In an effort to set straight the story of British pop psych band Rupert’s People, Cherry Red Records has gathered the groups’ two singles, 1969 and 1999 live recordings and unreleased acetates by the band supplemented by a single issued by predecessor trio Sweet Feeling, and sides appearing under the Rupert’s People name actually recorded by UK rockers Fleur De Lys.

The resulting 19 tracks appear on a new compilation ‘Dream In My Mind: An Anthology 1967-1969’’ appearing on the label’s Strawberry Records imprint.

Guitarist/vocalist Rod Lynton, bassist Ray Beverley and drummer Steve Brendell formed pop psych band Sweet Feeling in 1967 and aided by manager Howard Conder released a single coupling Lynton originals “All So Long Ago” and “Charles Brown” on Columbia Records in May 1967. Although both sides were worthy psychedelic pop efforts the 45 failed to sell. What followed defies logic and began the convoluted history of Rupert’s People. Manager Conder, unable to convince Sweet Feeling to change their name, rearranged the band’s single, retitled it “Reflections Of Charles Brown” and had Fleur De Lys record the song, releasing it b/w “Hold On” using the Rupert’s People moniker. In Germany “Love/Opus 193” appeared on the b-side, further confusing matters by employing studio musicians. Fleur De Lys was not pleased with the results and refused to promote it. Conder again approached Sweet Feeling, who eventually relented, eventually entering the studio to record original material on two further singles.

Lynton, Beverley and Brendell added Dai Jenkins on guitar and John Tout on Hammond organ, committing the melodic, mid-tempo pop psych “A Prologue To A Magic World” to wax backed by the hot, guitar driven psychedelic rocker, and title track to this collection, “Dream In My Mind” with its gorgeous vocal harmonies joining tasty solos by Jenkins and Tout. The band’s next release was the Small Faces’ influenced R&B rocker “I Can Show You” with its phased drums and trippy organ reminiscent of “Itchycoo Park.” The b-side “I’ve Got The Love” is another fine slice of psychedelic rock, with more phased drums, lysergic organ and a hot guitar solo by Jenkins. As with so many worthy releases of the time, October 1967 and March 1968, neither of the singles had any impact on the charts, despite positive critical reviews. “Water To A Stone” was an unreleased acetate, from 1968-1969, of an uptempo pop psych tune showcasing an impressive lead guitar line and solo by Jenkins, while “Flying High” was an unreleased acetate from 1967 of a melodic, piano driven pop rocker. Sadly neither was revisited and finished.

In 1969, Lynton, Jenkins, Tout and Brendell reunited, joined by bassist Terry Poole. The reunion is documented by three tunes recorded at a performance in London. “I See You’ve Changed” and “Reflecting” are showcases for the guitar and organ work of Jenkins and Tout respectively, while the quintet delivers an extended mid-tempo cover of The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” with Jenkins and Tout again contributing memorable solos while Poole and Brendell supply the insistent heavy riff. A 1999 reunion by Lynton (vocals/guitar), Beverley (bass) and Brendell (drums) is represented by four tunes. The trio’s covers of Small Faces’ “My Mind’s Eye” and The Beatles’ “Rain” are loyal to the originals, with the band delivering relaxed, melodic performances. “I See You’ve Changed” is a showcase for Lynton’s guitar work, while the group’s take on “Hold On” shows them quite capable of rocking, with Lynton’s guitar performance stacking up nicely against that on the original by Fleur De Lys. The collection ends with “Flying High 67” an acetate begun in 1967 and completed in 2012 by the reunited group aided by friends, the relaxed, melodic piano driven pop rocker closing the set in fine fashion.

‘Dream In My Mind: Anthology 1967-1969’ comes in a digipak. The 16 page full-color booklet is profusely illustrated with band and musical release photos as well as singles artwork and other memorabilia as well as complete track annotations and an extensive essay by Lois Wilson of MOJO magazine. The set will appeal to fans of pop psych and classic rock alike.

Kevin Rathert

Rupert’s People – ‘Dream In My Mind: Anthology 1967-1969’ (Cherry Red Records 2025)