November - 2:a November. 1971 Sweden

November's second album is very much a continuation of their debut. Gone is the occasional flute, and added is some sparse piano and organ provided by the producer. But otherwise this is straight-up power trio hard rock of the bluesy variety. Not as heavy as Black Sabbath nor as energetic as live Cream or Led Zeppelin, but well within those confines - with Swedish vocals. For fans of the language in song (like myself) this creates a bit of positive separation for November.

Historically, the band got caught in the web of the "Progg" movement in Sweden, who were basically far leftist, Communists in Sweden who expected blind loyalty to the cause. November wanted nothing to do with it, and were far more interested in just playing music. Especially "heavy and fast" as the band recollects. Like a lot of such movements, they ended up being more damaging than helpful, and the band were able to squeeze out one more (great) album before splintering into other excellent - and more progressive - outfits such as Saga and Energy.

Ownership: LP: 1971 Sonet. Inexplicably I didn't own this title until recently, including the relatively easy to find CD. When a NM copy was floated my way online (not cheap), I had to splurge (2019). Comes in a beautiful gatefold cover. 

2/7/19 (new entry)