Pink Fairies, Never Never Land (side A)

The Pink Fairies 1971 debut Never Never Land is remembered as a heavy rock classic, thanks to the opening track and single "Do it" and the involvement of Twink (John Alder).  The album is not really as heavy as its reputation.  Paul Rudolph's guitar playing is overwhelmingly powerful, but even when drums and percussion team up, the rest of the band still feels like it's trying to catch up.  While the songwriting can fall a bit short in craftsmanship, it has charm and character to spare, which in many ways makes up for any limitations.  The sound is generally murky and raw — Never Never Land was lo-fi before that approach had come into vogue.  The extra-glossy paper used for the cover flatters the cartoon images on both sides.