Methuselah-Matthew, Mark, Luke And John (1969)

This short-lived British band only released one album, "Matthew, Mark, Luke and John", which, despite containing some great moments, had virtually no commercial impact. Even the Elektra label only released it in the United States, refusing to do so in the band's home country. Despite the biblical title, many wondered at the time what their music had to do with Christianity, aside from the references in some of the song titles and little else. Singer John Gladwin wrote and composed most of the album's material, giving it a sound reminiscent of Fairport Convention's most primitive and raw work, blending traditional British folk with blues and West Coast psychedelic influences. The highlights of this album, which deserves to be rediscovered, are undoubtedly the vibrant and fiery "High in the Tower of Coombie", with its medieval feel, the excellent "Fireball Woman", a sad and mournful ballad, and the jazzy "Frere Jacques". Methuselah disbanded soon afterwards, and Gladwin and rhythm guitarist Terry Wincott left to form the medieval folk group Amazing Blondel, which lasted well into the 21st century.