BURIED TREASURE

Riches from the rock underground

FELT Felt, Nasco, USA, 1972. £800.

Felt were the brainchild of talented songwriter/guitarist/ vocalist Myke Jackson, who formed the band in Huntsville, Alabama towards the end of the 60s. It’s hard to comprehend that Jackson was only 17 years old when Felt was recorded, as it has such an accomplished feel, full of tasteful musicianship and styles ranging from heavy blues to progressive pop and jazz rock. There’s a slightly melancholic feel to the overall vibe, which is enhanced by slightly dark psychedelic touches.

Opener Look At The Sun has a sorrowful Beatles feel with piano, which doesn’t really give an an idea of what’s to follow. Now She’s Gone is a more upbeat progressive jazz-rocker, with a reflective mid-section. Weepin’ Mama Blues sets a heavier tone, with Jackson’s soulful vocals becoming more apparent. World is where things get moving, encapsulating a heavier Traffic-type vibe, with vocals bringing to mind Steve Winwood and Steve Marriot. The Change is the album’s

‘A slightly melancholic feel, enhanced by psychedelic touches.’

centrepiece, clocking in at more than 10-minutes and moving between blues and funky rock. Unsurprisingly it’s their most progressive track, but avoids sounding drawn out.

Lyrically the album is the work of a deep-thinking teenage mind, with subjects including drug addiction, war, revolution, family breakdowns and relationship troubles.

The diversity of material makes Felt come across as not too dissimilar to many lesser-known early British progressive bands of the time, and while it can’t be described as a masterpiece it did show immense potential, which unfortunately eluded them.