Once Upon A Time - The Collection includes Proto-Prog trio Clouds' three studio albums The Clouds Scrapbook (1969), Watercolour Days (1971), and the US-only release Up Above Our Heads (1970) plus 23 previously unreleased tracks and a wealth of additional rare material. The set provides a complete picture of the band's brief but influential career. 

 

At the centre of the package is a booklet featuring new essays from all three original band members: Billy Ritchie, Ian Ellis and Harry Hughes along with never-before-seen photographs and rare ephemera. 

 

Packaged in a CD sized hardback sleeve with booklet. 

 

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Clouds were a highly influential Scottish prog-rock band formed in Edinburgh in the mid-1960s. Under their original name 1-2-3, the band gained attention in London's underground scene, especially at The Marquee Club in 1967. Their sound was ahead of its time—fusing classical, jazz, and rock influences with no lead guitarist, and Billy Ritchie taking centre stage on keyboards. Ritchie’s flamboyant, frontman-style organ work would later inspire keyboardists like Keith Emerson. 

 

In 1968, under the guidance of Brian Epstein's NEMS agency and Terry Ellis (who would go on to co-found Chrysalis), they changed their name to Clouds. They were the first band signed to Chrysalis Records and were early architects of progressive rock, predating many better-known acts of the genre. Though short-lived, Clouds are now seen as pioneers of the progressive rock movement. Their innovative structure, particularly Ritchie's role as a lead keyboardist, helped pave the way for bands like Yes, ELP, and Genesis.