Live Volume One: Do Your Thing But Don’t Touch Ours (2002)
My interest in The Spacious Mind has waned significantly over the years. To the point where I have already sold off the entire 90s catalog of the band, except for this album. I still have high hopes for their post 2000 albums, as I recall more depth on those. But these early ones were a lot of jam, and no bread to put it on. In reflection, it appears I liked the idea of The Spacious Mind more than I did the music itself. Long form jamming influenced by the Cosmic Courier clan was still a novelty - a comeback of sorts. And especially back then, it was a favorite genre of music for me. I still consider the first album very good, but decided it wasn't worth keeping considering its then going rate. But I always struggled with Organic Mind Solution and Sleepy Eyes and Butterflies. And even The Mind of a Brother (1999) didn't persuade me to keep it.
Given the above backdrop, I wasn't particularly excited to revisit this album, and I'm certain I haven't heard it again since it first came out 24 years ago. One of the tracks, the lengthy 'Euphoria Euphoria' was also featured recently on The Drifter compilation (2018), which I did enjoy. In hearing this album, I have to say it has the same features as most of their 90s work and it resulted in a -1 listen. It's trip out music for sure - and the jams are pleasant if not structured in any particular manner. There's no attempt at a purpose here. Even with those impromptu Galactic Supermarket albums, it appears the musicians would lock into a meaningful groove and the music would go into exciting directions, with real dynamics. As it turns out, the aforementioned comp track is definitely the highlight of this album. I almost wish it weren't so.
Garden of a Well Fed Head is better than its immediate predecessors, and equals the debut in quality. I want to believe they improved on their future albums, including one that I have a very high rating on. That's a story for another day though. Given all the factors below in the Ownership section, I'll keep this, and it will be my collection's memento of the 90s era of The Spacious Mind.
Ownership: 1997 Lone Starfighter (LP). Die-cut gatefold cover obviously influenced by Yatha Sidhra's A Meditation Mass. Even though this is a numbered edition (this is #212 / 600), it's not a terribly expensive album. It wasn't cheap when new. Can't figure that one out.
1997 (acquired); 5/4/21 (review)
The opening title track and 'The Players in the Band' come from an obscure 10 inch EP called Reality D. Blipcrotch (a name taken from a chief songwriter of an obscure 1972 US Jefferson Airplane influenced band simply known as "1"). 'The Drifter' is The Spacious Mind at their best. A driving bass rhythm propels the track forward, while various instruments create a psychedelic mood. Of course it's not long before the lead guitarist lays down some delicious wicked acid-laced solos. 'The Player in the Band' is the only track here that I'm not overly fond of, and is a bit twee in that English 60s way. The Spacious Mind always had a penchant for the late 60s psych sound, and would often dabble in vocal folk psych. You'll hear this type of sound on their Sleepy Eyes & Butterflies and Sailing the Seagoat albums. As presented here, it's roughly half the length of the original, so your mileage may vary as to if that's complete enough for a "full reissue". In this case, I'm willing to accept the truncation.
'Euphoria, Euphoria' comes from a little known 1997 LP called Garden of a Well Fed Head that is housed in a stenciled cutout made to look like the Yatha Sidhra - A Meditation Mass album. Of all the tracks presented here, this is the only one I currently own. However it makes its CD debut here on The Drifter. As the cover indicates, this is The Spacious Mind taking on the Kosmische wing of the original Krautrock sound. In other words - the perfect mix of ingredients!
'Floatin' Down the River Whistlin' on a Tune' is the most obscure track here - but as mentioned before - the only one released on CD prior. This song comes from an obscure 2003 compilation called 'Copenhagen Space Rock Festival 2002' originally out together by future Oresund Space Collective band leader Scott Heller. This track possesses a slightly jazzy and moody vibe, very calm with some fine Fender Rhodes, organ, and drifting electric guitar. When it comes to creating psychedelic chill atmospheres, The Spacious Mind are hard to beat.
The last two tracks come from a band released live CD-R circa 2005 called Take That Weight Off Your Shoulders. 'The Drifter' reappears, but this time in more raw form, as to be expected from an undoctored live show, complete with audience background talk. The track does benefit though from the rougher edge, especially during the solo sections. 'Spirit Roots' closes the album, this time clearly in Kosmische mode, sounding every bit like 'Set The Controls' era Pink Floyd blended with early Ash Ra Tempel. The original is over 20 minutes long, and is pared back here to just over nine.
In conclusion, the overall vibe of the compilation befits the name "The Drifter", and is somewhat mellow, yet very psychedelic.
The CD (limited to 300 copies) is housed in a very fine tri-fold digi-pak, and features some rambling free association liner notes from band collaborator / writer Wilmot Clawson. Overall, an excellent archival document from the good folks at Trail Records, a label that has consistently sought out the best space rock has to offer around the globe.
Ownership: 2018 Trail (CD). Details above.
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