THE THOUGHTS OF EMERLIST DAVJACK

The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack is the debut full-length album by UK psychadelic/ progressive rock act The Nice. The band started out as a backing group for soul singer P.P. Arnold who they performed live with during the summer of 1967. The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack was recorded during the autumn of 1967 and released in December 1967 through Immediate Records. The Nice is mostly known for featuring one of the most prolific and influential musicians in progressive rock in keyboardist Keith Emerson ( Emerson, Lake & Palmer)

Even though the album is often considered one of the earliest examples of progressive rock, I think that the album belongs more to the psychadelic rock genre. The songs are generally pretty simple psychadelic rock songs but with added classical inspired piano, organ and harpsichord by Keith Emerson. Very original at the time. Even though most songs are simple a song like the instrumental Rondo does stand out as being different ( War & Peace and Dawn also features progressive elements). Some great soloing by guitarist David O'List in that song but Keith Emerson of course steals the show completely with his inventive playing. The musicianship is excellent througout the album but the production is not the best IMO.

The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack is a groundbreaking album from the sixties and it´s hard not to acknowledge that. Personally I find it enjoyable but not really excellent and a 3 star rating is deserved.