Neutrons

Label: United Artists Records
Country: UK
Released: 1975
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

"Tales From The Blue Cocoons" is the second and final studio album by the Welsh band Neutrons. Released in April 1975 under United Artists Records, this progressive space-rock record showcases the band's diverse musicality. The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales, during late 1974 and early 1975. Co-produced by the band and drummer Dave Charles, it features a rich blend of rock elements, including psychedelic and space rock influences.

Musical Composition

The album features eight tracks that illustrate the band's unique sound. The opening track, "No More Straights," sets the tone with its driving rhythm and captivating melodies. A standout is the six-minute space-ballad "Northern Midnight," which showcases the band's ability to create atmospheric soundscapes. The song "Come Into My Cave" adds depth to the album's narrative, while Taff Williams contributes a reflective acoustic interlude with "Live Your Lie." "L'Hippie Nationale" and the progressive centerpiece "Take You Further" highlight the band's intricate arrangements and musicianship.

Furthermore, the synth-driven "Welsh R'Blunt (Or The Dexedrine Doormouse)" brings a cosmic feel to the album, while the closer "The Jam Eaters" incorporates elements of funk and progressive rock. Phil Ryan's mastery of the Hammond organ and synthesizers is evident throughout, providing a lush backdrop to the harmonized vocals of Will Youatt and Caromay Dixon. The combination of electric and acoustic guitars from Williams and Martin Wallace enriches the album's texture.

Artwork and Production

The visual aspect of "Tales From The Blue Cocoons" is equally intriguing. The album cover features artwork designed by Rick Griffin, a notable figure in the San Francisco psychedelic art scene. His logo design adds an extra layer of artistic flair to the album. The mixing of the album involved engineers Dec O'Doherty and Doug Bennett, contributing to the overall sound quality and production value.

Band Lineup

The Neutrons consisted of a talented lineup. Phil Ryan played multiple keyboard instruments, including the Hammond organ and grand piano, while Will Youatt took on bass and lead vocals. Taff Williams added melodic guitar work, and Martin Wallace contributed with acoustic guitars. Caromay Dixon provided lead and backing vocals, and the rhythm section featured Dave Charles on drums and percussion, as well as Stuart Halliday on drums and harmony vocals.

"Tales From The Blue Cocoons" is cataloged under United Artists UAG 29726 / UAS 29775.

Tracklist

A1	No More Straights Bass Guitar, Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, Written-By – Will YouattDrums, Harmony Vocals – Stuart HallidayElectric Piano, Synthesizer – Phil RyanRhythm Guitar – Martin Wallace	5:16
A2	Northern Midnight Drums – Stuart HallidayGuitar [First Lead], Bass Guitar – Will YouattGuitar [Second Lead] – Taff Williams*Piano, Organ – Phil RyanVocals – Caromay DixonVocals, Acoustic Guitar, Written-By – Martin Wallace	5:55
A3	Come Into My Cave Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Lead Guitar, Vocals, Written-By – Will YouattDrums – David CharlesGuitar [Second Lead] – Taff WilliamsSynthesizer – Phil RyanVocals – Caromay Dixon	4:47
A4	Live Your Lie Acoustic Guitar, Written-By – Ray 'Taffy Cue-Tar' Williams*Vocals – Caromay Dixon	1:54
B1	L'Hippie Nationale Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Lead Guitar, Piano, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, Written-By – Will YouattDrums – David CharlesHarmony Vocals – Stuart HallidayOrgan – Phil RyanRhythm Guitar – Taff WilliamsVocals – Caromay Dixon	3:25
B2	Take You Further Backing Vocals – Taff WilliamsBass Guitar, Rhythm Guitar [Wah-wah] – Will YouattDrums – David CharlesElectric Piano, Synthesizer, Backing Vocals, Written-By – Phil RyanGuitar [12 String], Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, Written-By – Martin WallaceVocals – Caromay Dixon	5:55
B3	Welsh R'Blunt (Or The Dexedrine Doormouse) Drums – David CharlesPiano, Organ, Synthesizer, Written-By – Phil RyanRhythm Guitar, Guitar [Lead], Bass Guitar – Taff Williams	3:39
B4	The Jam Eaters Drums – David CharlesPiano, Organ, Synthesizer, Written-By – Phil RyanVocals – Caromay DixonVocals, Guitar – Taff Williams	4:09