UGLY THINGS - #55

"In this issue we detail the history of the Magic Fern, one of the key bands in Seattle's psychedelic music scene in 1966-68. Photographer Eric Hayes shares his journey through the 1960s, along with some remarkable rare photos of the Yardbirds live onstage in 1966, and the Stones in the studio in early 1969 -- their last sessions with Brian Jones. David Holzer provides new insight into Brian's musical expeditions in Morocco and the making of the talismanic album Brian Jones Presents the Pipes of Pan at Joujouka. Tim Stegall talks at length with Bun E Carlos about the early days of Cheap Trick -- the first installment of a two-part feature. Phil Milstein explores the origins of the Velvet Underground's name. Also: an appreciation of dark country master Porter Wagoner, Scandinavian beat merchants the Beachers (once billed as 'Sweden's ugliest group'!), King Records R&B icon Otis Williams, Bay Area garage band the Mockers (whose members included a teenage Carlos Santana), enigmatic DIY folkie Scott Seskind, South America's Los Shakers, UK psych icons July, Budapest beat group Hungaria, and the wild saga of ace Swedish garage revivalists the Crimson Shadows. And of course, acres of reviews of all the latest reissues and rock 'n' roll related books." - Ugly Things.