Various Artist - Sometimes I Wonder (The Psychedelic Pop Sound Of President) (2004)

Whilst it could never lay claim to being a front-runner of the British Psychedelic movement, President Records was nonetheless quick to respond to changing musical tastes when it was launched into the heady midst of swinging London in 1966. In keeping with other independents at the time, President's autonomy allowed it to experiment freely with new artists and saw the label expand into areas which nowadays might be termed Psych Pop. And whilst it's true that its major successes both at home and abroad were with artists like The Equals and Dorothy Squires, within Sike circles many of its more left-field releases are now beginning to enjoy the recognition that eluded them first time around.

Eagerly awaited by fans of the genre, "Sometimes I Wonder" draws together the cream of President's Psych recordings, most of which have never before been available on CD. Comprising both single cuts and rare album tracks, "Sometimes I Wonder" takes the listener on a magical mystery tour through the President vaults, via its offshoots Jayboy and Gemini. Here then are 27 tracks by The Explosion, Rhubarb Rhubarb, Chords Five, Pure Gold, Barbara Ruskin, The Exception, Rick Price and Mike Sheridan, ranging from the gently-phazed day-tripper Pop of The Symbols' "Again" to the all-out psychotic reaction that is The She Trinity's "Climb That Tree".

Expertly compiled by Psych Pop authority David Wells and bursting with rare memorabilia and photographs, this is essential listening for all Popsike devotees.