Ultra Smooth Swagger Band - Ote Sho'digs (1972)Prog Rock
The Ultra Smooth Swagger Band was formed in 1970 in the town of Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, and disbanded in 1972. Their sound captured the true essence of the British psychedelic underground of that era. The lineup featured Robert Hickson (vocals, bass, and guitar), Michael Johnstone (guitar), Dave Houghton (guitar), and Al Spokes (drums and backing vocals). For the recording of the track "Turn Me On Dead Man," the band also counted on the participation of John Batt on bass.
The album Ote Sho'digs by the obscure British band The Ultra Smooth Swagger Band is a rediscovered gem from the psychedelic underground of the 1970s. Originally recorded in 1972 and reissued in 2025 by the Bright Carvings label, this limited edition of only 227 copies perfectly encapsulates the free and experimental spirit of the pre-Afghan/Greatcoat British rock scene. The sound is a hypnotic blend of West Coast-style jams in the vein of Neil Young, melodic and progressive twin guitars reminiscent of Help Yourself and Man, and the raw energy of the Pink Fairies. The opening track, "Turn Me On Dead Man," hits like a psychedelic punch, while the closing track, "It Grows On You," delivers an 11-minute guitar-driven epic, building layer upon layer into a hypnotic crescendo
A1 Turn Me On Dead Man 0:00
Bass – John Batt
Drums, Backing Vocals – Al Spokes
Guitar – Michael Johnstone (3)
Vocals – Robert Hickson (2)
A2 Road Of Silver 4:52
Drums – Al Spokes
Guitar – Dave Houghton (5), Michael Johnstone (3)
Vocals, Bass – Robert Hickson (2)
A3 Rain 11:40
Drums – Al Spokes
Guitar – Michael Johnstone (3)
Vocals, Guitar, Bass – Robert Hickson (2)
A4 The Start 20:05
Drums, Congas, Backing Vocals – Al Spokes
Guitar – Dave Houghton (5)
Guitar, Percussion – Michael Johnstone (3)
Vocals, Bass – Robert Hickson (2)
B1 Take My Love 23:08
Drums, Backing Vocals – Al Spokes
Guitar, Percussion – Dave Houghton (5)
Guitar, Percussion, Flute – Michael Johnstone (3)
Vocals, Bass – Robert Hickson (2)
B2 Sky Castle 29:39
Drums – Al Spokes
Guitar – Michael Johnstone (3)
Vocals, Bass – Robert Hickson (2)
B3 It Grows On You 34:36
Drums – Al Spokes
Guitar – Dave Houghton (5)
Guitar, Percussion – Michael Johnstone (3)
Vocals, Bass – Robert Hickson (2)
Members
Al Spokes (drums, vocals), Robert Hickson (vocals, bass, guitar), Dave Houghton (guitar), Michael Johnstone (guitar), John Batt (bass)
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