Michael Oakley

Michael Oakley was a band that formed in 1965 around guitarist and vocalist Michael Oakley, drummer Phil Morgan, and bassist Dave Bryant. They came up during the mid-1960s when British Invasion and psychedelic sounds were shaping the scene, and their music reflected that mix of folk melodies and more experimental textures.

Their debut album in 1966 included the song "Crystal Ships," which became their most recognized track. They followed it with albums like "Crystal Ships" in 1967 and "The Time Machine" in 1968, records that leaned into spiritual themes and blended psychedelic rock with folk and electronic elements. Other songs in their catalog include "Devotion," "Turn Back Time," and "Rain."

At different points, the lineup included additional musicians like keyboardist John Castel, sitar player Mark Lloyd, and vocalist Jane Carter. The band's lyrics, which touched on spirituality and social unrest, sometimes drew criticism from more conservative listeners of the era.