John Bassman Group - Filthy Sky. 1970 Netherlands

The Netherlands' John Bassman Group released only this one album (and a 45 with cuts from that album), and that was it. There isn't anyone named John Bassman for those who are curious who that might be. The album overall is a mixed bag, with some fantastic early examples of progressive rock with female vocals, while others are run-of-the-mill blues rock. The album opens great with 'Filthy Sky', followed by the album's highlight 'His Name Was Tom'. This track features some of the coolest wah wah effects this side of Amon Duul II’s Tanz Der Lemming. The slow burn of 'Two Rings' is also not to be missed. Closer 'Can You Dig It' oddly reminds me of a jangly Black Sabbath 'Paranoid', mainly considering the vocal delivery. There's also some real junk on here too, namely the country/blues/gospel duo of 'Teddy Boy's Blues' and 'Sing a Song at my Grave'. And I've never been a fan of the selfish look-at-us hippy dippy rock of 'Woodstock Generation'. Overall Filthy Sky might appeal to fans of Affinity and Goliath, but there's not near enough meat on the bones here to compete IMO.

There is an LP reissue (Missing Vinyl) but no CD as of yet.

cd-r

11/27/13 (CDRWL)