Something very different!
Robert Cossaboon | The happy land of Walworth, NY | 04/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Now here's something you don't hear everyday-Celtic tinged rock! Truly this is one of the most unique albums you will ever hear from a one-shot band. Based in Dublin, Mushroom combines some great, distorted guitar work with nicely understated keyboards and fiddle. Don't be fooled by the folksy title song that opens the album. It is in the glorious thunder of the following track, "The Liothdon" that the band's mission statement can be heard. That is not to say that Early One Morning is a balls-out rock and roll album. It has its folksy moments as well, namely the title track, "Unborn Child", "Tenpenny Piece" and the frisky "Potter's Wheel". The funereal "Standing Alone" with its Moog solo could probably fit prog mode. But mostly this is a devil's dance of great music-and even if you somehow impossibly remain unconvinced of the brilliance of the Mushroom band by the first nine songs, the last track, "King of Alba", if not for its lyrics alone, will most definitely floor you. This may not be the easiest album to find, as most chain stores do not carry these awesome independent labels such as Radioactive or Akarma---but it is completely worth the search."
Mushroom - 'Early One Morning.....' (Radioactive Records)
Mike Reed | USA | 10/05/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Originally released in 1973, here's a long forgotten sole album on CD reissue from a little known Irish art rock / progressive psych band. I actually came across this oddity in a Hastings music store for like $5, guess they didn't realize exactly what this title was. Tracks off this import that did something for me were the title cut "Early One Morning", "Unborn Child", the Celtic folkish "Tenpenny Piece" and "King Of Alba". Should maybe appeal to fans of Third Ear Band, Fairport Convention and the Strawbs. Line-up: Alan Brown-guitar, bass & vocals, Pat Collins-mandolin, violin, sound effects & vocals, Michael Power-organ & moog, Aengus McNally-guitar, tin whistle and vocals and Colm Lynch-percussion & wood chimes. Nice!"
Not Mushroom for improvement
Mr. K. Marron | Lincs England | 05/31/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I have this album on vinyl and recently purchased it on CD. Was a real surprise and joy to find it available on CD as this was not something I expected. Agree with the other reviews except for one major clanger dropped by both !! THe most infamous track on this album is in fact DEVIL AMONG THE TAILORS (not jailors as the listing suggests). THis track was a massivel popular hit in Ireland when realeased in 1972 (where I lived on the west coast) and found it's place in folklore ever since.
The album twists and turns (like a black adder twisty turny thing) through wild and chaotic irish reels jigs and trad supported by contemporary instruments with great appeal and slings it's moods low with the melancholy tenpenny piece demosntrating the skill, diversity and style of the musicians. If you want a true example of 1970's Irish progressive rock/folk this is the genuine article and standing the test of time, it is still fresh, delightfully unusual and very very listenable. Go raibh math agut."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1