My interest in The Spacious Mind has waned significantly over the years. To the point where I have already sold off the entire 90s catalog of the band, except for this album. I still have high hopes for their post 2000 albums, as I recall more depth on those. But these early ones were a lot of jam, and no bread to put it on. In reflection, it appears I liked the idea of The Spacious Mind more than I did the music itself. Long form jamming influenced by the Cosmic Courier clan was still a novelty - a comeback of sorts. And especially back then, it was a favorite genre of music for me. I still consider the first album very good, but decided it wasn't worth keeping considering its then going rate. But I always struggled with Organic Mind Solution and Sleepy Eyes and Butterflies. And even The Mind of a Brother (1999) didn't persuade me to keep it.
Given the above backdrop, I wasn't particularly excited to revisit this album, and I'm certain I haven't heard it again since it first came out 24 years ago. One of the tracks, the lengthy 'Euphoria Euphoria' was also featured recently on The Drifter compilation (2018), which I did enjoy. In hearing this album, I have to say it has the same features as most of their 90s work and it resulted in a -1 listen. It's trip out music for sure - and the jams are pleasant if not structured in any particular manner. There's no attempt at a purpose here. Even with those impromptu Galactic Supermarket albums, it appears the musicians would lock into a meaningful groove and the music would go into exciting directions, with real dynamics. As it turns out, the aforementioned comp track is definitely the highlight of this album. I almost wish it weren't so.
Garden of a Well Fed Head is better than its immediate predecessors, and equals the debut in quality. I want to believe they improved on their future albums, including one that I have a very high rating on. That's a story for another day though. Given all the factors below in the Ownership section, I'll keep this, and it will be my collection's memento of the 90s era of The Spacious Mind.
Ownership: LP: 1997 Lone Starfighter (USA). Purchased new directly from the label owner when first released. Die-cut gatefold cover obviously influenced by Yatha Sidhra's A Meditation Mass. A beautiful package, first class all the way. This was such an interesting release in its day. A label based in San Antonio, Texas, exclusively releasing a space rock album from Sweden. But that was Pat for you - a pioneer all the way. Even though this is a numbered edition (this is #212 / 600), it's not a terribly expensive album. It wasn't cheap when new. Can't figure that one out.
1997; 5/4/21 (new entry)
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