Eyes Of Blue

Label: Mercury
Country: UK
Released: 1968
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

"The Crossroads Of Time" is the debut studio album by the Welsh band Eyes Of Blue, released in 1968 under the Mercury label. The album represents a blend of various genres, including rock, psychedelic rock, and proto-prog, with elements of brass rock and R&B. This varied musical palette reflects the diverse influences that shaped the band’s sound.

Band Lineup

The group featured a strong lineup. Gary Pickford-Hopkins took the lead vocals, supported by Wyndham Rees. Phil Ryan contributed with his skills on the organ, piano, and Mellotron. Ray "Taff" Williams played lead guitar, while Ritchie Francis handled the bass guitar and songwriting duties. John Weathers completed the lineup on drums and percussion. Notably, Weathers would later join the progressive rock group Gentle Giant.

Production and Contributions

The album was produced by Lou Reizner, an influential figure in the music industry. Noteworthy liner notes were provided by Graham Bond, a prominent British R&B and jazz musician. Two tracks, "Crossroads Of Time" and "Love Is The Law," were contributed by Bond, further enriching the album’s content.

Musical Style and Composition

The sound of "The Crossroads Of Time" features an engaging mix of baroque pop and classical arrangements, including a rendition of Handel's "Largo." The album also showcases early Mellotron and organ-driven proto-prog elements. Additionally, the band covers Love's "7 + 7 Is" and The Beatles' "Yesterday," blending these classics with their unique style. Original compositions by Ritchie Francis include tracks like "Never Care," "I'll Be Your Friend," and "World Of Emotion."

Release Context

This album emerged during a transformative period in music, where rock was evolving rapidly. Eyes Of Blue contributed to this shift with their innovative sound. Their blend of genres and instrumental experimentation reflects the experimental spirit of the late 1960s.

Final Details

"The Crossroads Of Time" was released in the UK in 1968, marking the beginning of Eyes Of Blue's recorded output.

Tracklist

A1	Crossroads Of Time Written-By – D. Stewart*	5:00
A2	Never Care Written-By – R. Francis*	3:19
A3	I'll Be Your Friend Written-By – R. Francis*	3:49
A4	7 + 7 Is Written-By – A. Lee*	2:33
A5	Prodigal Son Written-By – R. Francis*	5:27
B1	Largo Written By – G.F. Händel/arr. R. FrancisWritten-By – G. F. Händel*	3:15
B2	Love Is The Law Written-By – D. Stewart*	5:16
B3	Yesterday Written-By – J. Lennon/P. McCartney*	4:23
B4	I Wonder Why Written-By – R. Francis*	3:15
B5	World Of Emotion Written-By – R. Francis*	2:50
B6	Inspiration For A New Day Written-By – R. Francis*	3:09