Madder Lake - Stillpoint (1973) (2008)

Released in 1973, Stillpoint remains one of the most innovative and enduring progressive albums of the period.

The two hit singles released from the album: "Goodbye Lollipop" (the first ever release on the maverick Mushroom label) and "12-lb Toothbrush" (the monster crowd favourite, with its distinctive "na na na nanana na" vocal hook) were balanced by the longer, psychedelic blues of album tracks like "Salmon Song" and "Listen To The Morning Sunshine".

Recorded in just six days, Stillpoint highlights Madder Lake’s distinctive sound which was mostly due to the combination of Fettes unique (often effects laden) vocals, Mason’s understated blues-tinged guitar playing, the sparse yet effective use of McKinnon’s keyboards and the agile drive of the rhythm section.

In addition to the vocal effects the band used fuzz bass and a bass pedal which is easily mistaken for a synthesizer, while Mason’s subtle use of wah wah to produce shimmering explosions of sound gives the album an almost otherworldly quality.