The Creation

Action Painting

The most comprehensive collection of the freakbeat comboÕs work, 1965-68.

The joy to be found in this 2-CD/LP compilation is boundown less. Neophytes, start with the original mono mixes of the pop art experimentalists’ unimpeachable 1966 singles Making Time and Painter Man, defined by their combative attitude, crunching power chords, and violin-bowed guitar. For the connoisseur, there are new stereo takes. Remastered from the original tapes by the group’s producer, Shel Talmy, the aforesaid Painter Man has an alternative vocal by singer Kenny Pickett – it’s less punk, more pop. Life Is Just Beginning, meanwhile, has an extra verse. The inclusion of some of the pre-Creation group The Mark Four’s 45s show a band already pushing limits with their use of feedback. The packaging is also spectacular, with previously unissued photos and reproduced picture sleeves.