Bernd Kistenmacher - Head-Visions. 1986 Germany

No discussion about Bernd Kistenmacher can be had without at least a passing mention of one Klaus Schulze. Especially at the time of Timewind or X, arguably the Master's finest moment in the sun. Head-Visions contains 3 long tracks of Berlin School goodness complete with full-on sequencers, and various other analog/digital tones drizzled on top to add much needed color. While Schulze himself was busy messing about with digital technology and an unhealthy love of beats, Kistenmacher was trying his duly best to bring back the glory days of the original movement. And he succeeded mightily, as others followed suit shortly thereafter. Be sure to get a hold of one of the CD reissues (mine is on Green Tree), which contains the 11+ minute 'Dreamdance', as fine a track as any on the album proper.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Green Tree. Jewel case with a single page cover. They could have done better. But it does have the bonus track. I did have the original vinyl (purchased in 1988) but this album is a better candidate for CD.

6/24/15 (new entry)

Jiro Inagaki and His Soul Media - Dosojin. 1972 Japan

We featured this title on the CDRWL a few years ago, and so it is with great pleasure to be able to bring it here to the UMR, now that we have a CD in hand. Dosojin is a collection of traditional Japanese folk songs, but in many cases distorted beyond recognition, and at times, very psychedelic. 

The AC sums it up nicely: "The songs, arranged by composer Yasuhiro Koyama (who also penned one side of Toshiyuki Miyama's "Tsuchi No Ne", another of Columbia's "Adventure In Sound" albums (and also now reissued)), are all actually variations and elaborations on traditional Japanese "minyou", old folk songs known to people all across Japan for countless generations. The whole album flows very nicely, running seamlessly from solemn folky songs to fuzz-guitar and piano led progressive pieces and back again, always maintaining a deeply Japanese atmosphere."

Ownership: CD: 2015 Nippon Columbia. Papersleeve.

1/5/12 (first listen / review); 6/18/15 (update / new entry)

Trion - Funfair Fantasy. 2013 Netherlands

I had held off purchasing Funfair Fantasy, as the initial ratings and reviews seemed to demonstrate a downturn in quality. But no, that's not the case at all. If you liked the first two, then Funfair Fantasy will be certain to delight. Trion are a conservative bunch, and there are few surprises to be found. I picked up a bit of a jazz undertone this time, which I consider a major plus. Still, no denying this is fastball-down-the-middle instrumental symphonic progressive. The "nothing new here" crowd will want to steer well clear of this act. Sometimes I'm not looking for new, but perhaps a new recipe on an old favorite. And that's what Trion excels at.

Ownership: CD: 2013 Oskar (Poland)

6/13/15 (new entry)

The Budos Band - Burnt Offering. 2014 USA-New York

I guess we first need to clear something up to set the proper expectations: There's no doom metal here. It's not like an instrumental Candlemass with a horn section (which, believe me, captured my imagination wildly - and I do hope someone actually does just that some day!). I don't think anyone is trying to mislead however. The guitar tone in question is a very heavy psychedelic fuzz circa 1969/70. Well, Yeaaa, that works for me too! I think Budos Band got the message that III sounded like a rewrite of II and perhaps it was time for something different. And they came through with Burnt Offering (someone digging into their Iced Earth collection were they?) - which can only be considered a rousing success. Still, there's no mistaking those horn compositions. Budos Band will always sound like the coolest house band at some "Egyptian Lounge" on Van Ness Avenue circa 1962. That's their trademark. But now they've added some fuzz guitar to those creaky organs and funky horn charts. I like it. Great band. Can't wait to hear what they come up with next. Epicus Doomicus Hornicus?

Ownership: CD: 2014 Daptone. Digi-pak with band member photos.

6/6/15 (new entry); 2/18/22

Continuum ~ USA ~ Chicago, Illinois

End of Line (1984)

Continuum were a heavy fusion band from Chicago featuring John Redfield on keyboards, Robert Baglione on guitar, and Robert Allen on bass with various drummers/percussionists, most prominently Randy Harrah. The albums starts off a bit disconcerting on the title track with slap bass, disco beats, and cheesy synthesizers. But Baglione gets the psychedelic tinged guitar going thus adding a much needed edge to the proceedings. The jazz sequences featuring piano also light it up. Has some of the most insane guitar runs I've ever heard - imagine somewhere between late 70s Al Di Meola (technique) and early 70s John McLaughlin (tone/style). You're going to want to get your air guitar out for this one! There's way more meat on its bones than most 1980s era fusion albums. Not quite as angular as the Inserts' Out of the Box for example, but we're talking that kind of aggressiveness. A very welcome development and a window to what the 1980s could have been.

Ownership: 1984 Schmizz (LP)

No reissues as of 2/24/25.

6/6/15 (review / new entry)