LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

It all started so well. Founded in 1967 in Austin, Texas by the classically-trainedviolinist Spencer Perskin, Shiva's Headband landed a recording contract withCapitol Records on the strength of their popular live shows, only to decamp to SanFrancisco and see things go completely awry.Although the band hated San Francisco, their position as an influential member ofthe psychedelic fraternity dictated that they remain there, and until the release ofTake Me To The Mountains, their first and only release for Capitol, this is exactlywhat they did. Perskin's powerful fiddle playing is prominent throughout the album,and led to him assuming the same role on Mother Earth's debut album Living WithThe Animals, although he subsequently turned down the opportunity to join thegroup. Paradoxically, although the Shiva's weren't desperately keen on SanFrancisco it seems that the sentiment was not reciprocated, as the band giggedregularly throughout the Bay area, even enjoying a residency at Berkeley's NewOrleans Club.Having made little capital out of their brief time with Capitol, a disgruntled bandreturned to Texas were another recording contract, this time with the microscopicArmadillo label resulted in 1000 copies of their second album being pressedfollowed by a couple of 45 releases. However, despite the obvious lack ofcommercial success, the band continued to gig and were still going strong in 1985when In The Primo Of Life, their third and final recording, made its appearance.Critics agree that their first effort, often described as a well-balanced blend ofcountry and psychedelia, augmented by Spencer's fabulous fiddle playing, shouldhave been far more successful than it was and it is ironic that their Armadilloalbum is the more collectable, though only for its scarcity value! A fine album.Highly recommended!Track Listing1. My Baby2. Take Me To The Mountains3. Homesick Armadillo Blues4. Ripple5. Song For Peace6. Ebeneezer7. North Austin Strut8. Come With Me9. Good Time10. Kaleidoscoptic