- ReleaseProduct
- Once Upon A Time - The Collection
- Artist
- Clouds
- Label
- Chrysalis Records
- Catalogue Number
- CRC1762
- Release Date
- August 29, 2025
-
CD
$45.99Read MoreCRC1762
Clouds were a highly influential Scottish prog-rock band formed in Edinburgh in the mid-1960s. Under their original name 1-2-3, the band gained attention in London's underground scene, especially at The Marquee Club in 1967. Their sound was ahead of its time--melding classical, jazz, and rock influences with no lead guitarist, and Billy Ritchie taking centre stage on keyboards. Ritchie's flamboyant, frontman-style organ work would later inspire keyboardists like Keith Emerson.
In 1968, under the guidance of Brian Epstein's NEMS agency and Terry Ellis (who would go on to co-found Chrysalis), they changed their name to Clouds. They were the first band signed to Chrysalis Records and were early architects of progressive rock, predating many better-known acts of the genre. Though short-lived, Clouds are now seen as pioneers of the progressive rock movement. Their innovative structure, particularly Ritchie's role as a lead keyboardist, helped pave the way for bands like Yes, ELP, and Genesis.
Once Upon A Time - The Collection: includes their three studio albums The Clouds Scrapbook (1969), the band's debut album, which blends psychedelic pop with early progressive rock elements, Watercolour Days (1971), their second album, which showcases a more refined sound, , along with the US-only release Up Above Our Heads (1970). The set comes with 23 previously unreleased tracks, pulled from the vaults and a wealth of additional rare material. Featuring singles, B-sides and previously unheard demos, providing a complete picture of the band's brief but influential career.
At the centre of the package is a booklet featuring new essays from all three original band members: Billy Ritchie, Ian Ellis and Harry Hughes along with never-before-seen photographs and rare ephemera. All housed in a CD sized hardback sleeve with booklet.
Disc 1
- 1 Introduction - Scrapbook
- 2 The Carpenter
- 3 The Colours Have Run
- 4 I'll Go Girl
- 5 Grandad
- 6 Ladies And Gentlemen
- 7 Humdrum
- 8 Union Jack
- 9 Old Man
- 10 Waiter, There's Something In My Soup
Disc 2
- 1 Imagine Me
- 2 Sing, Sing, Sing
- 3 Take Me To Your Leader
- 4 Big Noise From Winnetka
- 5 In The Mine
- 6 The World Is Madhouse
- 7 Once Upon A Time
- 8 See Me I'm Home
- 9 That Was Yesterday
- 10 The Feeling
Disc 3
- 1 Watercolour Days
- 2 Cold Sweat
- 3 Lighthouse
- 4 Long Time
- 5 Mind Of A Child
- 6 I Know Better Than You
- 7 Leavin'
- 8 Get Off My Farm
- 9 I Am The Melody
- 10 Once Upon A Time
Clouds
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- Artist
- Clouds
- ReleaseProduct
- The Clouds Scrapbook
- Label
- Chrysalis Records
- Catalogue Number
- CRA-001
- Release Date
- August 29, 2025
- 12”