Resan. 1973 Sweden

A very unusual album indeed, this Resan is. Formed from the ashes of the hard rocking band Life, Resan start out in a similar terrain to the The Beatles White Album, though sung/spoken in Swedish mind you. Fortunately from here they begin drifting off onto a folky flute number ala Träd, Gräs och Stenar ('Vakuum'). And then the real party starts, with the remainder containing long, energetic, acid guitar driven numbers, some freaky percussion bits, spaced out flute, dreamy cosmic pieces and an overall general sense of the psychedelic. Would've been a perfect fit for the Silence label. I could see where this album wouldn't be well received by many, given its eclectic nature, but I found most of it interesting at least. The apex of the album is the 8+ minute '05:00'.

Ownership: LP: 2012 Subliminal Sounds. Rough paper single sleeve. Both sides of the insert feature an informative essay from noted guitarist (and fellow collector) Reine Fiske 

Well here's a first for the UMR (but not the last lol as I update this on 6/11/24): An LP only reissue being featured. We've featured albums with both a CD and LP reissue, where the latter may have been the impetus of the posting, but never one that was only an LP reissue. It's becoming clear that, at least in the short interim (ed: and in the long term as it turned out), the market is moving towards LPs and away from CDs. I personally do not think this is a permanent state, and have stated such in many forums and here on my blogs (wrong so far...). For me personally, it's not so much a problem. I still collect vinyl, both originals and reissues, and possess a stereo setup that plays records on a regular basis. I also have enough space to store it all. But a proven "solid state" medium like CDs will no doubt be making a comeback in our future (still believe that) - and I also don't think CDs will have the near-death experience that LPs faced throughout the 1990s (being tested but this is still true as well). Even now, the majority of reissues are on CD, and in some cases a supplemental LP (that's true too - though usually both now).

2008; 10/31/12 (new entry)

Xhol Caravan - Motherf*ckers Live. 1968-69 Germany (archival)

Xhol Caravan's debut Electrip is generally considered the first true Krautrock album, at least as the term is commonly understood. So one can only imagine the glee that Steve Stapleton must've felt when he was able to put his hands on these tapes from 1968! This is a truly extraordinary historical document, and shows that Xhol Caravan had long since ditched their soul roots as found on Get on High from 1967. The 57 minute 'Freedom Opera' suite is not easy listening, and there are frequent bouts of noise and free jazz to endure, but also plenty of reckless psychedelic abandon as only the Germans knew how to do. Psychotic ramblings, wailing sax, flute, fuzz guitar and organ are the ingredients for this once-in-a-lifetime recording. The WDR Radio session from a year later shows the band is progressing rapidly, incorporating more melody into the proceedings. For the most part, this one stays in the rails, and is like an extended version of the best parts of Electrip. This double CD is essential for fans.

CD: 2001 United Durtro (UK)

Tanger - Mundos Paralelos. 2008 Argentina

With Mundos Parelelos, Tanger finally carries the same lineup forward. Not surprisingly, the sound doesn't evolve much. Though it's clear that Tanger are beginning to slow down as rockers, and the flute becomes even more of the focus. At this point, Tanger are starting to resemble more the Catalonian group Gotic more than Humus and King Crimson, though that's overstating it somewhat.

Ownership: CD: 2008 Viejero Inmovil. Cardboard gatefold.

10/24/12 (new entry); 9/14/23

Tanger - Ciudad. 2006 Argentina

Once again Tanger changes the lineup on Ciudad, this time replacing the guitarist and the drummer. And as per protocol, not much changes regarding the music. The psychedelic aura is perhaps slightly more toned down, and melodic interplay is more championed. At this point, Tanger are sounding more like an updated version of the obscure 1970s Chilean group Blops at the time of Locomotora.

Ownership: CD: 2006 Viejero Inmovil

10/23/12 (new entry)

Tanger - La Otra Cara. 2002 Argentina

Very little changes from their debut on Tanger's sophomore effort La Otra Cara, perhaps only scaling back the excess slightly, with only one of the (again) 12 songs exceeding the 5 minute mark. It is interesting to note that Tanger did swap out flautists, and yet you wouldn't notice unless you had a scorecard. Tanger seems to be modular when it comes to the individual's participation.

Ownership: CD: 2002 Viejero Inmovil

10/22/12 (new entry)

Tanger. 1999 Argentina

Tanger's debut is quite startling, and was quite a revelation for me in 1999. The sound is right from the Mexican school of neo psychedelic space rock as championed by Loch Ness, Humus and Frolic Froth. A thick, wedgy and very psychedelic guitar sound permeates. Muddy bass and thunderous drums takes you through the wilderness of the Andes, and images of Krautrock legends such as UFO era Guru Guru are not far away. The angular nature of the compositions call out another obvious influence: King Crimson at the time of Larks' Tongues in Aspic. But that only tells half the story: Tanger's ace-in-the-hole is the contrasting instrument amongst the fray - that of the flute. So in the end you get 12 individual tracks of an all-instrumental psychedelic version of the Beauty and the Beast. Beautiful and melodic flute lines are offset by evil and mean fuzz guitar licks. Colucci himself is probably the least intrusive of the band members, primarily staying in the background, content on keeping the proceedings grounded with his steady hand on the bass. And this is the formula Tanger takes forward to the future.

Ownership: CD: 1999 private

10/21/12 (new entry)

Kayak. 1974 Netherlands

The second album expands both sides of Kayak's sound. There's more of a distinct demarcation between their commercial pop aspirations and their arty progressive side. The poppier songs are tighter with stronger melodies, whereas the progressive compositions stretch the instrumental sections with plenty of complex bits. Arguably this is the better album, though I'm partial to See See the Sun as it has a better flow and a couple of knockout tracks.

LP: 1974 EMI
CD: 2012 Esoteric (UK)

Probably the most obscure of the early Kayak releases, as to the best of my knowledge, it was never released in the USA. I do like the cover, which is Hipgnosis-like, though I don't think they did this one. As for the CD's we have the reverse case of See See the Sun - whereas on that album Pseudonym had two bonus tracks verse Esoteric's one, this time it's Esoteric 2 to Pseudonym 1.

10/7/12 (new entry)

Herba d'Hameli - Girafes a Sibèria. 2011 Spain

One of the key ingredients to the greatness of the previous album Inversa Visual was the beautiful flute work which immediately called to mind the great Catalan group Gotic. Said member has since left the group, and yet this album is just as stunning, which surprises me probably more than anyone else. So how did they make up the significant loss you may ask? Stunning synthesizer and guitar playing is how, with plenty of rhythm changes to keep you involved. Beautiful melodies never fail either, and L'Herba d'Hameli prove themselves here as well. This is the rare modern progressive rock album that has the warmth of a mid 1970s release. The Catalan vocals also have a soft affected tone to them which adds to the positive nature of the recording. Classic 1970's era  Camel looms large here, and it's all for the better.

Ownership: CD: 2011 private

10/6/12 (new entry)

Corima - Quetzalcoatl. 2012 USA-Texas/California

Corima are a group who first assembled in El Paso and moved to Los Angeles. Their full length debut is an astounding album. It maintains the intensity of the Japanese Zeuhl school (think Koenji Hyakkei), but possesses a much clearer focus and the music is given more room to breathe. Violin, saxophone, fuzz keyboards, and female vocals are the distinguishing sounds and characteristics of the album. There is plenty of amazing super-tight ensemble work throughout - all in hyper drive - that are truly sublime. The melodic interludes that constantly pop up among the chaos are truly enlightening in this setting. Magma's Mekanik is the most obvious comparison overall, though they go faster and harder than that may imply. All five members put in a fantastic performance, but special mention goes to Andrea Itzpaplotl (nee Calderon) for her brilliant violin work and beautiful vocals - and to Sergio Sanchez-Ravelo for his monster staccato drum work. He must've lost 20 pounds just recording this album! For my tastes, one of the best Zeuhl albums since the glory days of Eskaton!

Ownership: CD: 2012 Soleil Zeuhl. Jewel case release with liner notes explaining the album's contents.

10/3/12 (first listen / review / new entry); 1/19/24

Scherzoo - 02. 2012 France

Though released on the Soleil Zeuhl label, I think the users of RYM are right in labeling this band (on their debut) Avant Progressive first, and Zeuhl second. Scherzoo 02 dabbles in both styles, though I think the scales are tipped even further towards the dissonant avant prog methodology. It appears Present is a good blueprint here, with the addition of squonking sax - perhaps to its detriment. I'm really torn on Scherzoo. I want more of Thollot's Heldon-like Contact mixed with the Zeuhl styling of his latest outfit. Which isn't fair of course, since that's not what Scherzoo is about. But then again, as a consumer, who says I have to be fair? They're going in the wrong direction as far as I'm concerned and I may need convincing to go further with them. I think I just lost fanboy status.

CD: 2012 Soleil Zeuhl

Removed from the collection (2022)

10/2/12 (new entry); 3/7/18; 6/18/22