Was there a more radical album in 1971 than Nine Days Wonder's debut? Nothing stays in one place too long, some themes explored only in mere seconds, moving from idea to idea similar to how some Italian progressive rock albums did two years later in 1973. Electric guitar, sax and flute are the primary drivers, and the rhythm section is very inventive. Imagine fellow Germans Brainstorm circa Smile Awhile, but rather than taking it through the Canterbury blender, it takes as its blueprint Frank Zappa at his most progressive. The humor component, and the heavier edge, also recalls early Grobschnitt, a band that most certainly was influenced by NDW. I could see a modern group like Polytoxicomane Philharmonie being heavily swayed by this album as well. From here, Nine Days Wonder changed personnel and decided to focus more on their glam rock / David Bowie side of their sound, and the quality dropped dramatically from here IMO.
Ownership: LP: 1971 Bacillus (France). Single sleeve. This is the "fish" cover. Acquired at the Austin Record Show (1989).
LP: 2010 Long Hair. Just like the original - in a foam coated gatefold cover. This version does come with a detailed bio sheet. Interesting to note that even though I put it in a protective clear sleeve, the very few exposed parts were starting to brown. Now I store it completely cover in a padded envelope
Former ownership: CD: 1993 Bacillus. Jewel case with no info.
1989 (first listen); 1997; 10/5/11 (review); 9/23/23
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