Hopscotch / Andwella

Look at the Lights Go Up / Hold on to Your Mind Hopscotch / Andwella

The latest 45 on Bob Stanley's Measured Mile label is another double-sided gem, this time picking up on a pair of terrific turn-of-the-70s acts whose original 7" singles are now both hard to find and horribly expensive. Hopscotch's 'Look At The Lights Go Up' is a terrific mod mover, and original copies now sell for £300. The group were a precursor to the Average White Band - hence their ability to fill a dancefloor - and their one and only single was arranged by the great John Cameron (Kes, Psychomania and sundry KPM library classics). Andwella were a heavier offshoot of psych act Andwella's Dream, whose "Love And Poetry" album is a four-figure job. 'Hold On To Your Mind' is a fabulous raver, reminiscent of early 70s free festivals where the dew has soaked the bottom of your flares and the best way to forget about that is by dancing. Once a funky rock obscurity, it is now in-demand thanks to being played out by the likes of Bill Brewster.