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LP
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EMV 006LP
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Originally released on the Vertigo label in 1974 in Australia and their homeland of New Zealand, Universal Radio was Dragon's debut recording. It was also a country mile -- musically speaking -- from the chart-topping anthemic pop they would later become famous for, but that's another story. They released one more album while stationed in NZ in 1975, Scented Gardens For The Blind (also to be reissued by Eminent), before transplanting themselves permanently in Australia and hitting it big with tracks like "April Sun In Cuba," "Get That Jive," "Rain" et al. Universal Radio features the lineup of Marc and Todd Hunter, Ivan Thompson, Ray Goodwin, and Neil Storey, six glorious tracks of elongated and ever-shifting progressive rock (elements of Pink Floyd, Cressida, and early Genesis in there) and the fantastical artwork of Dick Frizzel. The band had garnered a strong domestic following through festival and university concerts and came to record as a fully-evolved beast, mixing the whimsy of "Weetbix" with the darker tones of "Graves." Universal Radio is simply an excellent example of '70s progressive rock, New Zealand or not, and stands alongside Split Enz's debut, Mental Notes, as one of the best and most unique NZ recordings of its day. First ever vinyl reissue, fully authorized by the band, with royalties going directly to the band. Housed in a hi-gloss sleeve with four-page booklet featuring photos, artwork and liner notes penned by noted music historian and author, Ian McFarlane.
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