Overlooked UK Psych-Prog: Shape of the Rain’s Riley, Riley, Wood and Waggett

EPYSODE 05: "Riley, Riley, Wood & Waggett" by Shape Of The Rain.

Guests: Ian ("Tag") Waggett, Shape of the Rain drummer; David McPhie, Shape of the Rain band manager; with additional audio excerpts used with permission of Keith Riley, Shape of the Rain singer/guitarist/songwriter.

*This epysode was released in season 1, when the show was titled "Psychedelic Relics".

A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THIS EPYSODE: The Shape of the Rain epysode was completed a few weeks ago. I had intended to release it earlier than this, however on the day before it was set to be published news broke that Keith Riley had passed away. I made the decision to leave the epysode as is, recorded when Keith was still alive. I felt re-editing would take away from the story. Instead I added a short prologue to commemorate Keith's life. He was an extraordinary talent and I can only hope my love for his music comes across in this epysode. I love this band, I love this album and I love Keith's songwriting. RIP Keith, you will be missed.

In this epysode, we learn how this fantastic UK band was influenced by the West Coast sounds of Love, HP Lovecraft etc. to create a unique sound all their own. With excellent songwriting from band leader Keith Riley, they incorporated 12 string guitars with a pedal steel - very unusual for a psychedelic band to use at that time. 

Shape of the Rain played with EVERY major band of the day. Only releasing one album in their lifetime, it's the classic tale of a band who had all the components to be major stars. However fate it seems had other plans.

I hope you dig "Riley, Riley, Wood & Waggett" as much as I do.

- Farmer John

===CONNECT & SUPPORT===

Transport yourself into the realm of grooviness by supporting us on Patreon using this link -->

patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic

Use this link to follow us on Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/farmerjohnmusic/

Use this link to follow us on Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/vinylrelics/

Use this link to follow us on TikTok --> https://www.tiktok.com/@vinylrelicspodcast

Use this link to follow us on BlueSky --> https://bsky.app/profile/farmerjohnmusic.bsky.social

And find us on X here --> @VinylRelicsPod

Email me here --> [email protected]

===LINKS===

A recent reissue of their lone album is a great addition for fans as it includes not only a remastered version of the album, but a plethora of fantastic unreleased tracks plus a complete live album. Buy this today! ⁠⁠ https://www.cherryred.co.uk/shape-of-the-rain-riley-riley-wood-amp-waggett-3cd-digipak#:~:text=It's%20a%20fascinating%20overview%20of,immediately%20post%2DBeatles%20new%20dawn⁠⁠. 

===THE MUSIC===

Here's a Spotify playlist featuring all the tracks used in this epysode:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2kqvEAJuZLn7OB8FoIe7zz?si=1a845f59435d4f69

 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices