William Tell & The Marksmen

Were it not really for the Vancouver BC Record Collector’s Association, this local quintet could have continued to be forever unheard with the world most importantly. Thankfully, the VRCA’s Background of Vancouver Stone, Vol. 4 (VRCA 004; 1991) rectifies that tremendous injustice. The music group included Jeff Edington (business lead vocals), Lindsay Mitchell (business lead guitar), Costs Dunlaw (keyboards), Morris Hillan (bass) and Dave Wilson (drums). Their popularity rests upon an individual monitor, previously unreleased — a 1966 edition from the Tom Northcott tune, “Mary Jane.” The Marksmens’ work is, in short, outstanding. It’s hard to assume this monitor mouldering in a few dusty tape container when obviously it screams for interest. Using a bass series suggestive of “96 Tears” by ? Tag & the Mysterians, “Mary Jane” is normally smouldering folk-rock riddled with psychedelia — a genuine gem. Although Marksmen soon proceeded to go their separate methods, Edington and Mitchell discovered new lease of life with another Vancouver group — the self-proclaimed “renowned” Seeds of your time.