Embryo - Opal. 1970 Germany

Opal is very different from the later works by this excellent long running band. Indeed it is an embryonic version of the group. It's mostly psych rock with jazz elements and is fairly straightforward and harmless overall. Two distinguishing songs take it higher: 'Revolution' is a fun instrumental and danceable jazz rock track, that you actually see more in the TV/films of the day (with "wild dancing teenagers" and hair flailing about) than what you would hear on album. 'People From Out the Space' is definitely the highlight - brilliant in fact - not only foreshadowing the sublime Embryo's Rache album, but it also fully captures the zeitgeist of the early Krautrock movement. On the other hand 'Glockenspiel' is an annoying attempt at the era's free jazz movement, and is completely at odds with the musical approach of Opal.

While I wouldn't want a reissue without the two bonus tracks, I don't personally consider them enhancements to the overall package. 'Lauft' is a loose 26 minute sax, bass, and drums jam with no peak moments. Excellent archival material that tells the whole story, but not necessarily good music. 

CD: 2013 Belle Antique (Japan)
LP: 1990 Materiali Sonori (Italy)
CD: 1992 Materiali Sonori (Italy)

Embryo's debut was one of the original 5 Ohr albums, each featuring a unique gatefold cover of painted body parts. In the middle of the front cover, there was a slit that contained a balloon (like the auction photo above). For those with the balloon fully intact, the prices can soar. On the CD reissue front, it's surprising to see that no indigenous label has taken this on, especially given its historical importance from one of Germany's most uncompromising and famous underground bands (there is one German LP reissue). Surprisingly, the Italian label Materiali Sonori has managed to exclusively hold onto the rights of the first two Embryo albums. I believe the reason is that Embryo had moved to that Italian label for their new material in the 1980s, and they bought out the rights at that time. Not until 2013 did we finally see a Japanese mini, and given the cool cover, this is the copy I now own. The Belle Antique version, like all Japanese mini's, is true to the original and includes a balloon in a plastic package. None of the reissues sound great and are slightly muddy, as I'm sure the source doesn't either. But I've never owned an original to confirm that. However, all the CDs feature the 26 minute bonus track, which I discuss above. My introduction to this album was the 1990 LP reissue on Materli Sonori.

Blim - Zero + No Frills. 1992-1993 England

Outstanding festival psychedelic space rock band. Blim were an offshoot of Omnia Opera and were originally intended to be a more progressive variation of the already excellent parent band. And they achieved just that. If you ever wanted to hear Ozric Tentacles take things to a more complex level, Blim is your chance to hear it! Also reminds me some of Mandragora's earlier works, when they were  experimenting with various styles and structures. These are two of the best albums I've heard from the entire festival scene. Brilliant guitar work throughout. I would say that No Frills is the more complex, aggressive, and less spacey of the two. It also features a more professional sound, and I think it's the better of the two albums. Having said that, both albums feature a much better production than many of the cassette releases of the day.

CD: 2013 private

The originals were cassette only. I remember seeing both of these in the early 90s through the old Freak Emporium catalogs (back when they were still paper!), but never ventured to try them. Only within the last 6 years or so, did I finally hear them. They were instant hits with me, and were promptly labeled Priority 2 for my CDRWL. And now we have a wonderful 2 CD set (last photo), with additional bonus tracks on each album. Almost 2.5 hours of quality music here! About the only thing missing are historical liner notes, though as long as their website is up, you can read about Blim there.

Survivor - All Your Pretty Moves. 1979 USA-Louisiana

Not the ‘Eye of the Tiger’ bunch, but a much better than average early heavy metal group from Shreveport, Louisiana, saved from complete obscurity by the good folks at Monster Records. The vocalist is a slightly less forceful Rob Halford sound-alike, and the songwriting is up to the Sad Wings of Destiny standard of sophisticated hard rock. Even has a killer long track called ‘Deceive Me’. Hmmm.. wonder where that idea came from? Thin Lizzy and Led Zeppelin are other groups the band list as references and certainly the former makes plenty of appearances throughout.

CD: 2003 Monster

Amulet. 1980 USA-Indiana

If you’re looking for the real deal when talking the late 70s American underground hard rock guitar scene, then Indiana's Amulet is for you. You can’t fake this. There’s nothing flashy, slick, pretentious, or commercial about this release. Just a bunch of guys who gave you an honest dollar’s performance, because they knew their audience didn’t have much scratch to spare. Straight from the mines to the dimly lit tavern for some Falstaff and an evening of rockin' with Amulet. And if the groupie girls were there... well... then... the night was to be remembered forever.

CD: 2000 Monster

La Coscienza di Zeno - Sensitivita. 2013 Italy

Continuing on from their debut, La Coscienza di Zeno have made some significant improvements in many areas... and perhaps a few steps back in others. Let's focus on the positive first. The instrumental palette has been increased to include more of an analog orientation, though there is no mistaking this is a modern recording (the robust production alone is to be admired). Piano, in particular, is a dominant instrument here, and when played as expertly as it is done on Sensitivita (brilliant in fact), it certainly recalls the 1970s masters. Choral Mellotron (which may be sampled) is also used in abundance, and the entire dual keyboard format recalls classic Banco del Mutuo Soccorso. Taking the BMS metaphor just a bit further, Alessio Calandriello is proving to be possibly one of the finest vocalists in Italian progressive rock today. While not singing in the operatic style of di Giacomo, Calandriello possesses an incredible voice, that would actually be much admired in today's howling-singer styled pop culture. And perhaps now is a good time to introduce the main issue I have with the album. Sometimes the music just stops, and everyone buys a ticket to watch Calandriello belt out verses while the rhythm section keeps a steady beat.  I'm not sure if there's an Italian Idol TV show, but if there is, then Calandriello most certainly would have to be considered a finalist. He's that good of a talent. However, none of the great 70s Italian masters, who also featured singers with similar golden pipes, would exhibit the patience La Coscienza di Zeno demonstrates here. I just keep waiting for the inevitable breaks, those turn-on-a-dime rhythms with crazy solos, that make the entire Italian prog genre so special. And yes, they do eventually come through with just that, but sometimes after I find something else to do while waiting for glamor boy to close his trap. Perhaps another demerit goes to the guitarist, who adds little but cliched distorted metal chords throughout. While I'm OK with a little extra muscle, I'm not feeling the added value. And the rhythm section keeps things moving along, but they definitely take a back seat to the dual keys and precocious boy. So why the 4 stars? Well it was close to 3.5, but most of the material is very solid, if never actually excelling. The final track 'La Temperanza' (10:38) is the highlight with added flute and violin, adding much needed distractions to the singer songwriter aspirations that begin to creep in. I think La Coscienza di Zeno have left plenty of room for improvement. They have the tools, and the talent, to release a RYM 5 star / Gnosis 13+ masterpiece. Let's see if they rise to the challenge. Fans of Italian progressive rock should take my criticisms as data points, but don't let them keep you from buying this.

Ownership: CD: 2013 Fading

9/23/13 (new entry)

Space Circus - Fantastic Arrival. 1979 Japan

Whereas Space Circus' debut Funky Caravan traded in on the cliches of the late 70s era - fat funky bass lines, and overall danceable jazz rock - Fantastic Circus reaches further back into the fusion canon and emulated no less a luminary than Mahavishnu Orchestra. As the album cover demonstrates, this is one fiery affair certain to light you up. By far the better of their two albums.

LP: 1979 RCA
CD: 2008 BMG

The original LP comes in a single sleeve cover with a really cool astronauts on fire cover. Like almost all Japanese reissues, there are no liners in English available.The first CD reissue was always a bear to find. After many years of being absent from the shelves, the mini-LP from BMG filled the gap.

['ramp] / Ramp - Frozen Radios. 2000 Germany

Frozen Radios begins to demonstrate that ['ramp] have a penchant for the dark ambient sounds of Klaus Schulze's Cyborg or Tangerine Dream's Zeit. On the back cover, they inform us to "File Under: Electronic Industrial Ambient". And that's quite accurate, except the sequencers are still going full bore here, so you're never too far from the friendly confines of the Berlin School. Another highly recommended album for fans of the genre.

Ownership: CD: 2000 private

9/20/13 (new entry)

Ardo Dombec. 1971 Germany

I think the most surprising aspect of the Ardo Dombec album is just how ordinary it is. Terms like "ordinary" and "1971 album on Pilz" just do not go together. The album starts off promisingly enough with 'Spectaculum', with its driving sax melodies and fast rhythms - perhaps indicating this could be like the awesome Nosferatu album. But alas it was not to be. Subsequent tracks show no progression, and they leave behind no memorable melodies either. By Side 2, the band have completely lost their way - the Louisiana back porch harmonica taking it to new lows. Final track 'Unchangeable Things' brings it back to a respectable level. The 4 bonus tracks on the GoD CD are in a similar vein. There's nothing egregious here, more like a flat line. This is a borderline Gnosis 9 / 3 stars effort, but I'm such a fan of the genre, I hear enough to keep it at the Gnosis 10 / 3.5 level. Not a riveting recommendation, I realize.

Ownership: CD: 2002 Garden of Delights. Jewel case. Full liner notes, photos, and 4 relevant bonus tracks.

Like with most Pilz albums, Ardo Dombec's sole effort features a wonderful gatefold cover, this time showing a vanilla ice cream cone covering a cactus. This was one of the few Pilz albums not later reissued by the Pop Import label in the early 1980s. 

2003; 9/19/13 (new entry)

Clear Blue Sky. 1970 England

Clear Blue Sky represents one of a handful of highly creative, psychedelic influenced, progressive guitar power trio albums coming from England circa 1970. Their sole (original 70s) work can easily be compared with Stray's debut and The Human Beast. Perhaps it's the runt of that litter, but it's such a gorgeous family, that just being in the same house is prestigious enough. Love those higher pitched British psych-era vocals. 'The Rocket Ride' and 'You Mystify' are both exceptional, though there's not a single weak track here.

Ownership: LP: 1970 Vertigo. Online acquisition (2022). The album is housed in a beautiful Roger Dean gatefold cover with the Vertigo stock inner sleeve. One quirk of the original release is the spine says Play It Loud which has been blotted out in red ink (by the factory). 

Former ownership: CD: 2001 Vertigo (Japan). Papersleeve edition.

2005; 9/17/13 (review / new entry); 7/30/19

Taste of Blues - Schizofrenia. 1969 Sweden

One side is a cool free rock jam, like the best of the Krautrock and Swedish artists like International Harvester. No doubt this track was influenced by Paul Butterfield Blues Band's 'East West' suite from 1966. The other side is more traditional electric blues, so the album is indeed schizophrenic. But electric blues in 1969 is hardly the same thing as traditional blues, and there's plenty of psychedelic fuzz guitar and organ in the best tradition of the underground bands of the era.

CD: 2010 Transubstans
LP: 1991 Garageland

I first heard this album via the Garageland LP reissue not long after it was released (1992). Over time, I decided this is a title I didn't need, and sold it. Finally a CD reissue emerged in 2010 from the always excellent Transubstans label. The side long track alone is worthy of ownership - and now we have an excellent CD filled with informative liners.

Horrific Child - L'étrange Monsieur Whinster. 1976 France

Where would the music world be without Jean-Pierre Massiera? It certainly would be a more dull place without him, that's for sure. Everything he was involved with can only be described as obscure. And now he's the undisputed king of the 1970's Euro oddball rarities chase. And of all the albums he was involved with, Horrific Child remains his most sought after, and arguably most eccentric release ever. The musical realization of a Psychotronic B-Movie classic. If this were a movie, it would be on at 3:00 in the morning, on your cities' last remaining UHF local station. In short, L'Etrange Mr. Whinster defines J.P. Massiera's niche in life.

LP: 2010 Finders Keepers (UK)

This is one of those albums I had this album on my CD Reissue Wish List for as long as the list existed. Finally in 2010, the excellent Finders Keepers label (who also reissued the very fine Jean-Claude Vannier album) came through with both an LP and CD. With a cover like that, I went straight for the LP reissue - which is housed in a nice rough paper cover. Comes with complete liner notes as well.

Sangiuliano - Take Off. 1978 Italy

A very unusual electronic rock album, especially for Italy, Sangiuliano has an arsenal of keyboards at his disposal to help create his unique musical vision. He relies heavily on the mellotron (especially the choral tapes), as well as his ARP 2600, to achieve the brassy sounds he seems to espouse. Real drums add a rock flair, and in this way, recall Wolfgang Bock’s Cycles or even some of Vangelis’ mid 70s work. There’s more majesty found here in the compositions than your typical Berlin School sequencer fests, and some of Rusticelli and Bordini’s instrumental work was brought to mind as well. An excellent album.

CD: 1993 Si-Wan (Korea)
LP: 1987 RCA (Japan)

The original is a single sleeve issue that features our main protagonist on the cover, with his - as my old friend Zary Smith / Record Vault used to say - really long hair (that was a selling point for him). I started with the Japanese LP and moved it out not long after the Si-Wan CD came out in 1993.

Last listen: May 28, 2018

Patrick Vian - Bruits et Temps Analogues.1976 France

Bruits et Temps Analogues is pretty much an eclectic brew, in the French tradition, with Berlin School sequencer based electronic ostensibly being the album's main premise. No doubt Richard Pinhas (Heldon) was an influence here, with the mix of Moog synthesizers and electric guitars. But Bruits et Temps Analogues is more upbeat, and perhaps even more world music influenced. Vian previously headed up the much more polarizing, and politically charged, Red Noise from a few years before. And there's very little of that angst and radicalism present here. Overall a pretty harmless affair, and a nice album to hear every once in awhile. But nothing groundbreaking or striking.

LP: 1976 Egg
CD: 2013 Staubgold

Originals were once fairly easy to find here in the US, as Egg had good distribution here throughout the 1970s. This is an album one could still find brand new as late as the mid 1980s from a well stocked import store, and I did just that. It seemed Vian's album was going to miss the CD era, but the once German - now French - label Staubgold has come to the rescue. It's a straight reissue, and it sounds like it comes from a (nice) vinyl copy. But it does feature a cool gatefold digi-pak, and it's 100% authorized, so those are pluses.

Wurtemberg - Rock Fantasia Opus 9. 1980 France

Piano and flute dominate this fine instrumental progressive rock work from Wurtemberg, despite the fact that main composer Alain Carbonare was at the time (and maybe still) a craftsman for custom stringed instruments, that were also featured on the album, though primarily in the background. No doubt it's his handiwork that's featured on the front cover (left to right): Dulcimer, Lyre, and Psaltery. The introspective nature of the music recalls early Mike Oldfield, and when Wurtemberg rocks out, Snow Goose era Camel comes to mind. There's even a couple of places one can hear the prototype for the future Medieval French progressive rock act Minimum Vital. A remarkably consistent album, where the closing 7 minute track 'Rockopus1' would have to be considered the highlight.

Ownership: LP: 1980 Sterne. Gatefold. Acquired via mail order (1993)

1993; 9/10/13 (new entry); 2/7/23

Trilogy - Here It Is. 1980 Germany

Of course when you name your band Trilogy, and keyboards are the main focus, then you are more than likely to draw comparisons to ELP. And if you're German: Triumvirat. And those obvious references aren't entirely off the mark. But they only tell half the story. First off, Trilogy are a 5 piece band with two keyboardists and a guitarist. Now the trick is - can they keep the album interesting as an entirely instrumental album? The answer is a resounding yes! Trilogy moves though various themes, colors, tones, moods, and textures with ease. All the while the rhythms are constantly changing to keep one guessing throughout the session. The solos carry melodic lines within them, creating a remarkably memorable album. At times I'm reminded of the instrumental side of Epidaurus. Here It Is is a striking example of a band, against all odds, that were able to create a superior progressive rock album that has stood the test of time. 

Ownership: CD: 1993 Musea (France). Purchased new shortly after release. Comes with informative liner notes and one excellent bonus track that was to be issued with a compilation. This was my introduction to the album and I consider it the primary copy.

LP: 1980 Cain. Single sleeve. Acquired online (2010) primarily because I like to have originals of my favorite albums when affordable (and this one is). Even though the band apparently wasn't involved with the design of the cover, I tend to like these no-relation-to-the-music-whatsoever type of artwork. The Musea CD looks '90s Photoshop to me - and most of their contemporary acts of the day had similar type covers.

1994; 2008; 6/3/13; 9/9/13 (new entry); 8/27/23

Egonon - Risveglio. 2011 Italy

The 1970's Italian progressive rock greats are regarded as such because of their innate ability to compile and distill the influences of their day. Namely classical, jazz, rock, indigenous folk, avant-garde, and canto. And a big old scoop of youthful exuberance. Considering this, Egonon are true to the philosophy of their ancestors. Rather than recreate the sounds of the 70s, as many Italian bands are doing today (and wonderfully so I might add), Egonon are assimilating their own influences. In their case, the list might look like: Heavy Metal, Alt-Rock, World Music, funk, and... everything that was also included in the 1970s Italian progressive rock scene, including the end result of said scene, which they clearly respect and pay homage to. It may be a restaurant with too many items on the menu, but no doubt a fascinating place to visit. Give them a try and taste for yourself.

Ownership: CD: 2011 private

9/8/13 (new entry)

Flyte - Dawn Dancer. 1979 Netherlands-Belgium

Flyte are originally from Breda, a Dutch town that borders the Flemish regions of Belgium. As such, they are a mixture of both countries. But musically, they might as well be from Cincinnati, and would have been a perfect addition to my Midwest USA list. All the tracks are between 4 and 6 minutes, with that unique combination of commercial aspiration and complex progressive composition. The heavily accented English vocals won't push Flyte to stardom, but one can't help but admire the effort. So while fellow countrymen Lady Lake knew to keep their mouth shut for the most part, Flyte went for broke. So in the end you get progressive AOR music with badly accented vocals - and a lot of mellotron. Ehhh - why not?

Ownership: LP: 1979 Don Quixote. Single sleeve. Recent online acquisition (2013). This replaced the Si-Wan reissue which was my introduction to the album. The Si-Wan version is a gatefold, which is a nice touch.

1994; 2009; 6/15/13; 9/8/13 (new entry)

Casa das Maquinas - Lar de Maravilhas. 1975 Brazil

Starting with the album cover, Lar de Maravilhas possesses a strong resemblance to early Premiata Forneria Marconi. Somewhat mellow, song-oriented, but with a clear progressive approach. Advanced arrangements for acoustic/electric guitar, organ, Moog, and complex rhythms. Not that this album is anywhere on par with Per un Amico, but there are a few similarities. This is the middle of their three albums. Apparently the other two are more straightforward rock. I get the impression Casa das Máquinas are like those Italian pop bands, such as I Dik Dik or Equipe 84, who decided to dabble in progressive rock for a short time.

CD: 1994 Cast

I should look into getting an original, as the cover art appeals to me greatly.

9/17/13 (review / new entry)

Stranafonia - Per un Vecchio Pazzo. 1997 Italy

Yet another CD from the late 90's explosion of Italian progressive rock, Stranafonia provide a very fine, but ultimately faceless album. All the elements are in place: Keyboards, guitars, impassioned vocals in Italian, and a solid rhythm section who do an admirable job of moving things around at a moment's notice. But there's really not that much meat on the bone, even though the platter looked good on initial inspection. Perhaps it's a bit lyrical heavy, or maybe it's the tinny 90s production combined with the digital-age synthesizers in full effect, but whatever the case this one tends to blaze by without too much notice. Difficult for a die hard Italo-progressive fan like me to wash my hands of, but this isn't the first album I pull down as a classic representative of the late 90s Italian scene.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Lizard. Standard jewel case release

Removed from collection (2017)

1998; 9/7/13 (new entry); 9/14/17 (removed)

Kundalini Shakti Devi. 1974 Italy (archival)

Somewhat like a proto-St. Tropez. An odd album given the time and place and it's easy to see why no major was taking a chance back then. Not a perfect recording either, but somehow the end product is satisfying. Don't start your Italian progressive rock collection here, but if you've heard everything else, then this 1974 recording will enthrall at a certain level. Three long tracks of lyrical lite progressive jazz rock with plenty of flute, guitar, and sax solos - always pleasant and never grating. I like it.

Former ownership: CD: 2013 BTF. The CD is housed in a fine mini-LP styled cover.

9/6/13 (first listen / review / new entry); 1/2/24

Era di Acquario - Antologia. 1973 Italy

Don't listen to Era di Acquario's sole album with the expectation that it's an unknown 1973 classic Italian progressive rock album. However, if you enjoy pastoral acoustic guitar, flute, and hand percussion instrumentals, then Era di Acquario will most certainly satisfy on that level. Opener 'Campagne Siciliane' is stunningly beautiful. There are also a trio of decent harder rocking electric/acoustic guitar lead pieces with vocals, two good electric instrumentals ('Fuori al sole', 'Statale 113') and, yes, one singer-songwriter dud to endure ('Idda' - track 3 on the 1995 BMG CD). Overall, this is a sweet album. Just don't expect Museo Rosenbach or Semiramis.

CD: 1995 BMG

Definitely a rare album in original form, and features a very thin rough cardboard single sleeve cover that fades easily. The parent companies of RCA maintained the rights all these years, and the CD remains in print. This is the type of album that is more popular in its home country than abroad.

I Santoni - Noi. 1972 Italy

I Santoni is somewhat typical of the transitional band from Italy going from singer songwriter beat/psych over to progressive rock. You'll hear similar bands from Italy like Capricorn College, I Califfi, and Era di Acquario. But that only tells part of the story. There are also some complex instrumental charts played by sax, flute, and Hammond organ that gives it a strong whiff of the progressive rock movement that was just about to sweep Italy for the next 5 years. In this regard, Delirium's Dolce Acqua, Blocco Mentale, and even first album Jumbo come to light. If all this reads well to you, then I Santoni's Noi is likely to satisfy at a high level. I really enjoy albums such as Noi, but it does stop short of being excellent. For those of you looking for the next early 70s Italian progressive rock monster, this isn't it. Move further on in the stack.

Ownership: CD: 1995 Mellow. This reissue is bare bones even by Mellow's standards. No booklet, just a single card with the cover. Taken from vinyl. To be fair, it sounds good despite this. These are the kind of CDs that lead people to being OK with downloads.

Willowglass - The Dream Harbour. 2013 England

As a reviewer myself, I tend to read dozens of reviews. It can be wearisome to see the same tired critiques by those who think they have something novel to say - when in fact it's the same old blather. Generally these reviews are from newbies who digest 30 albums a day via illegal download and spit out whatever is in their addled brain. They have no context or sense of history. Just bla blabla blabla. Sometimes you can tell they aren't even reviewing the correct album, but something else - probably a mislabled download or one too many bong hits. So with that in mind, I had a bit of fun with the below review, as The Dream Harbour is just the type of album that is ripe for getting picked on.

Willowglass continue to improve with each release. Now a full three piece, Willowglass is beginning to come together as a full unit rather than just a solo effort with a drummer in tow. If progressive rock is a regular part of your diet, then Willowglass are your IHOP. Good ole eggs (mellotron, organ), bacon (flute, violin), and pancakes (guitar) with syrup (soaring guitar)... and coffee (odd time signatures) is what is served at The Willowglass Cafe. Sure, you've had bacon, eggs, pancakes, and coffee a million times before. But when it's all cooked right, you walk out happy and smiling. Willowglass does that for you.

Oh, you wanted scallops with parsnip puree, l'orange spinach, and a balsamic vinegar reduction? Oh that would be the restaurant to our left called the Avant-Garde Noise Cafe!

For the first reviewer that comes here and says this has "all been done before, therefore don't waste your time" you get a gold star!

TWO stars if you look just like a Starbucks' Barista!

And THREE stars if you look like a Starbucks' Barista but have never actually had a job before!

Ownership: CD: 2013 private

9/3/13 (first listen / review / new entry)

SRC - Traveler's Tale. 1970 USA-Michigan

After the somewhat middling Milestones, SRC finish their career on a high note. The opening trio of songs recall their splendid debut, though with more compositional acumen than before. 'Never Before Now' is the kind of pop slop they tried on Milestones with no success here either. 'By Way of You' brings the band back to credibility, before embarking on two bonafide monster tracks: 'Diana' is a brilliant heavy psych tune dedicated to some mega babe, and I would love to see a modern video interpretation of the song myself. This is followed by the excellent 7 minute 'Across the Land of Light', a rare instrumental that comes dangerously close to all-in progressive rock, and perhaps a peek through the window of what SRC could have become. But, alas, it was not meant to be. Album finishes disappointingly with the overlong 'The Offering'. SRC's debut is one of America's greatest major label psych albums. And Traveler's Tale is about as good a late era psych album as you will find from anywhere.

Ownership: LP: 1970 Capitol. Gatefold with photos in the centerpiece. Online acquisition in 2017. The CD was the source of the above entry, and was my introduction to this fine album. It features one bonus track from a 45 single, but it's just boogie rock, and nothing else is offered to keep it.

9/3/13 (new entry); 3/18/17; 1/12/22

Ingranaggi della Valle - In Hoc Signo. 2013 Italy

And continuing on with the Italian theme, here is perhaps the best new group to land on the scene this year: Ingranaggi della Valle. The band combines musical skill with a nervous energy, to produce one of the more kinetic albums of 2013. They possess a certain nimble dexterity that is missing in many of the plodding bands of our era. The vocals, in Italian of course, are delivered powerfully while the compositions never sit still too long for complacency to settle in. In addition to the usual bank of analog keyboards (Mellotron, Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes, Mini Moog, plus many more), a dedicated vocalist, electric / acoustic guitars, percussion - the quintet features a full time violinist. There is an undercurrent of jazz here, especially concerning the rhythms, though it's far closer to instrumental progressive rock than fusion. Deus Ex Machina (minus the Demetrio Stratos styled vocals), and by extension, DFA (Duty Free Area) are the guideposts here. This is a brilliant debut.

Ownership: CD: 2013 Black Widow

9/3/13 (new entry)

Henry Fool - Men Singing. 2013 England

12 years after their debut, Henry Fool finally comes back with their sophomore effort. The all-instrumental, ironically titled Men Singing is an atmospheric, lush, and overall relaxing affair. And very professionally produced. Almost too much so. What saves this from being a somewhat typically cold and clinical piece of modern rock, is the defiant use of analog equipment. While it may be trendy to pull out an M400 Mellotron nowadays, not too many bands out there are boldly going forward with Moog Taurus bass pedals and fuzz bass. Add to that a magnificently toned psychedelic guitar (from Phil Manzanera no less) and sax/flute, and you truly have something worth levitating to. I suppose if I were to critique, or in reality make a personal request, I would prefer a bit more of a "rough edge" to the overall product. Perhaps throw in one bluesy organ based jam to release the tension that is built.

Ownership: CD: 2013 KScope

9/2/13 (new entry)

Music Emporium. 1969 USA-California

Of all the private psychedelic pressings to come from America in the late 1960's, none were better than Music Emporium. Featuring two guys and two gals playing organ, guitar, bass, and drums, Music Emporium were able to combine both high energy rock with a dreamy/trippy psychedelic vibe. All the members were music majors at universities in and around Los Angeles and were inspired by jazz, classical, avant-garde, and rock. Their brand of psychedelic was far more sophisticated than the average garage band of the day despite the fact that the majority of the tracks were under the four minute mark. In fact, only the two minute 'Times Like This' could be considered a "normal" song. 'Nam Myo Renge Kyo', 'Prelude', and 'Sun Never Shines' are barnstormers with some fantastic Farfisa organ by bandleader Casey Cosby and some incredible drumming from Dora Wahl. Music Emporium are at their best when they go for the psychedelic dream sequence soundtrack styled song. These are characterized by dual male/female vocals, tranced out organ chords, and jagged rhythms. 'Velvet Sunsets', 'Catatonic Variations', 'Gentle Thursday', and 'Winds Have Changed' are examples of this style. The longest track is 'Cage' which is, not surprisingly, the most complex and angst ridden song on the album. The closer, 'Day of Wrath', is a quasi-religious apocalyptic ending with Farfisa providing what would normally be the church pipe-organ. Overall Music Emporium were a solid two to three years ahead of the pack when it came to creative musicianship. The fact this was done on a private budget makes the album even more extraordinary. Certainly one of the top five psychedelic releases ever!

Ownership: CD: 2001 Sundazed. Jewel case issue, purchased new upon release. Anyway, like the Morgen yesterday, this one lived in the gutters of the pirate market forever. Especially egregious was the Psycho LP reissue, which only had ONE CHANNEL. I know at least one knowledgeable collector who told me he hated this record. When I asked what version he had - he said it was the Psycho one. Well no wonder, dude! So if you've only heard that version - or downloaded it from some crappy website, then double check the source. The Sundazed reissue is the way to go here. Filled with excellent liners. 

LP: 2001 Sundazed. Die cut gatefold. Purchased close to the same time as the CD. Always one of the most sought after psychedelic albums, Music Emporium's sole effort was getting multiple thousands of dollars in the catalog market until a box of sealed ones showed up from a band members' ex-wife (I'm thinking this happened in 1994 if memory serves me right). I can remember having the opportunity to buy one for $800 - still way beyond my budget back then. And sure enough, prices are back in the stratosphere. Not sure I really need this extra copy, but the album is special, so not going anywhere for awhile.

7/3/01 (Gnosis); 9/2/13 (new entry)

Unreal City - La Crudelta di Aprile. 2013 Italy

A couple of months back I was featuring the incredible renaissance we've experienced the last few years with the classic Italian progressive rock scene. Perhaps unbelievably, I was only about half way when I was forced to stop due to that everyday pesky life event we call a job.

As I'm sure you deduced by now, Unreal City is yet another new participant. Mirror Records presented us earlier in the year with Oxhuitza, a band that blended both old school Italo progressive rock (especially regarding the analog keyboards) with more modern sounds like metal guitar. For those who didn't care for the latter element, then Unreal City will most likely be more to your taste. There's a considerable amount of mellotron on here, though much of it sounds sampled to me (Planet Mellotron has given them the benefit of the doubt for now, querying the public for more info). In the end, it doesn't really matter much to me, as I love the sound - sampled or not. The guest violin adds a much welcomed ingredient. And the pipe organ recalls that old 1972 chestnut Il Paese dei Balocchi. Unreal City strike me as band that will be quickly dismissed by those saying it's "all been done before". Conversely, diehard fans will embrace it without too much questioning. I'm a diehard, and yes, I really like it for certain. I will admit nothing struck out in a head-turning way, like the very best Italian albums can, though I didn't hear anything cringe-worthy either. The style by itself allows for various interpretations of the same song over multiple listens. That's the beauty of it - there's so much to digest, each listen has its own rewards. And you will for certain get your money's worth with Unreal City, an album chock full of twists, turns, and great invention. I very much look forward to their next release!

Ownership: CD: 2013 Mirror

9/2/13 (new entry)

Morgen. 1969 USA-New York

When I first started collecting psych music in the late 1980s (which admittedly came after progressive rock and heavy metal), I expected all the albums to sound something like Morgen. Great bumble bee fuzz guitar, good melodies, somewhat spaced out vocals. But alas, it wasn't to be the case. But Morgen is in the big leagues, and it's no surprise to me that it is one of the most sought after of the major label psych pieces, despite there being a relatively large supply in circulation. It's just that good - and for what seemed like forever, no legal reissue existed to offset demand (until 2013). To me, this one is the real deal and I file it right next to The Plastic Cloud. Nice late 1800's artwork of The Scream by Edvard Munch.

Ownership: CD: 2013 Sunbeam (UK). Always a much sought after and rare album as an original, that thrived in the pirate market for close to 25 years, due to a lack of a legit reissue. Finally the excellent Sunbeam label of England comes through, filled with liner notes with participation from Steve Morgen himself. The bonus tracks are more interesting than relevant, though it does include their one single. Even though this single contain two tracks from the album, the single mix is different. This new CD allowed me to kick the Eva boot immediately out the door.

11/21/19