In 1994, the label Kissing Spell reissued on CD a hideously rare and collector scum related item that was only available as an acetate lp . As the CD liner notes indicate the acetate was such a rarity that collectors, like vultures in the desert, would descend on the item fight over it and then exchange 2500 sterling to consume it! As for the music and it’s writer, not much is known about Mr. Harper other than he came to England in 1969 from New Zealand and at one point joined the legendary band Andromeda. The liner notes also indicate that the band might be in fact backing Mr. Harper during the recording.
As for the music, it is great late 60’S british psych heavily influenced by Hendrix and Harper’s own personal theological beliefs. When I first bought the CD, put in my CD player and heard the lead off track “Wake Me” I was floored. The feedback introduction followed by the wah ‑wah rhythmn and driving drum pattern is soooo incredible! When Harper sings the lyrics “Blessed is the day, I am so glad to be alive” you can epiphanize that the clouds above have parted, rays of sunshine have slowly poured from the heavens and the purpose of life is revealed — TRANSCENDENCE! On the third track “Music is God”, Harper makes these intentions clear with the lyrics “Intensity / Sincerity / Making me decide / For it involves Music is God”. The music is driving, soulful and above all very tight — nice. The music supports Harper’s claims that yes music is a religous force to be reckoned with; not to be taken for granted. On the six track, “Shades of the Midnight Sun” Harper continues with the successful approach to his music — light vocals and heavy axework. The track is so full, massed with great fretwork and vocals emphazing the internal struggle Harper faces with his music — religous convictions. Above all, a great CD reissue with great packaging too. In closing one of Harper’s lyrics reflect his personal feelings about the situation he found himself in during the recording process; it comes from the the song “Keep Cool” . The lyrics are “God don’t need a benny on the other side of time”.