Sandrose are France's best representation of the European progressive adaptation of the post Jefferson Airplane sound. For anyone who loves groups like Earth & Fire, Julian's Treatment/Julian Jay Savarin, Goliath, Room, Nattura, Analogy and a host of others then Sandrose is an obvious choice to own. Jean-Pierre Alarcen is absolutely sublime on guitar. Keyboardist Henri Garella lights it up on the organ, and adds more than enough mellotron to satisfy any addict of the instrument. The rhythm section is clearly schooled in jazz improvisation, while Rose Podwojny sings her heart out in a decidedly non-sweet, shrill way. 'Old Dom is Dead' will test your tolerance of her style. Eleven minute 'Underground Session' is not just a highlight of the album, but one of the great instrumental rock tracks of our time. I'm serious.
Ownership: LP: 1972 Polydor. Gatefold. Obtained in a trade with a friend/dealer in Japan (2020). I wanted the French original instead of the UK version since the latter obfuscates the back painting with recording details. When I started collecting progressive rock rarities in earnest in the 1980s, Sandrose was a rare item not be found anywhere. Like many people, I was introduced to this great album (1988) via the Musea LP reissue, which I ultimately parted with.
CD: 2011 Lion Productions (USA). Fine reissue with comprehensive liner notes, more than the others I've owned prior (which includes Musea, M2U, and Belle Antique).
1988; 6/20/10 (new entry); 4/4/17; 5/5/21; 8/25/23
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