{"product_id":"once-upon-a-time-the-collection","title":"Once Upon A Time - The Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eClouds were a highly influential Scottish prog-rock band formed in Edinburgh in the mid-1960s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder their original name 1-2-3, the band gained attention in London's underground scene, especially at The Marquee Club in 1967. Their sound was ahead of its time-- melding classical, jazz, and rock influences with no lead guitarist, and Billy Ritchie taking centre stage on keyboards. Ritchie's flamboyant, frontman- style organ work would later inspire keyboardists like Keith Emerson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1968, under the guidance of Brian Epstein's NEMS agency and Terry Ellis (who would go on to co-found Chrysalis), they changed their name to Clouds. They were the frst band signed to Chrysalis Records and were early architects of progressive rock, predating many better-known acts of the genre. Though short-lived, Clouds are now seen as pioneers of the progressive rock movement. Their innovative structure, particularly Ritchie's role as a lead keyboardist, helped pave the way for bands like Yes, ELP, and Genesis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce Upon A Time - The Collection: includes their three studio albums The Clouds Scrapbook (1969), the band's debut album, which blends psychedelic pop with early progressive rock elements, Watercolour Days (1971), their second album, which showcases a more refined sound, , along with the US-only release Up Above Our Heads (1970). The set comes with 23 previously unreleased tracks, pulled from the vaults and a wealth of additional rare material. Featuring singles, B- sides and previously unheard demos, providing a complete picture of the band's brief but influential career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the centre of the package is a booklet featuring new essays from all three original band members: Billy Ritchie, Ian Ellis and Harry Hughes along with never-before-seen photographs and rare ephemera. All housed in a CD sized hardback sleeve with booklet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chrysalis","offers":[{"title":"3CD","offer_id":52485257232715,"sku":"R6578-1542","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/522de4ec-607a-4960-8d32-19c331b2523b.jpg?v=1750686858","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/products\/once-upon-a-time-the-collection","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}