Brand new sealed double album housed in smart gatefold cover.
In New Zealand we knew them as the fresh faced pop band The Clevedonaires. In 1968 they were booked to entertain the Anzac troops in Vietnam. The Viet Kong's Tet Offensive soon put a stop to that just days before they were to leave. With all of their gear packed and no bookings, they headed for Australia where they shortened their name to The Cleves and went on to become one of the hottest prog psych bands in Sydney.
1971 saw the release of their critically acclaimed self titled debut album. Soon afterwards they decided to try their luck in the booming UK glam scene where they changed their name once again, this time to the more confrontational Bitch.
With only enough money to last a few months they took a huge gamble by pooling all of their money and hiring the legendary Speakeasy Club in London for a one night showcase. Guests were invited from all of the major labels and surprisingly they all turned up. By the end of the night there were two major labels bidding but WEA clinched the deal with a winning offer of a £10,000 contract.
The album was recorded at Apple Studios, George Martin's AIR Studios and Morgan Street Studios. Tony Ashton and Carly Simon’s guitarist Jim Ryan produced, bringing in Madeline Bell and Doris Troy to provide backup vocals on two tracks.Completed in 1973 but shelved due to management upheavals at the label, this incredible slice of gritty glam goodness has remained unreleased….until now!
Real Groovy and The Cleves are proud to present a double vinyl album featuring their 1971 album The Cleves alongside the unreleased 1973 UK album they recorded as Bitch.This is your chance to hear New Zealand’s best kept musical secret.
