The Other Nirvana

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More About

• Patrick Campbell-Lyons
• Nirvana (Band)
• Simon Simopath
• Salvador Dali
• Arts, Entertainment, and Media

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When Cobain hit the big time, old-timers had to remind young 'uns that Kurt's crew weren't the first Nirvana. Nirvana (U.K.), as they are now often referred to, were two Brit pop rockers who released The Story of Simon Simopath in 1967, arguably the first concept album, and they specialized in strong melodies and ambitious orchestrations. Patrick Campbell-Lyons, one-half of this Nirvana, has written a memoir called Psychedelic Days 1960-1969that enthusiastically recalls Swinging London and follows the Hippie Trail to Morocco and Brazil. Along the route we meet Townshend, Hendrix, the Everly Brothers, Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, Jimmy Cliff -- even Paul Bowles and Salvador Dali. But Campbell-Lyons doesn't neglect his craft for scenester tales; his tributes to record-racket legends Mickie Most and Chris Blackwell are essential to understanding how music evolved during that remarkable era. The Last Bookstore, 400 S. Main St., dwntwn.; Sat. March 26, 6 p.m.; free. (213) 617-0308, lastbookstorela.com. (Also at Borders Hollywood, 1501 Vine St., Hlywd.; Thurs. April 7, 7 p.m.; free. 323-463-8519, borders.com.)
Sat., March 26, 6 p.m.; Thu., April 7, 7 p.m., 2011