Magic Mushroom Band — Pictures In My Mind - Anthology 1984-1994
This British collective first formed in 1982 as a "psychedelic space pop"- which I guess is a good enough label for much of what is on display here. The band where in existence until 1995( with various line-up changes). And this two disc/ thirty one track collection takes in the cream of the groups 11 released albums, as well as B sides & live tracks.
The two CDs come suitable bright double jewel case. This features twenty page colour booklet, and features a new & extensive sixteen page write-up about the band, as well as pictures, etc.
On the whole the bands sound has a fairly firm verse-chorus setting, and with this you get often bouncing ‘n’ pumping pop/ rock feel, but with drug & tripping themes. I guess if you imagine a more pop bound Hawkwind, blended with 80’s/ 90’s indie pop rock you get a good idea of what to expect here. Later on in the compilation there is an attempt to try & go a bit more dance & light trance bound, mixing simple electronic beats with bright & swirling synth banks, and soloing guitar lines which at times sound quite Santana like.
Mostly the tracks are built around male lead singer, with female backing singers, which are spread-out over a slightly spacey & trippy blend of pop, rock, dance music, with subtle genre hints of world music, tribal beats, folk-rock, pop-prog. There isn’t really anything very daring or experimental going on here, but the whole two discs flow by pleasantly enough, with enough variation in pace & memorable melodies.
I was only vaguely aware of The Magic Mushroom Band before this double disc set, and I must say it’s a great & consistent compilation that I’m sure would be of interest to anyone looking for light/ more pop-bound psychedelic music from the 80’s/ 90’s.