This Is to Certify: Gemini Anthology - Rick Price

An astonishingly good collection of the post-Move recordings of Rick Price, both solo and in his collaboration with Birmingham rock singer Mike Sheridan, originally cut for Gemini Records and released circa 1970. The music is an often appealing mix of psychedelia, pop/rock, and art rock, rather McCartney-esque at times but in the best possible way -- think of the production on "Martha My Dear" and "Your Mother Should Know," and the texture of the Move's "Beautiful Daughter" from the Shazam album and you've got the idea. Just as important, there's a ton of previously unissued material here that's well-worth hearing, and the entire double-CD set -- while lacking the kind of high-wattage kick that Roy Wood's or Jeff Lynne's presence would have provided (apart from some moments of jangling, Byrds-like guitar) -- is a vital addendum to the Move's history, and at least as essential listening as the first ELO album. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide