LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

David Peel was, and still is, a street musician and political activist from the Lower East Side of New York City. With a collection of friends who became his band, (dubbed The Lower East Side), he recorded two groundbreaking albums of social reflections, urban tales, and hippie mythology for Elektra Records. Both Have A Marijuana (1968) and The American Revolution (1970) were, as you might think from their titles, musical counterculture manifestos presented with guitars and grins.David Peel & The Lower East Side's And The Rest Is History: The Elektra Recordings collects both of these albums, as well as two previously unissued tracks recorded for, but not used on, the second album. It also includes an informative booklet with Mr Peel's recollections of the recording of the albums and track-by-track commentary on his composition of those albums' songs. And, for those who wanna sing along, there are also lyrics for every song.Since these two Elektra albums, Mr Peel has continued to record and release albums which express his unique vision and musical viewpoints as well as remain active as an icon, advocate, and volunteer for social and political reform in which he strongly believes.So return with us now to the time of pink prismed eyeglasses, hand-rolled patchouli incense, and colorfully patched denims. To the time of co-ed bodypainting, cross-country Volkswagen expeditions, and "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" played at full volume. To the time of peace, love, and understanding before cynicism became a full-time national sport.Both Have A Marijuana and The American Revolution have been out of print in the United States for about a quarter of a century; neither has ever been released on compact disc in their country of origin. They are a must for your personal audio stash.And The Rest Is History: The Elektra Recordings is available as an individually numbered limited edition of 7,500 copies.
TRACK LISTING Mother Where Is My Father? (3:07 ) I Like Marijuana (5:17 ) Here Comes A Cop (2:36 ) I've Got Some Grass (0:38 ) Happy Mother's Day (2:06 ) Up Against The Wall (1:44 ) I Do My Bawling In The Bathroom (6:51 ) The Alphabet Song (2:27 ) Show Me The Way To Get Stoned (2:28 ) We Love You (3:15 ) Lower East Side (3:12 ) Pledge Of Allegiance (0:36 ) Legalize Marijuana (2:57 ) Oink, Oink (3:48 ) I Want To Get High (4:59) I Want To Kill You (4:22) Girls Girls GIrls (4:33 ) Hey, Mr. Draft Board (4:31 ) God (3:03 ) Christ In A Tomb (1:14 ) I'm A Runaway (3:34)