AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW:
Stig & Steen - ‘Da Solen Kom’
Different Strokes For Different Folks present this first ever vinyl reissue of the highly sought after psychedelic classic ‘Da Solen Kom’ by Stig & Steen.
A major band in the progressive, psych scene that swept across Scandinavia in the late ’60’s and early ‘70s, Stig & Steen was a Danish combo of vocalists Stig Kreutzfeldt and Steen Toft Andersen. With both members also mastering a range of instruments, from guitar to tabla to mellotron, they released ‘Da Solen Kom’ in 1972, now widely recognised as a masterpiece of the scene. The first of two stunning albums under this moniker, Kreutzfeldt went on to be part of both Ache and Rugsted/Krutzfeldt then becoming a stand out producer and A&R manager in the late ‘70s, working with the likes of Cat Stevens, Oscar Peterson and Ringo Starr, as well as releasing a sequence of solo work. Accomplished, fluid bassist Steen Toft Andersen also joined Stig in Ache whilst contributing to a whole host of Scandinavian acts and releasing solo work in the early ‘80s.
Translated as ‘When The Sun Came’, ‘Da Solen Kom’ is their crowning glory, inhabiting a hazy psychedelic world all of its own that leads collectors and fans to pay huge amounts for an original copy. Highlights include ‘Sommer’, covered by Bay-Area legends, The Ironsides in 2022, which presents transcendent, chant like harmonies on a bed of gorgeous acoustic guitars. The dreamy harmonica intro of ‘Uafbrudte Illusioner’ a Laurel Canyon vibe whilst the soulfully funky ‘Endnu Engang’ entwines flute and Hendrix-esque guitar lines with a rollicking piano base recalling the best of Billy Preston. Reissued for the first ever time on vinyl, Different Strokes For Different Strokes is delighted to release yet another cult classic. For fans of laid back psychedelia, acid folk and acoustic soul lullabies, ‘Da Solen Kom’ is a true winter warmer and a masterpiece of European psychedelia.
Fantuzzi - ‘An Open Heart’
Different Strokes For Different Folks presents the first ever vinyl reissue of the psychedelic, folk funk private press classic; ‘An Open Heart’ by Fantuzzi. A figurehead of the Woodstock generation where he performed and MC’d, Fantuzzi’s photo famously adorned the cover of Newsweek during the festival, epitomising the freewheeling, decadent spirit of the times. Having played and crossed paths with the likes of Richie Havens, Bob Dylan and Stephen Stills, Fantuzzi combined these influences with approaches of Timothy Leary and Ram Dass into the creation of his this, his debut record back in 1978.
The lo-fi approach betrays the late ‘70s date, instead recalling the fuzzy, soulful atmosphere of the late ‘60s psychedelic soul and folk scenes. The record is split into two distinct sides; a ‘Fast Side’ and ‘Slow Side’. The fast side throws out a number of groovers with snapping drums and an elastic rhythm section with congas and sitars gliding in and out. Opener ‘Come Along’ is ideal for the DJs; an uplifting dance floor beauty with a tight as hell rhythm section and angelic flute. The slow slide highlights the singer songwriter and folky side of Fantuzzi, often slipping sublimely into psyched out trippiness; highlight ‘Deep Inside’ employing ghostly backing vocals and dubbed out effects with wondrous results.
The reissue package contains an exclusive interview with Fantuzzi himself, providing a fascinating glimpse into both the making of the record and a life truly well lived. Also included are a number of photos from the Fantuzzi private collection which shine a light on the world of free festivals, joyous music creation and communal living.
Limited to 500 copies worldwide, Different Strokes For Different Folks present a record that should be part of every true psychedelic folk and funk fan.
Shelagh McDonald - ‘Stargazer’
Different Strokes For Different Folks are delighted to announce the release of one of the great folk rock albums of the ’70s; ‘Stargazer’ by Shelagh McDonald. Originally released in 1971, produced by the legendary Sandy Roberton and featuring the likes of Richard & Danny Thompson, Keith Christmas and members of Mighty Baby & Fotheringay, the album has been talked about in glowing terms by an ever increasing fanbase over the years. It’s a beautiful mixture of folk, psychedelic flourishes and adventurous production combining majestically with Shelagh’s exquisite songwriting and purity of voice.
Born in Edinburgh in 1948 before moving to Glasgow and attending the Glasgow School of Art, Shelagh McDonald’s reputation grew rapidly on the London and Bristol folk circuit, her voice and guitar abilities attaining her a cult following. In her early twenties she cut her first album titled simply ‘Shelagh McDonald’, the following year entering the studio with producer Sandy Roberton (Ian Matthews, John Martyn, Chocolate Watch Band, Steeleye Span) to cut ‘Stargazer’. Unfortunately for Shelagh, following a bad LSD experience, she withdrew from not only the music industry but public life shortly before commencing work on her third album, leading to years of speculation on what had become of this incredible talent. Resurfacing many years later in 2013, she performed several concerts before retreating back into the quiet life. She released an album of new songs that year, but it’s ‘Stargazer’ that continues to grow its reputation, with original copies changing hands for hundreds of pounds.
Imbued with the finest instrumentation and vocal delicacy in late ‘60s folk, the record is heightened by a progressive production approach; the slow organ grooviness in the traditional ‘Dowie Dens of Yarrow’, uplifting gospel overtones of ‘Odyssey’ and the perfect match of melancholic piano and haunting strings by Robert Kirby on the title track. These sublime arrangements all serve Shelagh’s songwriting and soulful voice that invoke the finest folk traditions but at the same time look forward. For fans of Pentangle, Incredible String Band and Joni Mitchell, as well as the solo records from members of some of the biggest U.S. bands of the 1970s; David Crosby’s ‘If Only I Could remember My Name’ and Gene Clark’s ‘No Other’.
Its psychedelic cover art by the design collective Davis/Berney/Wade is wonderfully reproduced here by Nick Taylor. In addition, we’re delighted that Thomas Patterson from Shindig! Magazine provides liner notes for this reissue which serves as the inaugural release of Different Strokes For Different Folks. More genre bending, rare and cult records scheduled for 2025.
Upcoming DJ Dates
See you in the New Year!!!
Blog
Coming Soon…..
Copyright © 2025 Different Strokes For Different Folks