What is Galactic Ramble?
Galactic Ramble is the most comprehensive guide ever published to British pop, rock, folk and jazz albums issued between 1963 and 1973. A4 in size, it features around 3000 albums (arranged alphabetically), and is 550 pages long. Also included are numerous top ten lists, a section of recommended LPs and a catalogue of tracks by lesser-known or collectable album artists that only appeared on 45 or EP. A complete list of the albums reviewed in the book can be found here.

What’s the aim of Galactic Ramble?
The period covered by the book saw a massive increase in the number of LPs released, on both major and minor labels. Many sold poorly, and change hands for huge sums today. The aim of Galactic Ramble is to describe the music contained on those, and to contextualise them with better-known albums.

Is Galactic Ramble illustrated?
Yes – the book has hundreds of rare illustrations dotted throughout its pages, as well as two sections of full-colour plates depicting collectable LP sleeves.

Who wrote Galactic Ramble?
It is written by a panel, whose different areas of expertise cover practically every genre of popular music. To learn more about the contributors, please see the separate link. The book also features a lengthy introduction by legendary producer David Hitchcock (Caravan, Mellow Candle, Aardvark, the Pink Fairies, Camel, East Of Eden etc).

Are all the reviews in Galactic Ramble new?
No – wherever possible, new reviews have been juxtaposed with old ones culled from a range of vintage British music journals, so that both contemporary and modern critical perspectives can be gained.

What has been left out of Galactic Ramble?
Classical music, spoken word, comedy, traditional jazz and most easy listening albums have been omitted, as have a handful of well-known pop acts (such as Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck). Greatest hits collections have also largely been excluded, and though a few compilations have been included under ‘various artists’, the majority of label samplers are absent, as are all but a handful of film and TV soundtracks.

What other information does Galactic Ramble have in it?
It is the first book ever to date albums of this period precisely to their month of release, rather than giving just the year. All catalogue numbers are also given, as well as details of custom inner sleeves, lyric sheets and other inserts.

Where can I buy Galactic Ramble?
The book can be bought from Waterstones, Borders and all other major UK bookshops, as well as on eBay and Amazon. It can also be obtained directly via this website.

How can I find out more about Galactic Ramble?
Please feel free to email any enquiries to info@foxcotebooks.com.