Myke Jackson “Alone” 1975 US private Christian Psych Rock masterpiece…!!! reissue Anazitisis Records Greece 2013

Myke Jackson was the founder of the Alabama band Felt that released the equally brilliant LP on the Nasco label that was in a more hard rock, bluesy style. This LP falls more into a Paul McCartney pop psych vein in which Myke plays and sings all the parts…this is a great long lost psych pop gem and not likely to turn up again anytime soon….
When the Beatles split, Paul McCartney tucked himself away and recorded an album where he played every instrument by himself. The resulting LP was the killer, McCartney. This must have seemed like a tempting prospect for other songwriters in bands. Other well known instances of this are Todd Rundgren from the Nazz and Emitt Rhodes from the Merry-Go-Round. Here’s one you might be unfamiliar with…Myke Jackson from Felt. If this name is new to you then read on, you’re in for a treat!.....

Myke Jackson
Felt were an Alabama, USA band that released a single, self-titled LP on the Nasco label in 1971 which was masterminded by a then 17 year old, virtuoso guitarist named Myke Jackson. The band split shortly after the release of their album. For the next few years, Jackson played in various club bands to pay the bills, while simultaneously recording homemade tapes which he would send to Hollywood producer Ed Seay. A new band was put together but quickly fell apart after failing to get any label interest. In January 1975, Jackson decided to go it alone, borrowing some money from his uncle and renting out Creative Audio Studios in Huntsville to record his album by his self.
The album which would be titled “Alone”, was recorded over three sessions of two days each including the mixes. Due to a lack of funds, each of the songs were recorded in one take, not that you can tell. The production is a little thin but the songs are melodic, (McCartney-esque/powerpop is the overall vibe), the vocals are strong and the playing is first class. Did I mention that Mellotron makes an appearance?
Only 1000 copies of the album were pressed when it came out in 1975, making original copies almost impossible to track down, but in 2013, Greek label Anazitisi Records officially re-released the album from the original masters as a vinyl only, limited to 300 copies, including 100 on blue vinyl, although these too seem to selling fast so grab one while you can. If you’re not yet scrambling around for your credit card to buy this record you really need to ask yourself why you’re reading this blog in the first place! The full story of Myke Jackson and the making of Alone including a recent interview can be found inside the Anazitisi reissue. What are you waiting for?......

I discovered this album through a friend of RYM (Brett), who described the opening track as a crossover between Emith Rhodes and Anonymous. It’s clearly an outstanding album from start to finish where Myke plays all instruments except a violon solin - my favourite tune is probably Lost on a Wave (it reminds me Michael Farneti) - which should have been in Acid Archives, or why not in the Archivist…

And I can’t understand why this LP is so unknown, whereas Myke Jackson was the main man of Felt. But here, it’s far more superior, catchy and soothing, with an high-pitched and fantastic voice. Alone may not knock you out on first listen, but it will grow on you with time. A perfect alternative to Robert Lester Folsom, Alone is all I love in pop music. A 5 star rating.
With a new identity (Mychael), Myke Jackson made another album in 1979 (Neon Dreams). Unfortunately, it’s a completely different sound than the 1975 album. I’m sure it’s the same guy - I contacted him a few months ago. In the digital era, Myke has a new nickname (Mychael John Thomas) and he holds a Myspace on which one there is absolutely no information about his lost album. A big mystery to me….