Iron Claw - s/t. 1970-1974 Scotland (archival)

Where to even start? So the deal with Iron Claw is they have four different historical Marks similar to Deep Purple in that way. The first Mark (1970) demonstrates Iron Claw emulating Black Sabbath's early style of crushing heavy blues rock, and this is the sound most associated with the band. The material - and sound - is very raw and distorted. It's good stuff, but not devastating. The first 5 tracks on the CD are from this era. The second Mark (1971) contains only one song and is very similar in sound and scope to Mark I. I found that the real revelation on this CD is Mark III (1971-72), which begins to add in more sophistication and introduces a broad palette of tones including woodwinds. The sound quality is excellent on these tracks, differentiating it greatly from the prior material. Fortunately this stage of the band has a strong presence on the disc - and no less than 8 tracks are presented here. Mark IV (1973-74) sees Iron Claw going full throttle towards complex progressive rock territory. Unfortunately there's only two tracks from this period and the sound isn't ideal, but the music is quite brilliant and demonstrates a band that is really starting to fire on all cylinders. It's a pity they never were able to release a proper studio album. So all in all, an excellent archival collection. It's worth noting that the music is presented chronologically, so this isn't a title that works well in "random play" mode.

CD: 2009 Rockadrome (USA)

The first authorized release of Iron Claw is the Rockadrome CD (first photo). It's an excellent reissue, as is typical of Rockadrome, filled with informative historical notes and photos. The second photo is the newly released Lion LP version. I haven't seen this one personally, but the label says: "This collection of sixteen original studio tracks documents Iron Claw's existence from 1970 thru 1974 and includes extensive liner notes, lyrics and photos inside the gatefold and on a 12" insert; also includes an 11x17 poster." Sounds like a nice package to me (and includes all of the CD material), and I'm sure it's yet another fine release from the high quality Lion. The last photo is from the first CD release of Iron Claw - entitled Dismorphophobia (1996 Audio Archives) - which has been tagged as "unauthorized" by RYM. I had a copy of this on CD-R, and it's a different set of music, only focusing on their 1970 material. And it's of very poor sound. I would stick with the Rockadrome or Lion versions for this one and avoid the latter.

Brain Police - San Diego's Only Psychedelic Cops. 1968 USA-California

Tremendous late 60s psychedelic album from San Diego, with some bona fide monster tracks in 'I'd Rather See You Dead' (my personal fave on the album), 'Getting Too Much Higher', 'Gypsy Fast Woman', and 'I'll Find Love'. Heavy fuzz guitar, organ, snotty vocals, snakey bass, and snappy drums define the music. The CD bonus tracks of pre-Brain Police outfits such as the Man-Dells (1964-65) and Other Four (1965-1966) demonstrate a strong Beach Boys influence. This extended experience with vocal harmony shows up throughout the album, adding that extra dimension that makes it special. Listen to tracks such as 'Find Me a Moment', 'Ride My Train of Love', and 'I'll Find Love' to hear this dimension of the band, and I think this is where the Strawberry Alarm Clock references come in.

Ownership: CD: 2000 Shadoks (Germany). Excellent reissue with full historical liner notes, concert poster replications, newspaper articles, and 10 bonus tracks going back to the mid 60s!

Eloiteron. 1981 Switzerland

Eloiteron's sole album is a much better than average early 80s symphonic album. There were many of these type of private progressive rock albums released in Germany and Switzerland during this period and Eloiteron are one of the best. Trumpet adds a nice touch, and recalls the Austrian group Klockwerk Orange in a similar setting. Plenty of excellent organ, mellotron, guitar, piano, synthesizers, and flute as well. I appreciate the strong attention to melodic detail. It's primarily instrumental, though there's some sparse unobtrusive vocals that are decent. Recommended album, for certain, and holds up well after many listens. The kind of album Musea Records of France would have reissued, had they gotten to it during their prime.

Ownership: LP: 1981 private. Single sleeve. Online acquisition from 2010. The very first pressings had what is known as a "skull" cover. This skull is actually a single poster sheet that lays on top of the sunrise album cover. Most copies were released without it, including mine. For some years I also had the Belle Antique CD which does have the skull layer, but I was disappointed with the sound, and sold it off.

7/2/09 (CDRWL)

Raven - Who Do You See... 1976 USA-Indiana

Classic progressive rock from Midwest America. This time from Terre Haute, Indiana, and features none other than the same drummer from the monster psych rock band Micah (1971) - who had relocated to upstate New York from Terre Haute a few years prior. So it takes a Portuguese vinyl only label to release this wonderful archival LP - OK, works for me. Global economy indeed.

This album (recorded 1976) has all the trademarks of a band from the era and region: Straightforward radio friendly tracks are offset by highly complex compositions and serious musical chops. And loads of that wonderful Hammond organ and Moog synthesizer! Perhaps not the greatest sounding recording, but certainly excellent given the circumstances. Other Indiana bands like Yezda Urfa, Ethos, and even Vindication will point the way if needing comparisons.

Ownership: LP: 2013 Golden Pavilion. Single sleeve cover with biographical data "obi". This issue surprisingly lacks historical detail, though you can find more on the internet. The vinyl itself sounds very fine - especially for something that wasn't intended to be issued in the first place. 

As it turns out, drummer Robert Wolff is still going - participating in none other than a progressive rock band from Finland called Corvus Stone, who have a new album coming soon! So we have a drummer from Indiana, who lived in New York, who's first album (Micah) was reissued by a German company (Shadoks), whose next band was released for the first time by a label from Portugal, and who is now a virtual member of a band from Finland. Got that? Wow.

3/16/14 (first listen / review / new entry)

Polska Radio One - Cosmos Inside. 2014 Russia

Polska Radio One are a fantastic band from Yekaterinburg, in Central Russia, relatively not far from Kazakhstan. Though thousands of miles away, Polska Radio One clearly have their musical hearts tuned into the late 80s and early 90s UK scene - specifically the Festival Psych and Neo-Psych sounds of the era. More to the point where modern bands were emulating the cosmic psychedelic sounds of Pink Floyd and their 60s brethren, rather than the actual 60s sound itself. That is - the concentrate version! And perhaps we're all the better for the focus applied.

At the start I was reminded of Soma, then Sun Dial at their most psychedelic (Other Way Out), and onto the most trippy post festival sounds of the Ship of Fools. Wonderful echoplex'd guitar, ancient organ, phased vocals, and just a general otherworldly atmosphere that is at once disorienting and yet exhilarating.

Ownership: CD: 2014 Trail (USA)

3/15/14 (new entry)

Public Foot the Roman. 1973 England

When I first started collecting progressive rock albums in earnest in the early 1980s, this is one of those "obscure" albums that I was told I must get. To be honest, Public Foot the Roman fell way short of my expectations, and I never understood what all the fuss was about. Some 30+ years later, I may not crown this a classic, but at least it makes more sense to me. I think the problem is the inclusion of standard rock and roll songs - like the opener - which can be greatly off-putting to those of us looking for something more adventurous. And my standards in the early 80s is that all "progressive rock" meant every album would be stood up against Close to the Edge or Selling England by the Pound. Well thousands of obscurities later - not much holds a candle to those albums anyway - IMHO of course.

Now in retrospect, I hear Public Foot the Roman in the way I do bands on the Neon or Dawn labels - albums that were still too far from my radar back then. And when shown in that light, Public Foot the Roman holds up pretty well. The mix of straightforward material with more ambitious jazzy progressions is fairly typical of 1973 England. Maybe not the best representative of said style, but I can now see why folks touted this one back to me then. Certainly better than the dime a dozen Hit Parade pop bands of the day. And its presence on Capitol Records, made it more known here in the US at least - especially when compared to their Dawn label brethren.

Ownership: LP: 1973 Capitol (USA). Single sleeve.

No legit reissues as of 10/6/24.

2010; 3/11/14 (review / new entry)

Distillerie di Malto - Suono! 2013 Italy

About a dozen years ago, Distillerie di Malto released a fine classic Italian progressive album, and then disappeared without a trace. Unfortunately it was only a CD-R, and as such I never purchased it (though a friend had a copy so that's how I heard it) - and I'm still awaiting a factory pressed CD.

But the good news is Distillerie di Malto is back! And on Musea no less - a label that seems to have forgotten their past, and have among their midst a stable of mainly modern neo, alt-progressive, or prog metal acts. Distillerie di Malto is anything but - and once again have adorned us with a retro Italian progressive rock classic similar to their 2001 effort. As we look back on 2013, Suono! represents the final bookend for this most incredible year when talking Italian progressive rock.

There are a few distinct individual qualities that makes Suono! so special. 1) The stunning vocals (sung in Italian) from Fabrizio Pellicciaro; 2) The keyboards of Fabiano Cudazzo who, in addition to the usual flight of analog gear such as organ and Moog, makes great use of the good old-fashioned piano, just as his forefathers did 40 years ago; 3) the fine guitar accompaniment of Marco Angelone. He doesn't feel the need to dominate nor bludgeon the listener with metal tones. Everything is placed properly and the guitar (both acoustic and electric) is played in a soulful manner; And finally 4) the excellent flute work from Luca Latini. On the latter point, unfortunately Latini only adorns the first 3 tracks. Just at the point the flute is dropped, Cudazzo's keyboards emerge as the predominant instrument. Every song is of a high quality and, despite the constantly changing moods and tones, the consistency is astounding.

Distillerie di Malto have truly captured the spirit of the early 1970's Italian movement. The music is chock full of complex songwriting and counterpoint juxtaposed against beautiful melodies and impassioned singing. The type of music that keeps you guessing all the way through, but isn't exhausting in its attempt to impress. I found Suono! to be one of the best of all the 2013 Italian albums, which is quite an achievement given the competition.

Ownership: CD: 2013 Musea (France)

3/9/14 (new entry)

Blops - s/t (Locomotora). 1974 Chile

Blops' third self-titled album, later titled "Locomotora" (and with a different cover), is primarily an instrumental rock album with flute, piano, organ, and fuzz guitar providing the lead work. Not particularly complex, but also not as kitschy as some of the Italian instrumental psychedelic albums like Blue Phantom or Underground Set. There are some wordless voices peppered throughout that add an exotic vibe. Perhaps this is South America's equivalent to the French band Catharsis, though Blops appear to have more of a jazz background that they apply to their improvisations. Highly recommended if you enjoy the rougher analog tones of the early 70s, and for fans of flute driven rock. You can put me down as such for those categories.

LP: 2011 Acme (UK)

The top cover (single sleeve) is the original, while the second one came along later - some say it was originally a pirate edition, others say it was a legit reissue. Details are sketchy, but for certain it's not the original. Shadoks went forward with the latter cover (and secondary title of Locomotora) for its LP and CD box sets. The Acme LP reissue replicates the original cover. It's a brick, with no other information, and muddy sound. Not the best reissue, but it's the only version of the album I own at this time.

Friendsound (Friend Sound). 1969 USA-California

Great experimental psych weirdness from a group that evolved out of Paul Revere and The Raiders. Truly cutting edge for the late 1960s. The kind of album that I'm sure record executives today hold out as an example of Huge Mistakes from the Past. First 10 minutes are an awesome display of psychedelic rock, and the last 25 minutes go waaay the hell out there into druggy la-la land. I'm not sure who was more stoned: The band or the label? File alongside other late 1960s pioneers like Fifty Foot Hose and Silver Apples. Excellent.

Ownership: LP: 1969 RCA. Single sleeve with liner notes on the back. I first heard about this album via Audion magazine and then bought a mint one immediately for all of about $10 (1989). And I continue to own that copy.

CD: 2014 Real Gone w/Brotherhood (1968) and Brotherhood Brotherhood (1969). I think the main purpose of this reissue is for the two post-Paul Revere & The Raiders Brotherhood psych albums, and they threw in Friend Sound as a bonus. Works for me! The first Brotherhood album is decent psych, and the second is more commercial. I wouldn't buy them on their own, but they make a nice supplement. Regarding the band name, here's what I said in the CDRWL: "And if we look carefully at the label description, we'll notice the band is known as Friend Sound - two words. The original LP gives us a mixed message on that front. The spine is two words, but everywhere else (label, back liner notes, track titles) indicate it is one word. So it appears there will need to be some discography adjustments applied on the various sites out there." This is a fantastic reissue, BTW. Great liner notes with participation of the band, photos, and great sound. Don't miss this one.

1989; 3/7/14 (new entry)

Cybotron - Implosion. 1980 Australia

By this time, Cybotron were clearly more of an instrumental electronic rock band, similar to groups such as France's Space Art, rather than a strictly sequencer based Klaus Schulze clone (though fortunately there's still some of that here). The saxophone is retained from Colossus as well, and is put to good use. Other than the last track, which is a smooth jazz clunker (and fortunately short), fans of the band's earlier albums won't want to miss this title either. The band admits in the CD liner notes that they were seeking a more commercial based style, but they didn't want to let go of their progressive past either. Perhaps the least satisfying of the 3, but still quite good. Those who like real drums in their electronic music will be pleased here.

CD: 2005 Aztec
LP: 1980 Cleopatra

The original LP on Cleopatra comes in a nice gatefold sleeve. As for the CD, it's hard to beat Aztec's multi-fold out digipak covers, not to mention the extensive liner notes - and great sound. In addition, the CD features 6 fine bonus tracks. I have both the CD and the LP for this title, but definitely the CD is the way to go here. 2017 Update: My opinion hasn't changed here, and thus I let the LP go for sale.

Mad Curry. 1971 Belgium

Mad Curry is a superb early jazz infused progressive rock album with organ, electric saxophone, and witchy female vocals that is distinctly European, and of that era. Earth and Fire, Sandrose, Julian's Treatment, Fusion Orchestra, and Circus 2000 are all good reference points here. Fellow Belgian band Shampoo as well, more so with the jazzy disposition. 'Music, The Reason of Our Happiness' is just flat out one of the all-time great progressive jazz rock tracks.

Ownership: LP: 1971 Pirate's. Housed in an extraordinary poster cover. Acquired from a well known Belgian dealer in a trade (1996).

Still no CD reissue as I update this on 1/5/24

1996; 7/19/09; 3/4/14 (new entry)

Quicksand - Home is Where I Belong. 1974 Wales

Quicksand are a Welsh progressive rock band that recalls other interesting UK groups - that aren’t necessarily progressive in the classic sense of the term - but are musically interesting all the same. Originally released on Dawn, and consistent with the label’s musical outlook. One can hear Fantasy, Jonesy, Spring, Cressida, and early Fruupp. Plenty of organ and guitar jams to satisfy even the most discerning 1970’s progressive rock heads. And, of course yea, there's even a little mellotron. There’s also a distinct Quicksilver Messenger Service 1960’s “West Coast” sound that permeates – which was also a huge influence on fellow countrymen Man. There are two tracks here that clear the 8 minute mark, that are truly overt progressive rock pieces and are brilliant. You don’t hear many folks talk about this album, but it’s a really, really good one… definitely a hidden classic from the almost infinite and fertile British 70’s scene.

CD: 2011 Esoteric
CD: 2002 Victor (Japan)

Originals on the collectible Dawn label come in a fine gatefold, and are pretty scarce. My first exposure to the album came via the first Japanese mini on Victor, and as always, replicates the original cover to perfection (sold June 2018, since it had a notch cut). In addition, I recently picked up the Esoteric CD as a supplement, as I wanted to check out their mastering and liner notes. As an aside, most of the websites attribute a 1973 date to the original, though according to the Esoteric CD, the album was released in February of 1974.

Laurence Vanay (Gate Way) - Evening Colours. 1975 France

After the stunning Galaxies, Ms. Thibault comes back with Evening Colours, which can only be categorized as a triumph of will. The same beauty she brought forth on her debut, is also present here, perhaps with a bit more instrumental oomph. However, there are no song based tracks with lyrics (though plenty of wordless voices). Despite finding its way onto the Italian CAM label, Evening Colours is no film library album. These are fully realized compositions with wonderful analog keyboards, fuzz guitar, bass, and drums. As we learn via the excellent Lion CD (2013), Jacqueline originally was presented as the artist "Gateway", so as to not reduce sales, since the norm of the day was that only male artists were to be treated with respect in the marketplace. This album, intended to be issued on the Galloway label, ended up as a very small press and is extremely rare nowadays. The more common aforementioned CAM issue happened via a friend and ensured everyone was compensated for their efforts.

Hearing this album once again reaffirms my position that females are far too unrepresented in progressive rock circles. Their inherent knack for melody and subtlety is much needed in this most testosterone fueled genre, where technical show-off chops are often placed in favor of thoughtful composition and form. Unfortunately even today, females continue to be stage singers, directed behind the curtain by those looking to profit from their talent (of course I mean in general, not progressive rock. Nobody makes money in progressive rock...). Hear the defiant and fiercely independent Jacqueline Thibault - compare - and judge for yourself. Brilliant and beautiful.

Ownership: CD: 2013 Lion Productions (USA). Papersleeve. Gatefold. With historical liner notes.

LP: 2014 Lion Productions. Gatefold. With historical liner notes.

The original on Galloway, with the profile of the easy-on-the-eyes Ms Thibault, is nearly extinct, as very few copies were pressed. The library label CAM is actually the hero in this case (see above for story), and is far more common. Unfortunately, it features one of their generic covers. More detail here in regards to my personal history with these albums.

7/23/07; 3/2/14 (new entry)