by Richie UnterbergerOne of the most electrifying one-shot artists of the 60s, British singer Arthur Brown briefly set the charts alight in 1968, as well as thrilling audiences with his theatrical performances, which saw him wearing helmets of fire and outlandish costumes. His debut album was surely one of the most left-field commercial successes of the late 60s, if not of rock history. In addition to topping the British charts (and reaching number two in the U.S.) with his brilliantly demonic single Fire, the self-proclaimed god of hellfire actually scored a Top Ten LP with his 1968 debut. Unveiling Browns demented, fire-obsessed lyrical visions and swooping, theatrical vocals, it showcased his bands manic, agitated psychedelic sound, which was anchored by incendiary drumming, Pete Townshends production, and an organist who could be best described as Jimmy Smith on acid. Browns original band broke up in early 1969; in the early 70s he released several albums with Kingdom Come, which saw him pursuing a maddeningly obscure and less exciting brand of art rock. He recorded off and on after, with an additional flash of fame springing from his role as a priest in the film Tommy.