Mar Assombrado - Canções Do Farol. 2017 Brazil

Along with Mantra, Mar Assombrado represents another independently released progressive rock album from Brazil. And while I loved Proximo, Canções Do Farol is even better for my tastes. It's been forever and a day since a new album came out of nowhere like this and knocked me on my ass. The music is assembled in the same way that the Italian masters of the 70s would do it.  Flute is a major component of Mar Assombrado's sound, yet another Italian hallmark. It's a mix of soft and hard passages (but never metal), and the compositions never stop evolving. While Mantra is a bit more eclectic, and could be considered a hard rock band at times, there's no mistaking Mar Assombrado for anything but hardcore progressive rock. The instrumentation is not retro, so again we are dealing with the modern era, but I found the tones here quite pleasing. I heard this album 3 straight times in one evening (I hardly ever do that anymore), and it continued to improve with each listen. A really great album as far I'm concerned, and looking forward to hearing more from this band. Didn't realize until very recently Brazil had so much interesting new music coming out in the progressive rock space!

Ownership: CD: 2017 private. Nice professionally produced digi-pak.

5/26/20 (new entry)

Don Shinn - Temples with Prophets. 1969 England

I'd never even heard of Don Shinn until about 5 years ago. I then proceeded to add him to a (rather large) list to sample at some point in the future. And, as is usually the case, forgot all about him. Until I read earlier this year that Sunbeam intended to reissue both of his albums (the other I have yet to hear). Perhaps Shinn would have been forever lost to obscurity were it not for a one Keith Emerson praising his work, and stating that Shinn was a major influence on his style. In hearing Temples with Prophets, it becomes apparent that Shinn probably wasn't trying for a progressive rock album at all - it just worked out that way. His background was not only in jazz, but also R&B, and so he wasn't unfamiliar with 60's beat pop music, being a member of The Soul Agents. It could be argued that he was simply following in the footsteps of other creative organists of his era, and ended up with an album that is just as much The Nice as it is something perhaps an early Krautrock band would come up with. The album features 7 excellent instrumental keyboard driven tracks with guitar, bass, and drums accompaniment. It's not a radical album by any means, and yet it is a pioneering work. Well worth owning.

Ownership: CD: 2020 Sunbeam. Digipak. Excellent reissue with extensive liner notes, photos, memorabilia, and 2 bonus tracks taken from a 45.

5/26/20 (new entry)

Jazz Q - Symbiosis. 1974 Czech Republic

Symbiosis from 1974 is one of the most unusual albums coming from behind the Iron Curtain. The singer is actually an Englishwoman, that in itself an anomaly - and because of that, the album is sung in English, despite all the songs being titled in Czech. This isn't a jazz album at all, and in fact the music belongs closest to my proto progressive with female vocals list, even though it's not psychedelic in the slightest. If they had swapped out the Fender Rhodes for a Hammond organ, then it would have solidified its place on the list that much more. An excellent album overall, and for certain one to investigate.

Ownership: CD: 1998 Bonton. Nice reissue with liner notes (in Czech) that appear to date back to 1972. There is one significant bonus track here that only appears otherwise on a couple of comps. Had this one for a long time, but totally forgot its sound contents.

Ayers Rock - Big Red Rock. 1974 Australia

I'd read about this album for years, but never heard it until now. A&M tried hard to break them here in the States as well as England, but it was a tough sell despite positive reviews of their live outings. The music on the album is eclectic, but still belongs to the progressive rock genre. Most of the album is a mix of symphonic fusion and trippy space rock - all very good. There are 3 tracks here that are typical of Australian music from the 70s, a type of boogie/pub rock. They're not too bad on the whole, with excellent instrumental breaks, but probably didn't help their cause with the prog rock fans of the era. The bonus tracks are of a similar mix. Overall an excellent album, one of the many unappreciated secret gems from Australia.

Ownership: CD: 2016 Aztec. Recent online acquisition. Typical fantastic Aztec reissue, housed in a beautiful die cut trifold digipak. Extensive historical liner notes, photos, and 5 relevant bonus tracks, including one 45.

Mad River. 1968 USA-California

Though originally from Ohio, Mad River had relocated to northern California to be a part of the psychedelic scene of the era. I was first exposed to the LP via a friend way back in 1990 or so. It was just too early in my collecting career to comprehend it. Having initially come from a heavy metal perspective - and by then fully ensconced into the world of 70s progressive rock - 60s psychedelia was beyond my reach. And so I wrote it off. Here we are 30 years later, and the reviews clearly point to a pioneering album - way beyond the usual psych fare. And they are correct. Now that I listen to 60s music as much as 70s it becomes apparent that Mad River was an exceptional album for its era. And quite bold for a major label release. So my friend had been right all along, though his perspective had been from the 60s. And that helps with this album.

Ownership: LP: 1968 Capitol. Single sleeve. Recent acquisition (2022) from JL. The CD remains the primary, but it's cool to have an original.

CD: 2013 BGO (UK). Recent acquisition (2020). Super CD that also includes their second album Paradise Bar & Grill. Full liner notes, photos, etc... The second album is more like country rock, not atypical of the San Francisco scene of the time. It's not without merit though, with some fine instrumental passages, and is perfect for bonus tracks. Not really worth owning by itself for my tastes.

6/30/20 (new entry); 9/30/22 (LP addition)

Barnabus - Beginning to Unwind. 1972 England (archival)

Probably the best part of this album is the package itself. The music is definitely worthy of release though, if hard rock is your bag, and it most certainly is mine. The tunes aren't particularly memorable, but the guitar work is great, especially when distorted. References to May Blitz and Clear Blue Sky aren't too far off here. The sound isn't perfect (mostly noted when the music is soft), but it's more than OK for archival material. Probably will take some effort to familiarize myself with the music, but no question the overall presentation gives it room in the collection.

Ownership: CD: 2020 Rise Above. Incredible historical booklet with loads of info, photos, memorabilia, etc. Typical first class Rise Above effort. Comes in a slip case (the first cover). The second cover is the LP and the CD booklet.

Mandrake Paddle Steamer - Pandemonium Shadow Show. 1968; 1970 England (archival)

Well it's certainly not July or Pussy Plays, but Mandrake Paddle Steamer manage to push most of the buttons that define the UK psych scene of the late 60s. The sound, vocals, and period production tricks all point to that era. The songs aren't as distinctive though - at least on my first couple of go rounds. I'm sure I need to immerse myself deeper into the release, but for now I'm pleased with the results. Given the entire package, a keeper for certain.

Ownership: CD: 2019 Sommor. Recent online  acquisition. Excellent release that contains fine liner notes and photos. Definitely good sound for this type of thing. Oddly it does not contain their two 45s released during their era, presuming there must have been rights issues with parent label Parlophone.

Kadwaladyr - The Last Hero. 1995 France

One of the more misunderstood albums, Kadwaldyr's album The Last Hero is a victim of those who set the wrong expectation. Despite being on France's preeminent progressive rock label Musea, Kadwaldyr were nothing of the sort. Nor were they really Celtic Rock either. Rather they belong to a larger branch of music known loosely as world fusion, and for certain there's an underlying Celtic theme throughout. The band make no bones that they are celebrating their origins of hailing from the Breton region. In addition, the choice of tones and production are 90s digital plastic all the way. Almost nothing of analog can be found here beyond the basics of electric guitars and bass.

No doubt the above does not read well.  However, The Last Hero has a wonderful groove that just won't quit, and the Celtic melodies are pleasing in this setting. It would serve well as background music in a bar, or makes for pleasant driving music. Once you have an idea of what the music is, and what it sets out to do, then The Last Hero is an accomplished album in its own right.

Ownership: CD: 1995 Musea. Fine new album presentation with explanations of each track. Purchased new upon release.

Corte dei Miracoli. 1976 Italy

Though I've owned the album for 30 years, I never had this in the top tier of Italian progressive albums (and admittedly it's a large tier). After all this time, I still managed a +1 listen recently. The older I get, the more I appreciate this unique sound. And while Corte dei Miracoli isn't likely to ever challenge the all-times greats, that doesn't mean it isn't exceptional when judged on its own merits. Anyway, I'm sure UMR's readership is well versed with this album. And if not - or you had forgotten about it - give it a fresh spin!

Ownership: LP: 1976 Grog; CD: 2003 Arcangelo (Japan). I have a long history with this album going back to first securing an LP copy at a record show in 1990 or so (and upgraded about 6 years ago). The mini-LP CD mimics the LP to the smallest detail. To the best of my knowledge, none of the reissues offer more than the album itself, so might as well go for the packaging design.

Tasavallan Presidentti - Lambertland. 1972 Finland

For years, I've gone round and round with this album. Sometimes it's a 10, others it's an 11. I'm back at the latter. I've read from some fans that this album is the best of all the Finnish prog albums of the 70s. I just cannot agree, but at least I'm at the keeper stage now.

Ownership: LP: 1973 Sonet (UK). Nice early pressing with a textured gatefold cover. Looks like I picked this one up online in 2011, which replaced the rather basic Love CD.

Armando Tirelli - Profeta. 1978 Uruguay

Nice mix of dramatic progressive rock and singer songwriter based material. I don't have a lot of progressive rock from Uruguay, so this one makes the cut. And the good material is exceptional.

I found an old review I wrote for UTR (see Mongol entry): "Many parallels with the Jose Cid - 10000 Anos... album from Portugal: Both are from 1978, feature well known artists in their country, and come from countries without a tradition of prog rock. But, really, the Tirelli is more dated sounding. Could've been from 1970 and I would have believed it. Big production opera with narration, horns, local pop music, and of course, progressive rock. Sounds like a cross between Latte E Miele's masterpiece Passio Secundum Mattheum and Jesus Christ Superstar! But I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff. Maybe you are too. If so, this is on the high end of that scale. Besides, what else do you have from Uruguay?" 23 years on from that last listen/review, and it's too far off from what I think now!

Ownership: CD: 1997 Record Runner (Brazil). Nice booklet with a small history and original liner notes. Purchased new online upon release.

8/29/97 (rmp-utr#2) 

Mongol - Doppler 444. 1997 Japan

Regular readers of my blogs will know by now, high energy fusion / progressive rock is always welcome in my changer. And boy, does this fit the bill! Like a less raw Kenso, with perhaps a little too much 90's digitalitis going on - though nonetheless these guys just let 'er rip. And with plenty of meter changes for the hardcore progressive rock fan. So on the first 5 tracks, Mongol reminds me quite a bit of the great second album by Space Circus (Fantastic Arrival), but with a 90's production. So if that sounds good, this will serve you well enough.

And then....

WHOOOAAA! Hold the presses!

And then......... there's this 18 minute closer.

Would you believe me if I told you that 'Greatful Paradise' is the most intense Zeuhl styled song since the 'De Futura' track from Magma's Udu Wudu? Probably not. But the fact is I lost 5 pounds listening to it. See, there's that Paganotti styled fuzz bass counterpointed by alien keyboard sounds and shredding guitar. And then there's this possessed drummer not named Vander but.... OK, you get the idea. Want another Weidorje album? You like Zeuhl fusion? You need this.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Belle Antique

Originally reviewed for UTR Magazine: Aug 29, 1997 (and since edited). This Under the Radar is not to be confused with my current blog (though that's where I first came up with the name). I had completed 3 "issues" for rec.music.progressive (remember that forum?). I used to write them on the plane going back and forth from Denver to Milwaukee twice a week. Unfortunately I didn't stick with it.

8/29/97 (UTR); 5/26/20 (new entry)

Sky Cries Mary - Secrets of a Red Planet. 2020 USA-Washington

Sky Cries Mary. Now there's a blast from the past. I haven't thought of this group since the mid 1990s, when they first burst onto the scene. Their 1994 album This Timeless Tuning was all the rage with my running set in those days. I was a bit dismissive at the time, recalling that they were just as immersed into 90s alt rock/indie as they were into neo psychedelia. And I've long struggled to find peace and harmony with the former genre. But that was 25 years ago, and my life has changed dramatically since then. So I cannot say how I would receive the album today. To be honest I was a bit apprehensive to hear this album after obtaining a copy in the mail about a month ago. I thought Sky Cries Mary were an odd choice for Trail Records - who primarily specialize in Eastern European and Asian space rock - to pick up an old flannel-shirted Seattle based band. But some quick research shows it is I that is completely out of touch (no surprise there...), as Sky Cries Mary not only aren't some reclamation project, but rather a continuing operation. And for the last 11 years they have been part of the Trail Records stable (?!). Nice to see how well I've kept up.

Once the music started, my worst fears faded, and I found the music welcoming on impact. There are most certainly many references to the 90s - a decade, I should add, that I treasure - so that is not a pejorative in my world. The music is, without a doubt, space rock, and it's most certainly psychedelic, in the same way as groups from the 90s were - hence the genre neo psych. There are still some female (and male) vocals, but mostly this is instrumental music with a great emphasis on studio effects, like the great Krautrock masters would do. Guitars and a mass of keyboards lead the way. This is not a stroll through 1970s Vintage Park, but rather modern technology is put to great use. An excellent example of this is 'Trapeze Dancer', which brings in the (gasp) beats, and I found the intermingling of sounds to be quite (pleasantly) jarring in this setting. Part of that reason is the judicious use of them - as that's pretty much the only place that kind of rhythm is used. Otherwise it's good old fashioned drum work propelling the music forward.

While listening to Secrets of a Red Planet, other images from the 90s began to flash by. Including the group Beyond-O-Matic, another Trail Records pickup that we wrote about some 7 years ago. How many of you remember the Kranky label - bands like Jessamine, Magnog, Windy & Carl, and Doldrums? Or the Los Angeles based Farflung? There's traces of those sounds here, but this new effort is far more likable to my ears. Like Beyond-O-Matic, Sky Cries Mary didn't stay content with the past, and has improved considerably upon it. Or at least as my memory would have it. If any of this review resonates in a positive manner, then you represent the target audience. Overall, Secrets of a Red Planet is an excellent addition to the USA canon of space rock albums.

Ownership: CD: 2020 Trail. Nice tri-fold glossy digipak.

5/19/20 (new entry)

Myrbein - Myrornas Krig. 1981 Sweden

At its best, Myrbein's sole album is at the very top of the early 80s prog rock pyramid alongside Dun and Kultivator. But like a lot of intelligent people, there's this self conscious nagging that they are too serious and will be viewed upon as brainy nerds. So to compensate they add a goofy component, ironically adding to the notion that they are - indeed - a group of brainy nerds. This is not subtle, intelligent humor. Nope - broad stroke slapstick silliness. Why bands from the avant prog space feel the need to be the next Three Stooges would be a good topic to explore - for one's Master's Thesis. Which they probably already have anyway.... All in all, the great outweighs the goofy, and is well worth your time to investigate.

Ownership: CD: 1993 Ad Perpetuam Memoriam. Nice CD reissue from APM, with 1 bonus track and photos. Had the LP once but sold it 25 years ago. Not clamoring to get it back.

Saga - House of Cards. 2001 Canada-Ontario

Saga is one of those time-and-place bands for me. I'm not sure they would have registered at all had they not been part of a great time of my life. Worlds Apart is one of many albums that represents my senior year in high school. And Heads or Tales does the same for my freshmen year in college. Instincts told me to avoid Behaviour when it came around (1985), and it appears that was the right move (ed: confirmed in 2023). And that was it for me and Saga. A few years ago, I bought a CD collection that included Full Circle (1999). It was pretty good, but it didn't have the magic. It was still in the sell bin (gone now), and I thought to myself I should hear it one more time. Nope. It's just not there for me. For whatever reason I decided to pull for House of Cards anyway, since I saw it going for cheap. It's only two years later, how much better can it be? A lot. This is the Saga I know and love. They really recaptured the magic of 1981 to 1984. Maybe not every song is great as it was in the past, but mostly it has that staccato guitar, cheap synthesizer sound, and excellent melodies thing going on. And Michael Sadler sounds exactly the same. Made me feel 18 again. If you're like me and early 80s Saga is in your strike zone, and you forgot all about them since, this would be a good way to spend your loose change.

Ownership: CD: 2001 Steamhammer (Germany). One of those superb "media books" with hardbound cover and excellent detail. They're practically giving these things away now. Way too good to pass up.

5/12/20 (new entry)

BLO - Chapters and Phases. 1973-1974 Nigeria

I'd only heard Chapter One prior, and it struck me as a somewhat typical US styled funk album. I don't think I was entirely wrong, but for 1) I enjoy funk much more today and 2) The psychedelic elements are more prominent than I'd originally accounted for. Often times we get discouraged as the descriptions we read lead us to believe it's something else. No doubt, BLO got caught up in the "psych dealers hype machine". And that's when I first heard it, some 25 years ago when the first reissues began to surface. Now I have a different perspective. Phase II is new to me, and not surprisingly, it's more geared toward funk and less psych. But it's still in that same kind of zone. It's the lesser of the 2 albums, but not by much.

Ownership: CD: 2009 RPM (UK). Recent online acquisition. Excellent reissue that contains both albums in full, along with an essay covering both the history of BLO and the early to mid 70s Nigerian rock scene in general. RPM is part of the Cherry Red group (Esoteric, Grapefruit).

The Beginning of the End - Funky Nassau: The Definitive Collection. 1971; 1976 Bahamas

Now this is the kind of funk I'm looking for. Deep - deep - island grooves here. The Beginning of the End were a band from the Bahamas that had one dance hit back in 1971, that being the title of this album. Apparently the 45 single is quite a known quantity among those much hipper than I. But it's so much more than the one single, which is indeed superb as well.

Once those rhythm guitars start pounding, along with the thick throbbing bass, and top beat heavy drum kit - I'm in a deep trance from the off. Really dig the 60s vintage organ too and those soulful and declarative vocals. And then the cherry on the top is the massive horn section, never solo, always in ensemble mode playing some complicated charts. And there's your two part title track. Only to be transcended by 'Come Down' which just ups the ante on everything. Though it states it's only 2:20 on the album, it's actually double that length, and is the highlight of Side 1. The last two tracks for this side are very good, but much more typical funk. I like them, but not at the level of the rest. Not sure why the common thought process is it's all downhill on Side 2. As my nephew would say "What are you talking about?"

Because the real party starts then.

'Monkey Tamarind' picks up where 'Come Down' leaves off. Now we're in a really heavy groove. 'In the Deep' goes psychedelic in mood - and yes we even get an acid fuzz guitar solo too! In this setting, it's just extraordinary to hear. And then 'Pretty Girl' takes the same motif, except the fuzz solo is even wilder! 'When She Made Me Promise' is the only instrumental and contains some of the best jazz guitar soloing I've heard in ages, with wonderful organ accompaniment. I need more of this. Way more.

The 1976 album, also self titled, is much better than I had thought it would be. While there are other influences here, the heavy funk of the debut is represented well too. If you like the debut, you'll want to hear this as well.

Ownership: LP: 1971 Alston (Funky Nassau). Single sleeve. Green label original. Estate sale find (2019). 

CD: 2018 Strut (UK) (Funky Nassau: The Definitive Collection). The CD is a super reissue that includes both albums plus two singles. There are copious liner notes which demonstrate that The Beginning of the End should have been a household name, but they were the victims of bad breaks - and their own bad decisions. They didn't strike when the iron was hot!

5/24/19 (new entry); 5/12/20 (CD update)

The Propositions - Funky Proposition. 1972-73 USA-Michigan (archival)

I recently had a chance to hear their 45 'Africana', and my response was: 'Africana' is a killer slice of early 70s instrumental Detroit funk. Heavy thick bass, wah wah guitar, Hammond organ, flute, big 'ol fat horn section, and funky drums. Not much else one can ask for in the funk genre. Then I came to learn there was a full 2 CD set of material. And what a set it is! Very much in the same style as my response above. There's a strain of funk I really enjoy and The Propositions may be the best band yet that I've heard to tap into that strain. Even better than The Beginning of the End.

Ownership: CD: 2005 Luv N' Haight. Recent online acquistion. Fantastic 2 CD set with extensive liner notes with band participation.

Warfaring Strangers: Darkscorch Canticles. USA

I can't get enough of these 45/7" compilations. This one features 1970s hard rock and early heavy metal bands. Almost every track a winner, with great riffs, solos, and sinister vocals. I'd love to find some of these 45's, but woooo, off the charts rare. Maybe I'll find a couple of them in someone's garage one day. I'm sure they are all out on YouTube because of this comp. Sample a couple to see what I mean about the quality, and then buy this. Well worth your collection space.

Ownership: CD: 2014 Numero Group. While there are some great compilation labels, none are better than Numero in my estimation. The fact that they provide full histories of each group, including their respective participation, is nothing short of extraordinary. They really work hard on these comps. There are two tracks - one each by Wizard and Medusa - that are album cuts, the latter an archival release from Numero themselves. But the rest are hyper rare singles.

Zanov - Green Ray. 1976 France

This was originally a CDRWL item. Here are my notes from then, slightly updated: Sequencer based electronic musician, whose real name is Pierre Zalkazanov. Given the one man nature of the recordings, Klaus Schulze would be the obvious influence. Though musically there's just as much Tangerine Dream Stratosfear here than, say, Mirage or Blackdance. And surprisingly very little Heldon touches, given how influential Richard Pinhas was in his own country (at least when talking the underground). There were very few artists in this field during the late 1970s, while today there are hundreds, so Zanov deserves credit for being one of the pioneers. Though from a purely musical perspective, Green Ray isn't quite as well developed as his more recognized peers of the day. All the same, always nice to hear those fat analog synths battle it out on tape!

Ownership: LP: 2018 Wah Wah (Spain). It had been my intention to buy this on CD, once Groove had reissued it (2016). But unfortunately no one brings their CDs to these shores, and the Dutch postage is equal to the cost of the product! So while waiting for a reasonably priced copy to show up, in comes the LP reissue at a bargain price, which was licensed from Groove. It's a wonderful package, with an extensive biography from Zanov himself. The LP comes with an additional 45, one side of which is unreleased until now. 'Zephyr' is also a bonus track on the Groove CD. Electronic music is usually the last place I would buy an LP reissue, but there's always exceptions.

5/26/10 (CDRWL); 5/12/20 (new entry)

Mantra - Próximo. 2018 Brazil

Mantra are a band from Belo Horizonte that have been kicking around for some 20+ years, and released one EP way back in 2001, one that I've never heard. Now they return with Próximo, an album that has sailed way under the radar. The music here is definitely of a retro nature, though they don't really sound like they're from the 70s. In this way they are more like the 90s progressive renaissance bands emulating the past. Also the music is of an eclectic nature, borrowing on many themes, specifically around the progressive and hard rock genres. This is by no means a "kitchen sink" album, a type of making music that I'm not very fond of. It's put together very much like the bands from 1973 would, seamlessly mixing in harder rock passages with obvious progressive rock complexities. In many ways, Mantra sound more like a 70s band from North America - except they fortunately sing in their native Portuguese. I can't think of another band from Brazil that attempted to recreate music such as this. Hopefully this is not the last we'll hear from them

Ownership: CD: 2018 private. Comes in what is known as a digifile, something like a thin mini-LP. The booklet is a nice folder poster with plenty of info.

5/11/20 (new entry)

Stagg (SWF Session). 1974 Germany (archival)

If there was ever a release that sold me the minute I read the teaser notes, it was this one. One of those can't miss items. This was then followed by a trusted friend's review that effused similar. The only problem is it's always a long wait to get Long Hair's products over here, and they're rarely cheap when they finally do. I decided to splurge anyway, just because there seemed to be no risk. Every once in awhile someone throws you a hanging curve ball right down the middle. Boom! Home Run. And so yes, all the usual suspects come rushing through here: Brainstorm, Thirsty Moon, Eiliff, Missus Beastly, Kollektiv, Tortilla Flat, and so forth. Each unique sounding mind you, but of that genre. And while I do have quite a bit of music in this space, I never seem to tire of it. Each one is highly engaging on its own merits. It's a type of music - like 70s Italian prog - that reels it in every time. Just push play - and enjoy. Timeless.

Ownership: CD: 2018 Long Hair. Typically great Long Hair release with copious liner notes and good sound.

Requiem - For a World After. 1981 Germany

To be honest I'd never even heard of this album until the reissue surfaced a few years ago. I initially was going to decline buying it (have way too much electronic music from that era as it is), but a couple of trusted friends suggested I was the target audience. And they were right! As usual. What makes Requiem special is the electric guitar usage, very much in the same spirit as Edgar Froese and Manuel Gottsching - and a host of French acts. The guitar is raw and psychedelic, just the way I like it. There is a creaky drum machine to consider, but it's more charming than annoying. This is not a raging sequencer fest, but rather a thought-out atmospheric album. It captures the very essence of the Kosmische Krautrock movement from a decade before. Which then leads to the liner notes biggest surprise - it's not really a German behind the music, but rather an American named George Speckert! He was living in Germany at the time (and still does) and clearly absorbed the musical culture around him. In this way, there's some similarities to Earthstar. Less electronic and more guitar focused perhaps, but there are parallels. Great addition to the collection.

Ownership: CD: 2017 Mental Experience (Spain). Recent online acquisition. Great reissue with excellent liner notes from personal friend and Gnosis mate Lev Gankine. No bonus tracks though.

Nathan Mahl - The Clever Use of Shadows. 1998 Canada-Ontario

I've always liked Nathan Mahl - or at least the early albums. To this day I think Parallel Eccentricities is one of the hidden gems of the early 80s. After that album it seemed Nathan Mahl were a thing of the past. Which is why I remember being quite pleasantly surprised to hear LeBlanc resurface first with Mahl Dynasty and then again with Nathan Mahl. The Clever Use of Shadows was a great comeback, and due to its relative popularity, Nathan Mahl were to be a fixture of the progressive rock scene throughout the 2000 decade. Like the Odessa album I just commented on, The Clever Use of Shadows is yet another album buried in my collection that I couldn't recall anything about, and yes, it's been about 21 years since I last heard it. But this past week's listen put a smile on my face, and reinforced why I enjoy so much their first 2 albums. The compositions are dense, yet very melodic. It's mostly instrumental, but never showboaty, repetitive, or dull. Not an easy thing to accomplish, considering most instrumental prog is just that. Guy LeBlanc is no longer with us, but his musical legacy will be around for many years to come, as new generations will discover the quality within.

Ownership: CD: 1998 Mahl. Nice jewel case layout with liners from Guy LeBlanc detailing each track.

Odessa - Stazione Getsemani. 1999 Italy

Yet another one of those forgotten Italian prog albums from the 90s. I dutifully picked most of them up as they were released. Listened. Happy. Filed. 21 years later, here we are again, and I couldn't remember a thing about it. Odessa tapped into that unique strain of songwriting that goes with the Italian progressive rock movement. This is not retro at all - the instrumentation screams the era in which it was released. But the composition style looks backwards 25 years, and that's what makes albums like this endearing. As time goes by, many albums from my collection are finding themselves in the sale pile, and yet these 90s Italian prog albums continue to grow in stature. For certain, I'm predisposed to liking them. Odessa is not where you start your exploration into the Italian prog renaissance. But if you're a fan like me, then it should be on your list to investigate.

Ownership: CD: 1999 Mellow. Fine new album jewel case layout with lyrics.

1999; 5/10/20 (new entry)

Kestrel. 1975 England

In listening to the CD this past week, I had a +1 listen. Which is pretty extraordinary, since it's already close to the very pinnacle. The older I get, the more music like this resonates with me. I had some notes over at RYM, but for some reason never published here. I tidied those up and here they are:

Kestrel's sole album contains some of the most beautiful songwriting ever committed to vinyl. The piano and mellotron are exemplary here. It's typically lumped in with the progressive rock scene, and it is somewhat - but only tangentially so. I can hear parallels with Fruupp's Modern Masquerades, Sebastian Hardie's Four Moments, and Dragon's Scented Gardens for the Blind - a certain sophisticated AOR sound that is very hard to describe, but you know it when you hear it! Yacht Prog? And this is the best of that lot. This is one of those albums that doesn't sound good on paper, but if you have any tolerance at all for a commercially oriented sound, then Kestrel is a must listen.

Ownership: CD: 2001 Victor (Japan); CD: 2015 Esoteric. For whatever reason, Kestrel's reissues have been the sole provenance of Japan (probably license related). My first copy was the 1989 CD that didn't even have the backplate! The 2001 version is a mini-LP, though as far as these things go, the packaging is pretty dull (though I do admit to liking the goofy cover). The Esoteric CD is a recent acquisition, and is the definitive reissue. I've been curious about the bonus tracks since Belle Antique's 2013 reissue, but advance word suggested it wasn't worth the extra splurge. Having heard them, I would have to agree, though it is great to have two new tracks to digest (both excellent). So when the Esoteric CD became available at a discount, it was too tempting to pass up. Especially when considering the thorough liner notes in addition to the bonus. And while Esoteric has a reputation - at least in recent years - of screwing up the mastering, I have to say the Kestrel sounded really great to my ears. Best I've heard to date. I've never heard the original, and probably never will, so I don't have much to compare it to. I'm keeping the mini as well, as they don't take up much space, and it's a favorite album.

2/28/11 (RYM); 5/10/20 (new entry)

Tortilla Flat - SWF Session 1973. Germany (archival)

Probably more than any release I can think of, this had to be at the top of my want list for a CD archival issue. I received a copy from the band about 15 years ago, and was blown away. I had the standard tape/CD-R trading copy at the time, and it was so much better to hear the master tapes version they had sent. Not to say it's an audiophile marvel, but it does allow for the music to come forth. It seems I may be the only person who hears this recording better than their 1975 album (which I also love). The addition of violin adds a great contrast to the predominant flute. This is one of those albums I would think every prog rock fan would adore. But I know that's not the case.

Ownership: CD: 2019 Long Hair. Typically great Long Hair reissue with full liner notes in English and German, photos, and bonus tracks.

Writing on the Wall - Power of the Picts. 1969 Scotland

I had forgotten how great this album really is. For 1969 this is quite the heavy album. Great organ and guitar throughout. I had it classified with the progressive rock collection, but really it belongs to hard rock in the same sense that Deep Purple belongs there. And I like the raw vocals too, they go with the style.

Ownership: CD: 2003 Akarma (Italy). There are better reissues than this (2007 Ork version it would appear), but it gets the job done. And it does have, as bonus tracks, the rare 45 that contained two more great songs left off the album proper, and are very similar. The CD is housed in one of their Karma Paks, which are like stiff cardboard gatefolds - hardly Japanese mini-LP quality. No useful info otherwise. I've limped along with it for many years, but should upgrade. Would love an original LP here, but that's a tough ask, especially if you want one that isn't trashed.

2005; 5/2/20 (new entry)