The Flying Machine - Takes Off (1971)

The Liberators formed in Rugby, Warwickshire in the early 60's, before becoming The Wild Ones between 1962 and 1965, then changing their name again to Pinkerton's Assorted Colours in 1965, under which moniker they scored a Top 10 hit with their first single, 'Mirror, Mirror', co-written with Terry Stevenson and sung by band member Tony Newman. After their second single they shortened their name to 'Pinkerton's Colours', then to 'Pinkertons', but despite releasing a further five singles on Decca and Pye from 1966 to 1968, lack of any more chart success saw them dubbed one-hit wonders. In 1969, following several line-up changes, they reformed as The Flying Machine, consisting of guitarist Tony Newman on vocals, Steve Jones on lead guitar and vocals, Sam Kempe on vocals, Stuart Colman on bass, and Paul Wilkinson on drums. The group's sound ranged from pop to light psychedelia, and they released a string of singles on Pye in 1969 and 1970, although they would not see any UK hits. However, 'Smile A Little Smile For Me' did get to 5 in the US, and a cover of The Marmalade’s 'Baby Make It Soon' reached number 87 there. 

As Pinkerton's Assorted Colours had not made the US charts, but the Flying Machine did, it gave those involved an interesting chart career of not charting in the US with their first band but having a UK hit, and then having it the opposite way round with their second band. The band did get to record an album in 1970, with 'Down To Earth With The Flying Machine' coming out on Pye Records in the UK, and the re-titled 'The Flying Machine' appearing in the US on Janus Records. Band-member Stuart Coleman, who was in both groups, would see success in the 80's as producer for Shakin' Stevens, Cliff Richard and Billy Fury, as well as finding success as a Radio One DJ. Many of the band's singles and b-sides did not appear on their album, and so by adding some of their demos, there was actually enough quality material for a second album some time in 1971, and this is what it could have sounded like.  

Track listing

01 Look At Me, Look At Me
02 Yes I Understand
03 The Flying Machine
04 If You Were True
05 Hey Little Girl
06 Maybe We've Been Loving Too Long
07 Pages Of Your Life
08 Hanging On The Edge Of Sadness
09 Strawberry Fool
10 The Devil Has Possession Of Your Mind
11 Hard, Hard Year
12 Shadow On A Foggy Day
13 Can't Break The Habit
14 Shine A Little Light On Me