- 

- none known

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Gwydion Sings Songs for the Old Religion

Company: Nemeton

Catalog: 101

Year: 1975

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG

Comments: vinyl is mis-pressed; side two is pressed on both sides (hence are low price); minor discoloration; name in pen on back cover; includes rare lyric insert

Available: 1

Price: $100.00

Okay, what would you think of an album sporting a black and white cover showing an old doper guy, wearing a satanic outfit while hold a chalice and a big ole' blunt?  Clearly this one's an oddity by any measure  ... 

The late Gwydion Pennderwen (nah, 'course he wasn't born with a Welsh name), is best known in the neo-Pagan community (you knew this was gonna be strange ...). We'll be the first to admit we don't know much about Paganism, but apparently Pennderwen was a friend/disciple of the late Victor Anderson. Anderson was known as a high priest in the Pagan community; a proponent (not sure that's the right word), of the Feri tradition of witchcraft. Gwydion actually considered himself a Druid and was a member of a latter day Druid sect the New and Reformed Order of the Golden Down.  We're not making this stuff up !!!

So what about the guy's music?  Interestingly, at least one dealer has compared it to The Incredible String Band.  Nah, this stuff is simply too weird for such a comparison.   Ever spent an evening in an Irish bar?  If so, you've probably heard stuff that's similar to much of 1975's "Gwyndion Sings: Songs for the Old Religion". Exemplified by largely acoustic material such as "Return of the King", "Harvest Dance" and "Can Ceridwen" it was clear that Gwydion and his associates (listed as The California Wicca Blues Band), had a keen interest in English and Irish folk music (hum, Fairport Convention wannabes ...). Propelled by Gywdion's decent voice (he sounded like he'd spent a great deal of time hanging around Irish bars), the album's 15 tracks were full of Celtic imagery and mysticism (tales of kings, damsels in distress, fairies, witches, etc.). Those themes were apparently in keeping with Gwydion's Pagan beliefs; the songs intended to honor Pagan days of worship, as well as reflections on seasonal rounds and love songs to Pagan Gods and Goddesses. Actually, the best track was the atypical "The Sungod". Written by Dana Corby (damn if she didn't sound like prime era Grace Slick), and backed by one of the few electric arrangements, the song sported a weird pseudo-Jefferson Airplane vibe. Great song !!!   It's certainly different and has generated a cult following (guess there are lots of European Pagan's with high incomes), willing to pay some big bucks for an original copy.

"Gwyndion SIngs: Songs for the Old Religion" track listing:
1.) The Lord of the Dance (C.T. Edwards) - 2:10
2.) Lughnagad Dance (Gwydion) - 1:57
3.) Spring Strathspey (Gwydion) - 3:23
4.) Witches' Coven Dance (Gwydion) - 2:07
5.) On Lady Day (Gwydion) - 3:08
6.) The Wintry Queen (Gwydion) - 3:55 
7.) The Raven Is Calling (Gwydion) - 3:35
8.) Beltane Wedding Dance (Gwydion) - 2:67 (?)
9.) Return of the King (Gwydion) - 2:45
10.) The Sungod (Dana Corby) - 4:25
11.) Harvest Dance (Gwydion) - 2:40
12.) Can Ceridwen (Gwydion) - 2:50
13.) Witches Tune (instrumental) (traditional) - 1:18
14.) Song Of Mari (Victor Anderson - Gwydion) - 2:56
15.) The Lady's Bransle (H. Athearn) - 1:16

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  The Fairy Shaman

Company: Nemeton

Catalog: NEM2

Year: 1982

Grade (cover/record): --

Comments: --

Available: --

Price: --