Cleves - Cleves 1971 ~ software for linux

Based in Sydney, Australia, the Cleves made an average self-titled album in the early 1970s that was in line with hard rock-progressive rock trends of the day. Originally forming in New Zealand as the Clevedonaires in the mid-'60s, the Cleves were based around three siblings: Gaye Brown (vocals and organ), Ron Brown (guitar), and Graham Brown (guitar). Bassist Milton Lane filled out the lineup, which also made a couple of more pop-oriented singles in 1969 and 1970. They also did an EP, Music From Michael, consisting of a sixteen-minute, ten-part suite, taken from the soundtrack to the film of the same name. After some personnel changes (including the addition of one-time Bee Gees member Vince Melouney on guitar), they moved to the U.S. in late 1971 (minus Melouney) and changed their name to Bitch, issuing three singles on Warner Brothers. The Cleves' only album was competent but uninspiring, typical early-'70s progressive rock, all the material original save an eight-minute cover of "Summertime." With most of the songs hovering between five and seven minutes, it was given to long, not entirely purposeful vamps on organ and guitar, grinding out repetitive, basic hard rock riffs. The vocal sections were very much of-the-time hippie-oriented messages that aimed to uplift and reflect -- nothing to object to in and of themselves, but hardly profound, and often naïve. Sometimes it's a little like hearing the hardest-rocking, most sophisticated parts of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's arrangements, without the songs of CSNY's caliber. Other styles of the day also get a peek, from Creedence Clearwater Revival-style roots rock ("Waterfall") and humming sustain guitar ("Keep Trying," "Time Has Come") to Lee Michaels-style organ ("For a Time"). Unfortunately, the album is not as good as the far more superior influences it uses as reference points.

Line-up / Musicians

Gaye Brown/bass,organ,vocals
Ron Brown/guitar,vocals
Graham Brown/drums
Rob Aicken/guitar,bass
Vince Maloney/guitar
Ace Follington/drums

Discography

Cleves 1971