World Of Oz

The World of Oz is the group that got such a lot of publicity, when their manager fed and clothed them in a luxury Park Lane flat for several months before their debut disc, "Muffin Man" was well recieved, but unfortunately could not live up to the publicity. However, a fine group with great songwriting potential, they are able to write up to forty-five songs in one month! Their history is that Christopher Robin (lead) and David Reay (drums) played with a group, The Mayfair in Germany for a year. On returning home the disbanded. Dave and Chris put an ad in a record paper and Kubie Kubinec (organ) and Tony Clarkson (bass) were selected at the audition.



WILLOWS HARP : A track from the group's self-penned Lp, "World of Oz". Very difficult to decribe because it's a disc of so many different facets. A thought provoking lyric, a cantering beat and a magnificently scored orchestral backing (with wowing guitar prominent) are the main features. But it's a record you can hear over and over, and still find something new on it.



THE WORLD OF OZ are becoming something of a cult themselves. Although they haven't yet toppled the charts, they have a huge following both here and in the States. Listen to "Willow's Harp" and you'll understand why. It's on Deram, DM 223, Very weird and wonderful.



WILLOWS HARP : Some time ago I said watch out for this group and for once I was right. Their records have got progressively better until this - which really proves that they are a group who have something new to offer. This odd pretty song is from their new LP. And if this is a sample of what's to come then I wait with eager anticipation. Doomy strings, weird guitar, peculiar lyrics, bongoes and very nice vocal. A very sharp clean-cut record that deserves attention.



Is that what it's called - "Willow's Harp"? I couldn't begin to tell you who it is. I quite like the words - to see your maker's face is a very good idea. It's refined rubbish, really. I'm crazy about the song and it won't be a hit in my humble opinion.



WILLOWS HARP : Good, but hard to see in the charts as it is from a new album. But a Record of the week nevertheless. Can't understand to this day why "Muffin Man" didn't make it. This is excitingly performed with off-beat sounds.



WORLD OF OZ have had several changes in the past few months - and an interesting excursion into the LP market with "The World of Oz" (Deram). A foretaste of the album will be in the shops on Friday on a single trailer, "Willow's Harp".



The World of Oz whose new single, "Willow's Harp" and album were released last week, have been approached to work on the follow-up film to "The Rope and the Cult" which Scott Walker did the soundtrack for. Director Robert Hussein has also asked Christopher Robin to take a major acting role in the film but it is felt that this would disrupt the group's activities too much. The group's first major TV appearance, in BBC 2's "Colour Me Pop" is transmitted on March 1.



World of Oz have been approached by a French film company to play on a film soundtrack. Lead singer, Christopher Robin may have a part in the film



WORLD OF OZ get their first ever major TV booking on BBC-2's "Colour Me Pop" on March 1. They'll play all their own material. Listen out also for their current album. It's a gas!



The biggest earners of all, by their own admission - the Jimi Hendrix Experience. "After us come the Cream, although of course they have now disbanded," says Experience's Noel Redding. "Then the Who and even Deep Purple, who haven't made it in their own country, must come pretty soon. World of Oz, for example, mean much in Britain, but their two singles - "Muffin Man" and "King Croesus" - flops here, were enormus overseas sellers, right across the Continent into Spain, down to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, across to America. Even a cover version of "Muffin Man" topped the Irish charts for four weeks.



£10,000 BOOST : World of Oz have already had over £10,000 pumped into their promotion, make another bid for the charts with "Beside the Fire". They have had some cause for celebration for their single, "Muffin Man" released here last May, was a hit in Holland, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and "King Croesus" got into the American Top 100. It just seems to be Britain where they are still waiting for a hit. Everyone at Luxy loves the record, I'm sure you will. Keep tuned into 208 and listen out for it. The boys will have an LP out soon. They were thinking of calling it Fluid Oz.



The World of Oz is a lovely group. Their sound is not particularly original - they tend to be rather Bee Gee - like in sound - but they get our full marks for a pretty, medlodic effect, and real originality in their songwriting. On no account should you miss hearing their first album, "The World of Oz" (Deram), a super showcase for all their talents. Good singing, especially.