Felt (Self Titled EP) - A Psychedelic Masterpiece

The self-titled album Felt, released in 1971, is one of those rare finds. It’s a masterpiece that incorporates jazz, blues, and soul into a psychedelic rock masterpiece triumph.

The group was founded in 1970 by Mike Neel and Mychael John Thomas, with band members Tommy Gilstrap and Stan Lee joining after meeting at a free concert. Later, Alan Dalrymple was added to complete the final lineup. The band then started recording the album in 1970 and finally released 'Felt' in 1971 on the Nasco record label.

The Breakup of Felt came as the band was gaining momentum. As Mychael John Thomas explained in a recent interview, things were cut short when he was arrested and spent several months in Jail. However, a compilation of music was released.

The album opens with 'Look at the sun', a warm but melancholic track. With a somber piano, an unsteady guitar, and a slow drumbeat, the vocals convey heartbreak and the desire to revive a lost romance.

"Now She's Gone" offers a shift in tempo and is arguably the standout track on the album. The track's energy stems from its fusion of jazz-inspired blues featuring soulful, inspired vocals. This track demonstrated that Felt was not scared to mix various genres together to create new and inspired music.

"Destination," a song driven by riffs, exudes hopefulness with its lively guitar melodies and assured vocals. It offers a touch of brightness in an otherwise reflective album. The upbeat energy serves as a pleasant contrast to the album’s heavier themes of heartbreak and desperation.

"The Change" How could a 70's album be complete without a song carrying a political message about transformation and societal breakdown? As the longest and most intricate track, it reflects the political atmosphere of the era. The song begins with softly pulsating drums, a moody organ, and mesmerising guitar riffs, transitioning into a quicker, more erratic sound, and concluding with a powerful guitar solo accompanied by passionate vocals screaming "we are lonely," possibly reflecting the current political climate and the feelings of the band members.

This is a personal favourite when it comes to old dad rock. It’s simply great and has beautiful musicianship. Please do yourself a favour and get the album on loud, sit back, and relax.