METHODOS - Kum Ba Yah very rare 1967 UK folk private LP
£
62
$
82
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Description
Well, in all my (37) years of collecting,and more recently,dealing in records, I don't think I've come across anything as mysterious as this. Despite extensive research and queries amongst top dealers and collectors worldwide, this record seems to be totally unknown. Even local enquiries in and around Leeds, from where this recording originates, were fruitless. The address of "JOMOL" Records on the record label was and still is a terrace house in Leeds. Most definitely a home-made venture!
The record was pressed by Lyntone and asthey are no longer in business, no information could be gleaned from them as to how big a run this was - it may even be unique or maybe a few were pressed for the band and friends and family. METHODOS were probably not a gigging band and this may well be a vanity recording with possibly a church group background. There is no sleeve with this record which is not uncommon with these types of recordings made on a budget, in other words it probably never had a printed sleeve at all as it was not for commercial release.
METHODOS appear to consist of two guys and two girls, who all share vocals. Some of the female vocals are of the attractive "fragile" quality. The instruments are guitars - mostly acoustic but I think I detected a subdued electric guitar on one track - banjo and recorder. The songs appear to be a mixture of traditional and contemporary folk.
TRACKS:
The Warden
Kum BaYah
Donna Donna
Two Maids
Ill Tell Me Ma
When I First Came To This Land
Coulter's Candy
Paper Of Pins
Prickety Bush
Four StrongWinds
Tin Soldier
Michael
Red Yo Yo
Streets Of Laredo
DETAILS: On the private JOMOL label with an address at Chapel Street Leeds. Research through the electoral rolls fort hat time indicate that this was the home of John and Muriel (Molly?) Leighton, hence the JOMOL. It is virtually certain therefore that this couple were one half of the mysterious METHODOS. Also on the label is the information that this is a MONO recording. The catalogue number is LYN 1361/2, which in itself is very interesting as it puts this pressing as the very next press following the BEATLES 1967 Christmas flexi-disc and therefore dates the record accurately at the end of 1967
Matrix numbers are LYN 1361-1L and LYN 1362-1L
The number "1167" on both labels may well refer to "November 1967"
The word "METHODOS " is Hindu for "The Path" or "The Way" which of course ties in with the period of peace and love and all things Eastern
On playing the record I must grade it at "GOOD" aurally and VG visually, not uncommon with private pressings is the sad fact that most of them were not top quality pressings. There is moderate to slight surface "crackles" in many places, which however does not detract too much from a fascinating piece of UK folk
So there we are. Almost certainly one of the rarest UK folk albums in existence, sadly not in the greatest of condition but a fascinating listen in any case. I genuinely enjoyed listening to this record and have taped it for my own enjoyment
If anyone out there has any further information about this mysterious record, please share it with us!
Thanks for reading. Happy Bidding
"Record Collector" gradings used
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