthouse keeper.” Why, it’s ‘Lighthouse Keeper,’ of course! The sound of Sunforest was enlivened by contributions from exceptional and experienced studio musicians.

On this album, you can hear supple work from bass guitarist par excellance Herbie Flowers (it’s his bass that makes Lou Reed’s ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ one of the best late-night songs ever written; he also played bass on the Serge Gainsbourg’s “Histoire de Melody Nelson”). He was joined for the Sunforest sessions by his compatriot in the Jean-Claude Vannier Orchestra, guitarist on an incredible variety of UK number one hit songs (fifty-nine to be exact), including the Kink’s “You Really Got Me,” Thunderclap Newman’s "Something in the Air,’ and Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg’s orgasmic classic ‘Je t’aime… moi non plus’: session-guitarist extraordinaire (and the mastermind behind the Lord Sitar and “Sitar Beat” albums), Big Jim Sullivan. Yes, here on the Sunforest album these two titans of UK rock can be found working with another legend, Vic Smith, on what turned out to be the only release from a trio of unpretentious girls, discovered in a cafe. Ah, the wondrous 1960’s! Includes a 20-page booklet with additional insider information on the band, as well as lyrics. Licensed from Decca/Universal, UK.