Once Upon a Time: The Collection

Clouds were a highly influential Scottish prog-rock band formed in Edinburgh in the mid-1960s. Under their original name 1-2-3, the band gained attention in London's underground scene, especially at The Marquee Club in 1967. Their sound was ahead of its time--melding classical, jazz, and rock influences with no lead guitarist, and Billy Ritchie taking centre stage on keyboards. Ritchie's flamboyant, frontman-style organ work would later inspire keyboardists like Keith Emerson.

In 1968, under the guidance of Brian Epstein's NEMS agency and Terry Ellis (who would go on to co-found Chrysalis), they changed their name to Clouds. They were the first band signed to Chrysalis Records and were early architects of progressive rock, predating many better-known acts of the genre. Though short-lived, Clouds are now seen as pioneers of the progressive rock movement. Their innovative structure, particularly Ritchie's role as a lead keyboardist, helped pave the way for bands like Yes, ELP, and Genesis.

Once Upon A Time - The Collection: includes their three studio albums The Clouds Scrapbook (1969), the band's debut album, which blends psychedelic pop with early progressive rock elements, Watercolour Days (1971), their second album, which showcases a more refined sound, along with the US-only release Up Above Our Heads (1970). The set comes with 23 previously unreleased tracks, pulled from the vaults and a wealth of additional rare material. Featuring singles, B-sides and previously unheard demos, providing a complete picture of the band's brief but influential career.

At the centre of the package is a booklet featuring new essays from all three original band members: Billy Ritchie, Ian Ellis and Harry Hughes along with never-before-seen photographs and rare ephemera. All housed in a CD sized hardback sleeve with booklet.

Disc 1
1: Introduction - Scrapbook
2: The Carpenter
3: The Colours Have Run
4: I'll Go Girl
5: Gandad
6: Ladies and Gentlemen
7: Humdrum
8: Union Jack
9: Old Man
10: Waiter, There's Something in My Soup
11: Scrapbook
12: Make No Bones About
13: Heritage
14: Sleepless Night
15: Laughin'
16: She's a Dish
17: Go Now Sheray
18: Preacher Man
19: Old Folks Home
20: Smokey Old Town
21: You've Been Bad
22: Miscellaneous
23: Union Jack
24: Ice Cream
25: Pawnshop
26: No Sign of Being Better
27: The Clothes She Wore
28: The Camera Never Lies
29: French Franc
30: J. Graham, Watchmaker Jeweller
31: Danger, Roadworks Straight Ahead
32: That's What Bothers Me

Disc 2
1: Imagine Me
2: Sing, Sing, Sing
3: Take Me to Your Leader
4: Big Noise from Winnetka
5: In the Mine
6: The World Is Madhouse
7: Once Upon a Time
8: See Me I'm Home
9: That Was Yesterday
10: The Feeling
11: R.I.P.

Disc 3
1: Watercolour Days
2: Cold Sweat
3: Lighthouse
4: Long Time
5: Mind of a Child
6: I Know Better Than You
7: Leavin'
8: Get Off My Farm
9: I Am the Melody
10: Once Upon a Time
11: Mind of a Child
12: Why Is There No Magic
13: Shadows
14: A Day in the Rain
15: Clockwork Soldier

Number of Discs: 3

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