Recreation ~ Belgium

For Music or Not Music (1972)

On Recreation's second album - For Music or Not Music - the music takes a decidedly creative turn while adding guitar to the mix. An all-over-the-map type release, totaling 15 tracks, that reminds me some of Aphrodite’s Child’s 666 album, minus the pop songs. The quirkiness and overall demeanor recall some of the earlier work by Supersister. Like the debut, this is entirely instrumental.

Ownership: 1972 Barclay (LP). Gatefold.

2006 (review); 1/27/10

Don't Open / Recreation (1970)

---2006

The debut by this Belgian trio is a kick – somewhere between the avant space psych of Group 1850, the rigid metronomics of Egg, and exploito organ-led covers of classic psych tracks. Great fuzz bass and go-go organ sounds throughout.

---6/8/22

And really not much to add here. Side 1 contains the originals and Side 2 are the covers. However it should be noted that even though these latter tunes are very well known (for example The Mamas and Papas' 'California Dreamin''), the arrangements as found on Recreation are barely recognizable, making it that much more interesting.

Originally released in their native Belgium on the Triangle label as Don't Open. I prefer the German cover, so I splurged for it. 

Ownership: 1970 Bellaphon (LP)

2006 (review); 6/8/22 (update)

6/5/24 (new entry)