Sindelfingen - Odgipig. 1973 England

My first exposure to Sindelfingen was at the time when the first reissue surfaced (1990) - the 2 LP set of Odgipig and the archival Triangle. I remember I wanted a front seat to one of the most sought after progressive rock rarities. The descriptions sounded delicious, and even though the set was expensive, I figured it was a can't miss item. Hmm. Welcome to the world of the ultra-rare private press. Which also welcomes one to the underproduced recording. I wasn't quite ready for that yet. And so on first blush I wasn't very impressed. And I was anxious to recoup my investment, and traded it back to the marketplace quickly. A few years after that, I acquired the CD (on Background) via a bulk buy. By that time, my ears had adjusted to the various types of underground recordings and I heard the album in a much better light. On a couple of revisits, my opinion of the album continued to improve. And last night's listen was no different.

Sindelfingen are very much a progressive rock band, but with a folk edge. They do seem to call upon the bigger names of the genre, and one can hear Lizard-era King Crimson, Jethro Tull (trading the flute for recorders), and even a little bit of Yes. The Tull reference is particularly relevant on the shorter numbers, and the vocal style resembles Ian Anderson at times. As noted, the recordings are a little rough, but the ideas are rich. Though there are 6 tracks, the centerpiece being the 3 lengthy opus' that define the album. A good one for deep divers of the English progressive rock landscape. However, be sure to check this one out after immersing yourself with the classics of the genre first.

Ownership: LP: 2010 Anazitisi (Greece). Online acquisition from a few years ago. Single sleeve. It was sealed (via sticker), and offered up at a fetching price, so I nabbed it. That seal was broken last night. This is the definitive reissue for certain, and is a first class product. It comes with a foldout insert chock full of liner notes, as well as two individual sheets of lyrics. Good sound as well, all things considered. It doesn't have the Triangle album, however. As far as I know, that title only exists on the 1990 album mentioned above. This LP replaces the basic Background CD, also discussed above.