CMU - Space Cabaret. 1973 England

Space Cabaret is very different from its predecessor. And, truth be told, this sophomore effort is like two separate albums. All of Side 1 was written by newcomer Richard Joseph. For years I had rejected this side as being somewhat average. In reflection I've warmed up to it quite a bit. It's a type of psychedelic folk. But with Larraine Odell's celestial voice, and trippy effects throughout, it actually works quite well. So one will hear 5 quality well-written psych-folk-pop tunes. But it's so very different from what is to follow.

Side 2 opens with 'Dreams', and is the only composition written by guitarist Ian Hamlett. A brilliant track, that is highly progressive with a dark undertone. They should have let him write more. Here's where Larraine Odell shows she is a great female singer - in the big leagues with Linda Hoyle.

But the real monster of a song is the closer 'Lightshine'. And sure enough, it is the only composition written by Leary Hasson. You may recognize the name Hasson, as he's the grand master of Marsupilami, one of my all time favorite bands. He joined CMU only for Space Cabaret, and sadly only wrote this one song for them. This could have been on Marsupilami's 3rd mythical album! Hasson may be one of the best progressive rock songwriters ever. It is absolutely brilliant in every way, from the construction of the composition, to the type of sounds generated (fuzz guitar, crunchy organ). I had goosebumps and hair raising moments throughout the whole thing. The moment when Odell first begins to sing is something really special. I just falloff the chair every time in amazement. There are over 10 movements here, each segue's brilliantly into the other. It starts in more folky realms (think side 1) and ends in the finest Canterbury tradition with pounding fuzz keyboards and searing electric guitars. At age 54, I'm willing to say this one song is in my Top 5 ever. Honestly, one is left speechless. I fear it's a track no one pays attention to, as it's so much different from the rest of the album. Unlike anything really...

So what happened to the Odell couple? They went onto to form one of London's most famous early 1980's disco groups in Shakatak (pronounced Shack Attack). There's plenty of vintage YouTube videos of the band out there for you to check out (be sure to find the vintage ones from the 1980s, not the modern renditions). If you do check out the videos you may be asking who is that 80's big-haired blond girl? No, that's not Larraine Odell (who doesn't appear to actually have been in the group long, though Roger is indeed the drummer), but rather Jill Saward - of ... ready for this? Fusion Orchestra (another favorite band)!!! Jeesh, who knew?

As for Leary Hasson, this is the last known written composition from him. Where did he get the inspiration? He was so far ahead of the pack, and yet no one knows who he is. Completely forgotten. One day that discovery will be made. One day.

Ownership: CD: 1993 See For Miles. The above also includes all of their earlier album Open Spaces (1971) save one track. Includes full liner notes as well. Excellent CD.