Dare we say "bigger than Abba" but to Radioactive fans this band probably were!!! The Swedish Beatles???? It is with great pleasure that we bring to you Sweden's pop pioneers with this their second album of garage /psych beat pop Ellpee. Originally released on Decca (SKL4806) in 1966 and now, you guessed it...highly sought after (especially in Germany). The Mascots became known as the boys who played pop music in the evenings and studied Beethoven and Bach during the day. Clever chaps!! In 1966 the band came to England and a number of record companies were thinking of launching the group, but it was on one condition - that they change the name of the group. The band gave them the finger and "The Mascots" stayed "The Mascots". At home in Sweden there was no mistaking their name or their popularity. The Mascots took part in many of the big performances of the mid-60s,supporting the Who, Chuck Berry, the Moody Blues, the Hollies, P J Proby and the Dave Clark Five, as well as appearing in movies, making guest appearances on TV programs for young people, and recording soundtracks. During the end of the -60's, the Mascots members became more and more interested in politics and they were engaged in the Vietnam anti-war movement. In midsummer 1969, The Mascots made their last appearance. This is a great album. The influences are there for all to hear as was the case with most of the European bands of the time...but Garage/Psych it was. and still is. The Beatles coming to mind but that's just the start of it. Truly essential
