UK archival record label Seelie Court has officially released “Phoenix,” the 1970s studio recording by British group Helix, across physical LP and CD formats as well as digital streaming and download on Bandcamp.
Helix was a British band from the 1970s that played clubs, pubs, and colleges around London and the home counties. The band styled themselves as “Fantasy Rock,” a progression from the modern Folk music previously written and performed by songwriter and singer Julian Mount.
The Seelie Court/Good Times record company recently expressed interest in re-releasing Mount‘s private release 1973 vinyl album “Unsung Lies” (credited to Weaselsnout/Julian C Mount), and subsequently became interested in Helix, which resulted in this release. Although Helix recorded these tracks at Phoenix Studio in London, they were never released until now.
The release is available in two physical editions alongside a digital release:
Compact Disc Edition (AX012CD): Presented in a deluxe tri-fold cardboard wallet (mini gatefold), the CD edition contains the complete expanded 10-track version of the album. It includes rare archive photographs and extensive liner notes written by Klemen Breznikar.
Vinyl LP Edition (AX012LP): Issued with an obi-strip, archival photos, and liner notes by Klemen Breznikar. The vinyl edition presents a specially curated 7-track selection of the album, omitting the three bonus tracks included on the CD and digital releases.
Digital Album: Available directly via Bandcamp for streaming and high-resolution download (including 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC and MP3).
Purchase “Phoenix” on Bandcamp: https://helixuk.bandcamp.com/album/phoenix
Tracklist:
01. The Goblins Of Pebble Ridge 03:57
02. Black Velvet Sea 03:22
03. Kensington Muse 03:10
04. Madness In My Eyes 05:47
05. Big Apple City 03:32
06. 22nd Century Renegade 07:40
07. Lady Howard’s Night 07:02
08. Something’s Got To Give 07:53
09. Dimensions 06:24
10. Lady Macbeth 03:19
Lineup Details:
All tracks on the “Phoenix” album feature the second version of Helix.
Tracks 1 & 2:
Julian Mount / Songwriter, Singer, 12 string Acoustic Guitar through analogue effects
David Wicken / Lead Guitar and self-built Synthesizer
Paul Boizot / Bass Guitar
(Note: These first two tracks do not feature Greg Hunter on percussion, as he was yet to join the band).
Tracks 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 & 10:
Julian Mount / Songwriter, Singer, 12 string Acoustic Guitar through analogue effects
David Wicken / Lead guitar and self-built Synthesizer
Paul Boizot / Bass Guitar
Greg Hunter / Percussion
Track 7 (“Lady Howard’s Night”):
Julian Mount / Songwriter, singer, 12 string Acoustic Guitar through analogue effects
David Wicken / Self-built Synthesizer
Paul Boizot / Lead Guitar
Greg Hunter / Percussion
Contact info: seeliecourt@email.com
Nerdy comment from a member of the band who has been left off your list of musicians……tracks 3 to 8 are the Phoenix Studios recordings, with Julian Mount, Dave Wicken, Greg Hunter, and myself (Paul Boizot). I assume tracks 1 and 2 are the previous version of Helix – Julian, Dave, and Dave Barnett. Track 10 is Julian solo, I think, and track 9 may be too but I am not sure so far.
Hi Paul! Thanks for setting the record straight—we love this kind of historical precision. We’re updating the musician credits in the article right away. Since you were part of those legendary sessions, we’d absolutely love to interview you for the Journal!. I’m sending a pitch to your email right now. Speak soon! Best, Jacopo
Thank you for correcting this listing using the correct information I have supplied to you recently.
The details given by Paul Boizot in his comment above are wrong.
Hi Julian,
Thank you for the clarification. I appreciate you providing the right information, which allowed us to fix the details and publish a fully accurate article.
Best,
Jacopo