Burnin Red Ivanhoe's debut album M 144 is a groundbreaking effort, and the blueprint for many a Scandinavian album for the next few years. A double LP set, where half the album is sung in the native language, is unheard of for Continental Europe at such an early date. The influence of the Mothers of Invention looms large, and as such the album can be wildly inconsistent just as Zappa's own works can be. But at its core, we are introduced to a mixture of jazz, blues, rock, combined with the local folk music tradition. Highlights include the opener, 'Antique Peppermint', 'Tingel-tangelmanden', 'Purple Hearts', and the lengthy finale 'Ksilioy'. Essential historical album for fans of progressive rock, but certainly not among the best the genre can offer.
Ownership: CD: 1997 Sonet. My first copy was the 2 LP set on Sonet. A slightly later press on the purple/orange label and without the gimmix. I sold the album over 15 years ago. Real originals on the red Sonet label and the moving pieces are quite expensive and sought after. I recently sourced the 1997 double CD (also on parent label Sonet), which features many live and studio bonus tracks. Even a modern rendition (from a reunion effort) of 'Kaj' is included. Liner notes are in Danish.
10/26/16 (new entry)
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