Psych-Pop's Most Intriguing Identity Crisis

When your lead singer exits stage left, you've got two choices: find a replacement or reinvent yourself entirely. The Velvet Opera Mk II chose the latter path, and thank goodness they did. After losing their Elmer in early '69, the remaining members didn't just change direction – they changed dimensions. Enter 12-string wizard Johnny Joyce (fresh from enchanting audiences with Beverley Kutner), joining Paul Brett, John Ford, and Richard Hudson on a journey from psychedelic freak-outs to folk-rock finesse.

Their sole album, "Ride A Hustler's Dream," isn't just a record; it's a snapshot of metamorphosis in action. From their mind-bending take on "Statesboro Blues" to the sitar-soaked "Raga and Lime," this is what happens when talented musicians follow their muse down unexplored pathways. Though their tale was brief (Ford and Hudson would soon craft chart success with The Strawbs), they left behind a fascinating chapter in British music's evolution. Think of it as the missing link between acid-rock ambition and folk-rock sophistication – and thank goodness someone kept the tapes rolling.