Popol Ace - Cat Of 9 Tales: Best Of 1972-1978 (1994)

Having roots as far back as 1959 with The Scavers and later releasing a single Arman Stumpe Dur Express, this Norwegian quintet that released two albums under the Popol Vuh moniker (a Maya mythology-related name), until they became aware of a German band using the same name, they changed their names to Popol Ace. The group went on to release another two albums before folding at the end of the decade. Musically, they sounded much straigjhter progressive rock than their German mystical homonyms: mellotrons and flute parts , funky jazz-rock and softer ballads were among their usual tricks found in their first two albums (S/T and Quiche Maya) under the Vuh name.

In 75, with the name change to Popol Ace, the group embarked in their most ambitious project the expensive and studio time demanding Stolen From Time, a concept album strongly influenced by Genesis, but too rigidly produced to gather the hoped-for international success. Lead singer Jan Teigen then left the group to become one of the country's leading pop singer and entertainer. The group hired a new vocalist in 78, but their last album is best forgotten by everyone (PV/PA included) and the group disbanded later that year. .

Lately, the full works of this band have been gathered in a 5 Cd box set with all sorts of bonus and unrealeased material, including a live disc.