Circles – The Strange Story Of The Fleur De Lys Britain’s Forgotten Soul Band by Paul ‘Smiler’ Anderson and Damian Jones is published by Acid Jazz

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The Fleur De Lys are one of the most unsung and collectable bands from the late 60s. Despite recording a number of ear-bending singles for Immediate, Polydor and Atlantic their universe never extended further than cult success and limited sales. Jones and Anderson decided to write this book after an initial interview with drummer Keith Guster revealed a fascinating and tragic tale of what might have been. They subsequently interviewed everyone who was either in or associated with the band who was still alive. The results are compelling and detail their early days from being a top Mod band in the Southampton area to becoming the Booker T and the MGs of UK Atlantic records. Everything is told through a series of excellently compiled interviews along with judicious editorial comment. As well as an intimate examination of the classic singles recorded by the band – and why Jimmy Page appears on the B-side of their first single - there are some previously unseen glimpses of early Jimi Hendrix and their musical love affair with Sharon Tandy. This is a brilliant, compelling and must-have book – as good as the Fleur De Lys music and, if you know, that is very good indeed.

Ian Shirley (Record Collector)