Alfredo Carrion - Los Andares del Alquimista. 1976 Spain

Alfredo Carrion was involved with arguably the most known progressive rock album from Spain: Canarios' Ciclos. This ultimately lead to him releasing a similarly big budget prog album with Los Andares del Alquimista. The opening side is more song oriented whereas side 2 is more grandiose. Music like this creeps on you and before you know it, you realize you are listening to something very important and intense. In the same manner as maybe William Sheller. I had heard this album once in the initial CD days of the late 80s and early 90s, and it didn't make an impact. But I'm certain I was looking for music that was more immediate. Los Andares del Alquimista is anything but immediate. If there's ever been an album to enjoy a bottle of wine with, this would be the one.

Ownership: LP: 1976 Movieplay. Recent online acquisition. Comes in a fine gatefold. It shows Carrion smoking a ciggy. I've noticed albums that feature key protagonists smoking are usually very good. I think some serious academic research is needed on this front... As noted above, not an album that struck me as worth getting some 30 years ago. Glad I had a chance to rectify that situation