SATURNALIA

Here comes Saturnalia's "Magical Love". Famous on release in 1969 (and re-issue in 1973) for being one of the first picture disc albums, this UK album has stood the test of time well. A thoroughly competent slice of mystical West Coast influenced progressive psychedelia with an occult edge, some excellent female vocals and searing lead guitar work.

Saturnalia was a rock group produced by Yardbirds legend Keith Relf.
With a man named Adrian Hawkins and woman named simply Aletta heading up the vocal duties, their sound was assorted and fascinating combination of psychedelic rock. I preferred what they sounded like with Hawkins at the helm; Aletta’s voice was off key and irritating for the most part. The music in total bordered on pre-prog-rock with a strong leaning towards hard rock, albeit a different slant than what was available in that era. I am sure some folks would consider this as weird music, I prefer to say they were making music that was original and off the beaten path, which for me personally is very appealing.
Besides the tripped out artwork on both sides of the LP, a booklet is included that tells the story of the band with an outline of each individual personality including their astrological sign a full explanation of all the elements, fire and water and such. It is all very much what 1969 was all about. Old hippies (and new) will love this album! It seems there is always so much more to talk about besides the music when I receive an album with so much color and character. This is what collectors live for so snag it up before they disappear.

Tracklist:

1. Magical Love (4:32)
2. She Brings Peace (4:42)
3. And I Have Loved You (3:22)
4. Winchester Town  (7:55)
5. Traitor (4:36)
6 .Soul Song (2:58)
7. Princess And The Peasant Boy (3:44)
8. Dreaming (2:43)
9. Step Out Of Line (4:18)

Musicians:
Aletta - Vocals
Tom Crompton - Drums
Adrian Hawkins - Vocals
Richard Houghton - Bass
Rod Roach - Guitar

Discography

• Magical Love (1969)