You Can't Get It

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "You Can't Get It" by John Lees from his solo album A Major Fancy! This track, a hidden gem from 1974, is one of three bonus tracks included on the 1999 CD reissue by Eagle Records. Unlike most of the album, which Lees wrote himself, "You Can't Get It" is a cover credited to Rider, which was actually the maiden name of Lees' wife, adding a personal touch to the song. Fans on Amazon reviews rave about its heavier sound, with Les Holroyd, Lees' bandmate from Barclay James Harvest, laying down the bass. One reviewer called it the "heaviest track" that gives the album a "strong finish," making it a perfect vibe for our free-spirited listeners tuning into THE ZOO.

Digging deeper, "You Can't Get It" was part of a rare single recorded in 1974, alongside a cover of The Eagles' "Best of My Love." According to BJH's official site, Polydor, Lees' label at the time, failed to promote the single, wary of competing with Barclay James Harvest's rising fame. This lack of promotion left the song underappreciated in its day, but its rediscovery on the CD reissue has made it a collector's favorite among Zoo Freaks who love unearthing rare tracks. The song's raw energy, paired with Lees' smoky vocals, channels a departure from his usual symphonic prog style, giving it a gritty edge that resonates with the hippie soul of our DJ crew.

Now, let’s rewind to how John Lees got his start. Born in Oldham, England, Lees was a founding member of Barclay James Harvest, a band that blended progressive rock with melodic storytelling. Before BJH, Lees honed his chops in R&B bands, a surprising twist for a prog rock icon, as noted on Prog Archives. His early days were spent playing guitar and writing songs, influenced by the Beatles and the vibrant 1960s music scene. By 1967, he co-formed BJH, which gained a cult following through albums like Once Again and Everyone Is Everybody Else. His solo album A Major Fancy, recorded in 1972 but shelved until 1977, showcased his desire to explore beyond BJH’s orchestral sound, with tracks like "You Can't Get It" hinting at his versatility.

Lees’ journey wasn’t without hurdles. As Rate Your Music notes, A Major Fancy was recorded during a turbulent time when BJH was switching labels from Harvest to Polydor, leaving Lees’ solo work in limbo. Despite this, his dedication to music never wavered, and he’s remained active with his version of the band, now called John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest. His ability to weave personal and emotional narratives into his music, as seen in "You Can't Get It," stems from those early days of balancing band life with his solo ambitions.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with John Lees, check out his official presence through Barclay James Harvest’s website, which covers his solo work and band updates. Follow him on Facebook for tour news and fan interactions, though he’s not active on Instagram or X directly. Fans can dive into discussions on the Barclay James Harvest Fans Facebook group, a lively community sharing memories and rare finds. For more, explore BJH’s official site for discographies and stories, keeping the spirit of Lees’ music alive for all our hippie DJs and listeners.