In the heart of the swinging sixties, a seismic shift was underway in the UK music scene, fuelled by the meteoric rise of bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. As this new wave of music swept across the nation, Decca Records, renowned for its classical repertoire, found itself at a crossroads. Despite having signed The Stones in 1963, the label famously passed on The Beatles, a decision it was keen not to repeat. Thus, in September 1966, Decca executives Tony Hall and Hugh Mendl embarked on a bold venture: the creation of Deram Records, a subsidiary dedicated to capturing the pulse of contemporary pop culture while benefiting from the resources of a major label.
Deram’s inception marked a departure from the traditional confines of Decca, with a vision to embrace the spirit of independence while leveraging the promotional power of its parent company. With its launch in September 1966, Deram set out to carve its own path, driven by a mission to secure new global licensing deals and champion emerging talent. Eclectic, occasionally esoteric but always interesting – the music press of the day described the new label as a ‘hip label for groovy people’. The name, derived from the Decca Panoramic sound recording technique, symbolised its commitment to innovation and forward-thinking creativity.
As the boundaries between Deram and Decca blurred over time, both labels found themselves at the forefront of a musical revolution. From the ethereal, far out, sounds of Genesis and Caravan to the symphonic melodies of The Moody Blues, Deram and Decca cultivated a diverse roster of artists who pushed the boundaries of conventional music. Yet, amidst the mainstream success stories, there existed a tapestry of lesser-known acts whose contributions to the era were equally profound. Tintern Abbey, Khan, Jan Dukes De Grey, and T2 may not have achieved commercial stardom, but their experimental sounds and boundary-pushing compositions left an indelible mark on the musical landscape.
In tribute to this remarkable catalogue of original voices and exceptional music, Decca Records are proud to present ‘Psych!’, a newly compiled 64 song 3CD set celebrating an extraordinary era in British Pop and Rock music that saw an expansion of musical styles that heralded Psychedelia and the arrival of Prog (or Progressive) Rock. ‘Psych!’ sheds light on the cultural significance of these pioneering labels and their enduring impact on generations of music lovers. As befits a time that saw ‘serious’ music fans embrace the album over singles, ‘Psych!’ will also be available as a 24 song ‘highlights’ package on 2LP vinyl, housed in an eye-catching gatefold sleeve. Both formats feature new sleeve notes from music journalist Mike Barnes, author of ‘A New Day Yesterday: UK Progressive Rock & the 1970s’, published by Omnibus press in 2020 and shortlisted for the 2021 Penderyn Music Book Prize.
From the heady days of psychedelia to the dawn of progressive rock, Deram and Decca stand as beacons of innovation, forever synonymous with the spirit of musical exploration and artistic expression, perfectly exemplified with the release of ‘Psych!’
Track Listing
3 CD Set
Disc One
Disc Two
1. Davy Graham – Both Sides Now
Disc Three
Track Listing
2 LP Set
LP 1, Side A
LP1, Side B
LP 2, Side C
LP2, Side D