French TV - 9: This Is What We Do. 2006 USA-Kentucky

Another new album from French TV. Another great album from French TV. There are few bands that can match French TV's consistent high quality over a long period of time. For 20+ years, French TV has produced and continues to produce complex, challenging progressive rock. Even more amazing, they actually get better with each release. Now they didn't set the bar real high in their early years, but they never put out a bad record either. But they seem to be getting better almost exponentially. I’m in awe of a band who can release nine albums in a 23 year time span, and never sound stale, retro or trendy. They never mail it in. And they are what one would want from a band that carries the heady term of progressive around. French TV are a mix of Avant Prog, Canterbury, big name UK symphonic, French and Scandinavian styles, even some of the more obscure over the top US progressives like Cathedral and Mirthrandir (and yes, they would have had access to these bands since their inception). But mostly they sound like French TV. In fact, as I hear This is What We do, I recall another elder statesman of creative rock music: Patrick Forgas and his Forgas Band Phenomena. Commercial success was never part of the blueprint for these gentleman. The material they compose is both complex and mature, yet still maintains the edge of youth. We have so few role models in rock music that carried the creative banner for decades, so we must look to jazz and icons like Miles Davis to see this kind of pushing forward as the years go by.

This is among my favorite releases by French TV. I've never listened to all of their albums back to back, but it would probably be interesting to note the ascension.

Ownership: CD: 2006 Pretentious Dinosaur

9/30/11 (new entry)

Algaravia - Breve e Interminável. 1996 Brazil

There was a time in the 1990's when PRW was one of progressive rock's leading lights in terms of discovering new acts. And Algaravia was one of their true gems. Some 15 years later, the band is sadly and completely forgotten.

Algaravia, who open with a track named 'Crimsoniana', leave little doubt to who their heroes are. A dual guitar quintet, with minimal keyboards and an extra percussionist (giving it a slight Santana flair), Algaravia no doubt worship at the Red and Starless & Bible Black altar. But just like fellow South American's Exsimio (Chile) demonstrated a few years later, Algaravia took a portion of the King Crimson sound and moved it further and into new areas of development. Some classic 90's Djam Karet can be heard here too (especially in the fuzz tone guitar explosions). I think it's a splendid album - and a total tragedy the band stopped here.

Ownership: CD: 1996 PRW

9/28/11 (new entry)

Cosmic Invention – Help Your Satori Mind. 1997 Japan

Cosmic Invention were a supergroup made up of Japan's finest astral travelers such as Ghost, White Heaven, Subvert Blaze, and Overhang Party. Despite the heritage, Cosmic Invention were remarkably restrained - thus recalling the 1970's Kosmische Kourier sound more so than the mostly nauseous 90's guitar fuzz overload the above mentioned names are likely to invoke (other than maybe Ghost). And this is a good thing for the UMR. Cosmic Invention seemed to have mastered the best of Can, Emtidi, and the Galactic Supermarket, while the title track is a definite nod to the 1970's hard progressive rock of the Flower Travellin' Band.

This one received good reviews and a bit of indie press back when it came out. Today the album is largely forgotten. That's too bad. Kudos to Drag City for keeping the album in the spotlight.

Ownership: CD: 1997 The Now Sound. Jewel case. 

9/26/11 (new entry); 8/20/20

Hands. 1977-1980 USA-Texas (archival)

Hands is the album that pretty much started it all for Shroom. I'll never forget when I first heard this CD. I fell off my chair, perhaps literally. The fact that Hands were from Farmers Branch*, Texas was surreal for me. Your humble author grew up and went to school all of about 2 minutes from the suburb, in Northwest Dallas. Anyone who is from the area, will remember the landscape well - with KZEW and KDFW 102 (pre-Q102) leading the way in FM radio. The years of 1977-1981 is where I cut my teeth on rock music - loyally listening to Randy Davis on weeknights, calling (bugging?) him many nights, and this incredible man taking my calls, and sometimes saying "hold on dude - let me put on a longer song and we'll talk". I mean, seriously, I was a 15 year old heavy metal punk with a thirst for knowledge and this radio professional would give ME the time? Wow. And he told me where I could find rare records and the like. That folks, is inspiring - even as I reflect over 40 years later. No rose colored glasses either - straight fact.

And so with my Sanyo all-in-one stereo, I would religiously pop in the cassette, and record KZEW's album of the night - which included everything from mainstreamers like Rush and Pink Floyd to AOR's groups such as Airborne (heard of them, have you?). Endless radio ads summoned you to wet T-shirt night at some local Dallas dive rock club (Ritz Theater, The Electric Ballroom, The Paladium, Agora Ballroom) with enticing band names, all long forgotten. But for certain, Hands was not among them. Can we go back to 1978? I want a do over.

Let's talk Hands for a brief moment. Yes, Gentle Giant, Renaissance, Genesis, ELP and every other mainstream progressive rock band will instantly come to mind. Guitar, violin, flute, keyboards, bass, and drums. The music at times is surprisingly delicate and sophisticated. It's not a conclusion one would normally come about considering 1970s Texan culture. But of course that's a caricature - and these guys actually lived there, as did I. Like most of America, DFW was very diverse by then.

A strikingly great piece of American progressive rock, that had no chance at major label attention. By 1980 The Police, Asia, The Buggles, Loverboy, and Journey ruled the airwaves. That's what the labels and fans wanted to hear. Complex progressive rock was out. The New Wave and what we then called "corporate rock" were in. MTV was here to stay.

* So why does the name Farmers Branch mean anything to you? Perhaps you'll recall one of the earliest white rappers claiming he went to some "tough school in the projects". That was Vanilla Ice. And he went to Farmers Branch / Carrollton R.L. Turner High School (didn't even graduate). No street cred in that I'm afraid.

And while on the personal topic, my good friend Dave, who was then starting a band called Storm at Sunrise - asked me my opinion on a guitarist he should choose - someone who could play both hard rock and progressive. I thought of Ernie Myers of Hands immediately - plus he was local to the area. Dave contacted him, and the rest is history.

Ownership: CD: 1996 Shroom. Super archival release chock full of interesting history. Purchased new upon release.

Windopane - See? 1994 USA-Indiana

In the early 90's there were a few bands from both the Midwest United States and in the UK which featured guitar centric psychedelic groups that revolved around long improvised and frenetic jams. From the UK you had Bevis Frond, Outskirts of Infinity, Ear Candy, Mynd Muzik and the Incredible Expanding Mindfuck. From Ohio and Indiana there was Many Bright Things, Simones, Tombstone Valentine, and... Windopane. The twist here is that Windopane were lead by a husband and wife team of dual guitarists, with an accompanying booklet that implies a heart wrenching story of a child given up to adoption by the female lead when she was only 16. A fairly active drummer rounds out the trio.

There really isn't anything extraordinary about this album, or the compositions within. But if you like a good old fashioned instrumental wah wah guitar extravaganza without ever going to excess, then this is one you should look for in the dollar bin of your local brick and mortar - or favorite auction house.

They released another album a year later, which I recall as not being up to snuff. Don't remember much about it, but I sold it way back when in any case.

Ownership: CD: 1994 Or

9/25/11 (new entry)

National Health - Missing Pieces. 1975-1976 England (archival)

East Side Digital of Minneapolis are most famous for reissuing all 3 National Health studio albums in one glorious 2 CD package - as far back as 1990. It's worth the price of admission alone for the absolutely hilarious liner notes from main protagonist Dave Stewart. So when ESD announced they had unearthed a pile of unreleased gems, prior to their first album, with Mont Campbell (Egg), Steve Hillage and Bill Bruford amongst the usual Canterbury suspects - along with more hysterical liner notes - well... we all couldn't get our wallets out fast enough.

Perhaps most amazing is that most of this CD is on par with their brilliant first two albums (and I'll proudly go on record here - I'm a huge Canterbury fan - and I think National Health are the best band of the entire scene - especially Queues and Cures). Some folks even say it's their best album period. While I won't go that far, I will say this is one of the most essential archival albums ever released.

CD: 1996 ESD (USA)

Ramses - La Leyla. 1976 Germany

When I first purchased La Leyla on LP back in the 80s, I didn't care for it much and sold it off. But by the time I grabbed this CD in the late 90s, my ears had adjusted to the type of symphonic progressive rock that was popular in Germany during this era. In many ways, Ramses were a Teutonic version of the kind of progressive music being attempted here in the States, albeit at the grassroots level. Thick analog tones and production, fine compositions, and plenty of ideas allow the music to flow by comfortably.

Ownership: CD: 1993 Sky w/ Eternity Rise. Sky never really seemed to have their heart into CD's and always did - what my Indian friends would say - the needful. At some point I should pick up the LP again to supplement.

Luciano Basso - Voci. 1976 Italy

1976 is pretty much the last hurrah for this kind of "big" symphonic progressive rock coming from Italy. Madrugada, Corte dei Miracoli, Celeste, PFM and Banco DMS all threw in their lot for one last try - before either folding or succumbing to more trendy fusion or pop styles.

Basso's debut is a very fine example of this sound. Eschewing the heightened frenzy of the classic early 70's style, Basso takes on a more mature and measured disposition, and the album is very pleasant. The keyboards are all the classic vintage 70's toys (Mellotron, Hammond, electric piano) along with quite a bit of expertly played acoustic piano parts. A strong violin/cello presence adds a unique dimension, while guitar and a sprightly rhythm section round out the sound. Hard to go wrong with this one for progressive rock fans. And while it doesn't extend much beyond the genre's norm, for something perhaps truly extraordinary, it nonetheless fulfills the daily bread portion of one's progressive musical diet.

Ownership: LP: 1976 Ariston. Textured single sleeve. Acquired from a well known Japanese dealer at the 1994 ProgFest.

11/7/94; 9/23/11 (new entry); 2/15/22

Grupo N.H.U. 1978 Spain

1978 was Spain's boom year in terms of progressive rock music, and Grupo N.H.U. met the challenge head on. One of the finest from the Spanish progressive scene, Grupo N.H.U. contains everything that made the Spanish scene so special. Strong compositions marked by many changes. Fat keyboards, loud acid guitar, and a complex, exciting rhythm section make up the centerpiece of the group. An excellent vocalist and a strong fusion edge a la Mahavishu Orchestra rounds out one of the true bona-fide classics of the Spanish scene. An absolute must hear.

Gosh, do I have anything to add? Perhaps a bit more psychedelic space rock oriented than I implied above. You know, it's not really a typical Spanish release, in the sense that it lacks indigenous qualities - qualities which were still in abundance in late 1970's Spain. Final smokin' fusion track reminds me of primo Crucis (Argentina). N.H.U. stands for Noche Hermosa Una (A Beautiful Night).

Ownership: LP: 1978 Novola. Gatefold. Purchased online in 2000. Had the CD once as well, but sold it off since it didn't add anything extra.

1/18/01 (Gnosis)

Spektakel - s/t. 1974 Germany (archival)

I still remember when Ken first put this CD out - myself and my running pack all bought it immediately and unconditionally. I can only imagine his initial enthusiasm at discovering such buried treasure as this. It had to be transcendental. A few years earlier, he had released the full canon of SFF's works (Schicke, Führs & Fröhling) - already a monumental achievement, especially for an American label. But now this? Sounding like demo versions of Cathedral's famed Stained Glass Stories or the also-to-be-discovered-later Deju Vu - Between the Leaves album from Norway, Spektakel is the mellotron soaked fantasy of every progressive rock collector's dreams. Is it a little loose in places? Well, sure. It wasn't ready for prime-time. But when you consider how strong the material is despite the lack of original editing, holy cow - this is about as good as it gets. An absolute must own archival release.

CD: 1996 Laser's Edge (USA)

Epidaurus - Earthly Paradise. 1977 Germany

If there's ever an album that is misunderstood, it's this one. Naysayers are a fact of life in the progressive rock world, and boy do they line up to skewer this baby. They hyperventilate in their glee to scream "overrated!", "overhyped!", "over-everything-I-hate-about-progressive-rock-collectors-even-though-I-am-one!". Favorite target of course is vocalist Christiane Wand. She sings soprano, which sounds a bit disorienting at first, but actually adds a certain amateur charm. Her total impact? About 4 minutes of the disc - all on Side 1. Yep - that's about it. 4 minutes. And her wordless voice is quite enticing, further adding to her value. You'd think by reading many reviews she was all over this thing like Diamanda Galas.

So even if her rather strange voice is not according to your taste, there is close to 30 minutes (it's a short album anyway) of high quality instrumental dual keyboard-driven progressive rock. The album is loaded to the gills with mellotron, Moog, organ, flute, Taurus pedals, active rhythms, the works (no guitars though). It has a very fat sound that I find highly appealing. In fact in some ways, Side 2 could work well as an excellent example of Berlin School sequencer based electronic rock (think Schulze's Moondawn, Wolfgang Bock's Cycles, or You's Electric Day) - especially the track 'Mitternachtstraum'.

Don't let the wet-blanket crowd get you down. This one is truly a gem.

CD: 1991 Penner
LP: 2010 Garden of Delights
LP: 1995 Resurrection

This is release number #1 for the famed Garden of Delights label (then known as Penner), and is considerably weaker from an archival perspective (sound is great!) than later reissues. There's a very brief bio, all in German, and one fuzzy photo - and that's it! They were to improve dramatically as a label from here though. I bought the CD shortly after it was released and was the first time I'd ever even heard of the band! I've also owned the Resurrection LP reissue which is definitely a high quality job, but ultimately decided to sell it as the overall package isn't that much of interest. No regrets. Years later I did pick up the Garden of Delights LP version, and this time they've expanded the biography greatly. Worth owning both I think. Original LPs are quite rare and expensive.

Oresund Space Collective. 2006 Denmark-Sweden

Oresund Space Collective are yet another Scandinavian space rock crew, who revel in the art of the groove and the jam, and eschew any kind of arty pretension. Large ensembles are the way to go when performing this kind of exploratory music, and OSC deliver all kinds of personnel and instrumentation (including multiple guitars and an array of vintage and modern keyboards). A true international bunch, in that their very name is the bridge between Denmark and Sweden - and lead by the American scientist Dr. Space (Scott Heller). A fine beginning for the band, who were to improve greatly from here - not to mention become far more prolific.

CD: 2006 Transubstans

I sold my original CD copy in 2018. It was #322. While I enjoyed the album, I couldn't justify keeping it in light of the money it was going for.

1/31/07; 9/12/11 (new entry); 12/10/17

Tangle Edge - Improvised Drop Outs. 1983 Norway

Improvised Drop Outs is well named, as that's exactly what it is. Basically these are relatively short song skeletons, with free form psychedelic improvisations thrown on top. If you're familiar with Tangle Edge at all, the style is instantly recognizable even at this early stage. It can all be a bit much. As the AC joked on the CDRWL: "seems like nine and a half hours", but it does have a trance like effect if you leave it in the background. It's incidental film and TV music for an opium den. For my ears, this is way more preferable than the modern noise makers such as Acid Mother's Temple.

Ownership: CD: 2010 private

The CD is titled Dropouts and is self-released by the band. It's a 2 CD set in a small flip pack. It's lacking any extras, like bonus tracks, liner notes or photos, but it's still nice to have this on CD - and much better than those old cassettes! Despite this, I had too much Tangle Edge already, and let this one go.

9/10/11 (new entry)

Ibliss - Supernova. 1972 Germany

Ibliss are a superb ethnic jazz rock band with psychedelic flute, percussion and guitar. Music can best be described as moody / atmospheric mixed with heavy jamming. A bit like classic Embryo, as found on Rocksession, but more loose and free.

CD: 2009 Garden of Delights
LP: 1972 Aamok

Way back in the 1980s, I found a brand new copy of this LP in a record store for about $5. I couldn't wait to bring it home with a cover like that! But I didn't like it. I wasn't quite ready then for what we now call "Kraut Fusion". And I traded it to a dealer friend shortly thereafter (he gave me a fair price for the era). I regret it now, but I was still new to record collecting. But the good news is that we finally received a wonderful CD reissue from Garden of Delights. And so I now own this copy and maybe one day I'll splurge for another original LP. The CD features great sound, liner notes and photos. No bonus tracks for this one though (which is rare for GoD). Which means, of course, there aren't any extra tracks to be found I'm sure.

Oresund Space Collective – The Black Tomato. 2007 Denmark-Sweden

The Black Tomato is Oresund Space Collective's third album and my personal favorite of the ones I've heard by the band. This title sounds more like a vintage Kosmische release rather than the more modern Ozric Tentacles school of space rock. Long tracks (two of the three clock over 30 minutes each in fact) that shimmer with that early 70's German vibe, but also keeps the motor running throughout, so there's no room for boredom to sit in. And high energy guitar-driven Krautrock always wins here around the UMR household.

Looking for a place to start with the vast OSC catalog? Start with this one.

Ownership: CD: 2007 Transubstans

2008; 9/8/11 (new entry)

Spirosfera – Umanamnesi. 1996 Italy

My original notes stated:

A good one from the second renaissance of Italian progressive rock. Umanamnesi has aged well and sounds great to my modern ears. Great vocals in the Stratos / Piras mold - heavy guitar (not metal) - lots of inventive changes - excellent bass work. Like a classic 1970's Italian progressive album, but clearly recorded with 90's instrumentation and production qualities. 

---

In hearing this again for the first time in 11 years, I'm certainly still in the positive camp here. But it still resulted in a -1 listen. The sound is fairly bright and the music can be a bit exhausting, without much change in color or tone. The finale 'Detearia' also has some unnecessary noodle bits that seemed appended on to add length, which is the last thing this album needed. Despite these small gripes, what I stated years ago holds true. Like a more direct Deus Ex Machina.

Ownership: CD: 1996 Lizard. Standard jewel case release with lyrics and recording details. Purchased new upon release.

9/8/11 (new entry); 9/27/22

Axe – Live & Studio. 1970 England (archival)

Axe were a bit more psychedelic influenced than most UK bands from this era, though they do remind me somewhat of the Julian's Treatment album. The female siren squeal vocals recall Circus 2000, and in fact, Axe's recording here seems like the missing album between the two Circus 2000 gems. Some really splendid guitar (with acoustic accompaniment) can be found here.

Kissing Spell found all sorts of oddities like this in the early 1990s. Mostly in the hard rock and folk genres, but with an occasional foray into progressive rock. Their booklets were light on details, but still better than nothing.

CD: 1995 Si-Wan/Kissing Spell
LP: 1993 Kissing Spell

Conny C - A Malmqvist, Hans Åkerhjelm ‎- Kvinnan I Det Låsta Rummet: Filmmusiken. 1998 Sweden

This very obscure album from Sweden is absolutely loaded with mellotron. Atmospheric soundtrack music with plenty of guitar as well (the music is for a TV mini-series). Somewhere between Alain Goraguer's classic La Planete Sauvage and post rock (Tortoise, etc...) is where you'll the music of Kvinnan I Det Låsta Rummet. Excellent little oddity if you can find it.

Ownership: CD: 1998 Vibrafon. Standard jewel case release with an artistic multi-foldout booklet with recording details. Photos here are from us as we added them to Discogs (2022). We also made the original entry in 2016, complete with errors, but no one fixed them. Once again demonstrating how obscure this CD is.

9/7/11 (new entry); 9/17/22    

Acqua Fragile – s/t. 1973 Italy

Given that Acqua Fragile sing in English, their sound is more typical of the UK progressive rock movement (elements of Genesis, Yes, and Gentle Giant are obvious). Despite that, I still find both Acqua Fragile albums appealing - and Lanzetti has a unique voice that served PFM well for many years afterward. So perhaps not a good representative of what we have come to know as classic Italian prog, but taken on its own accord, it holds up well, similar to Cherry Five in that way.

LP: 1973 Numero Uno
CD: 2004 BMG (Japan)
CD: 2011 Esoteric (UK)
LP: 1981 Seven Seas (Japan)

The original LP comes in a cool four sectioned poster cover as does the Japanese LP reissue from 1980.

Rain of Thought - A Realist's View Of Hope. 2000 USA-California

A really good example of modern instrumental progressive rock music. Complex, but subdued. Fantastic violin work throughout. Bass and drummer are putting on a clinic despite it not being an energetic release – almost a pure jazz approach to the rhythms. I would’ve preferred a more affected guitar tone, as the music seems so perfect for it, but still an excellent album. Features former Gnosis-mate Mike Ezzo (Newcross) on drums and percussion.

Ownership: CD: 2000 Ohsoddit

9/6/11 (new entry)

Sunbirds. 1971 Germany

Sunbirds are perhaps the ultimate soundtrack for your next autobahn excursion. We're talking open top BMW convertible, hot megababe sitting next to you, hairspray, loads of mascara and thigh high white go-go boots - with 4 inch heels. Oh really, you have no idea what I'm talking about? Go over to your cable TV and find some independent channel that has some feature at 3:00 in the morning with a name like Weird Ass Euro Theater. Catch a flick like The Girl on a Motorcycle and you're there.... BABY! Must be a European production, even a soft core flick will suffice. Put on the Sunbirds, kick back, relax and drift into your inner vertigo. Extra points if you have shag carpet and wood paneled walls....

Musically the Sunbirds' albums can best be qualified as "flute groovers". That is to say, they are seasoned in the jazz idiom, but also wanted to venture into the psychedelic sounds of the day. Chris Hinze, Lloyd McNeill, and Bjorn J:Son Lindh did this too. But the Sunbirds also had that Krautrock thing going on, and you know they were hip to Wolfgang Dauner, Association P.C. and the whole gang at MPS Records. Plenty of wild fuzz guitar and electric piano. Especially on the first album, the Sunbirds could have easily fit on the Brain label, and may have had they come around a year or two later. File next to your T. Yokota and the Beat Generation record. Of course you have that...

Ownership: LP: 1971 BASF. Gatefold. Online acquisition (2009).

CD: 2011 Garden of Delights. Jewel case with full history and photos.

10/13/07 (review); 2009; 9/5/11 (new entry)

Las Orejas y La Lengua - La Eminencia Inobjetable. 1996 Argentina (archival)

The label Viajero Inmovil described this album as a cross between Dun and Miriodor and it was this description that had me going like a moth to the light. And the label description is pretty much accurate! Great melodies abound amongst the complex rhythms. Excellent flute work throughout as well. For my tastes, one of the best albums in the Avant Progressive genre.

Ownership: CD: 2002 Viejero Inmovil

2004; 9/5/11 (new entry); 7/6/15