Bruce Cameron – Psychedelic Rock Redux

While browsing my vintage rock news sources I came upon a story of Bruce Cameron and a free download of Midnight Daydream, his one and only album. I’m listening now and this brings me right back to nighttime FM radio of the late 60s early 70s (wind chimes tinkling in the background, unstructured playlists, lots of b sides).

Part of this sound is no surprise given he somehow got artists such as Jack Bruce, Buddy Miles, Billy Cox, and Mitch Mitchell of Cream, Band of Gypsys, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience to play on this album. But, that is not the strangest part. He dies mysteriously just after the album is released; kind of like an Agatha Christie murder mystery. Did he take his own life or was he murdered by a jealous girlfriend?

While none of this is overly memorable (track 1 “Midnight Daydream” sums it up; inane lyrics along with some incredible psychedelic guitar runs) it does instantly evoke the vibe us aging baby boomer rockers grew up listening to. Since it was recorded using analog equipment it also has that presence in the mix that you just do not hear anymore with current recording and mixing techniques.

So, take a look at this strange bit of rock history, and let me know your thoughts. As for me, I’m going to get my guitar out, plug in the crybaby and fuzz face, and have some fun!

The Girls Are Back in Town - Groupies That Is

While roaming the blogosphere I ran across The Girls With the Band and realize the groupie movement is back in the guise of the “Plastics”, a global organization that seeks to return “Groupie” to its glamour roots of the 60s and 70s. Maybe this aspect of rock & roll is better left in the past.

Groupies seek fame by being around famous people. In keeping with that concept I guess the name “Plastics” is homage to Cynthia Plaster Caster who is famous for making plaster casts of rock stars’ private parts. I’ve seen “Almost Famous” and “The Banger Sisters” (their shtick was snapshots of private parts rather than plaster casts; another homage to the Plaster Casters) and viewed those as a nostalgic look back at the vintage rock era.

However, these movies while nostalgic and funny also come off as cautionary tales; the groupies don’t come off looking so glamorous in the end. Here is a “Where Are They Now” article on vintage groupies from the Gibson website. Give it a read and judge for yourself.