DRAGON
Universal Radio
Before the Countdown–era Dragon dominated the Australian charts (1975 onwards), the band had existed, in their home country of New Zealand, for some years. Unbeknownst to the public at large, they had also released two excellent progressive rock albums – the first being Universal Radio in 1974.
Like Australia’s Buffalo , Dragon had been one of the first signings to the legendary progressive rock label Vertigo. Also like Buffalo, interest – especially in Europe , has always been high – as evidenced by the proliferation of Bootlegs over the years. Aztec Music’s reissue is the first officially sanctioned release – beware of imitations! With only the Hunter brothers – Todd on bass and Marc on vocals – lasting past 1975, the line-up and direction of the ‘classic’ early line up (Todd, Marc, Ray Goodwin on guitar, Ivan Thompson on keyboards and Neil Storey on drums ) was markedly different to the one who would later dominate the Aussie charts.
Universal Radio is archetypal progressive rock – right down to the cover art - Todd’s remarkable bass playing dominates, ably assisted by Goodwin's fluid guitar and Thompson's swathes of keyboards. And, vocally, with contributions from Marc, Todd and Goodwin, there is little to suggest the latter pop style. The album was well received and by the end of 1974 Dragon had become the top live attraction in New Zealand .
After one further Vertigo album (Scented Gardens For The Blind – out 2010 through Aztec), Dragon made the move to Australia and – with more line-up changes, settled on the second stage of their careers.
Like Australia’s Buffalo , Dragon had been one of the first signings to the legendary progressive rock label Vertigo. Also like Buffalo, interest – especially in Europe , has always been high – as evidenced by the proliferation of Bootlegs over the years. Aztec Music’s reissue is the first officially sanctioned release – beware of imitations! With only the Hunter brothers – Todd on bass and Marc on vocals – lasting past 1975, the line-up and direction of the ‘classic’ early line up (Todd, Marc, Ray Goodwin on guitar, Ivan Thompson on keyboards and Neil Storey on drums ) was markedly different to the one who would later dominate the Aussie charts.
Universal Radio is archetypal progressive rock – right down to the cover art - Todd’s remarkable bass playing dominates, ably assisted by Goodwin's fluid guitar and Thompson's swathes of keyboards. And, vocally, with contributions from Marc, Todd and Goodwin, there is little to suggest the latter pop style. The album was well received and by the end of 1974 Dragon had become the top live attraction in New Zealand .
After one further Vertigo album (Scented Gardens For The Blind – out 2010 through Aztec), Dragon made the move to Australia and – with more line-up changes, settled on the second stage of their careers.
Universal Radio is packaged in a 6 panel digi-pak, with extensive liner notes from music journalist and author David Nichols (writer of ‘The Go-Betweens’). The 24 page booklet has many previously unpublished photographs and the CD has been digitally remastered by Gil Matthews. There are 3 bonus tracks: a rare live version of the Peter Green classic ‘Black Magic Woman’ and the ever rarer pre-Dragon Marc Hunter solo single ‘X-Ray Creature’ / ‘Dinghy Days’.
Tracklisting:
1. Universal Radio
2. Going Slow
3. Patina
4. Weetbix
5. Graves
6. Avalanche
Bonus Tracks:
7. Black Magic Woman (live 1974)
Marc Hunter Single
8. X-Ray Creature
9. Dinghy Days
Tracklisting:
1. Universal Radio
2. Going Slow
3. Patina
4. Weetbix
5. Graves
6. Avalanche
Bonus Tracks:
7. Black Magic Woman (live 1974)
Marc Hunter Single
8. X-Ray Creature
9. Dinghy Days
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