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)
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