Birdmen Of Alkatraz

Italian psychedelic group formed from members of the Useless Boys. Released the EP Glidin' Off (1986) and the LP From The Birdcage (1989, Contempo). Early lineup included Daniele Caputo and Maurizio Curadi; Curadi later formed Steeplejack. From The Birdcage features cover art by Rick Griffin. The group's recordings have not been reissued on CD.

Key members noted in reviews: Daniele Caputo (drums), Maurizio Curadi (guitar), Alessandro Ansani (bass in precursor Useless Boys), Gianfranco Migliaccio (bass), Marcello Ventura (guitar), Francesco Bocciardi (guitar), Stefano Magni (bass). Useless Boys demo 'Dreams' s Dust Factory' (1983) is referenced. Contempo was the label for From The Birdcage. Curadi active with Steeplejack; Caputo later was active with Standarte and London Underground and has left music.

DeBaser hosts two reviews praising Birdmen Of Alkatraz as a key act in Italian psychedelia. The 1986 EP Glidin' Off is described as their creative peak; the 1989 LP From The Birdcage is noted for its Rick Griffin cover. Lineup changes and subsequent projects (Steeplejack, Standarte, London Underground) are mentioned, and the catalogue lacks CD reissues.

For:Fans of 1960s-influenced psychedelia, garage-rock collectors, followers of the Italian indie/psych scene.