Transformer (1968)
---7/29/09
Way ahead of its time experimental psychedelic album. As adventurous as they come for such an early date, I was reminded of other experimental American artists from the same era like The United States of America, Friendsound, Music Emporium, Tim Buckley, Fifty Foot Hose, and The Beat of the Earth. Female vocals, trumpet, guitar, sound collages, and much more. Pure genius.
---5/4/25
More data has emerged since I last visited and wrote about Transformer. Apparently he was a Harvard mathematician (not sure if he was a professor of some sort) and was part of a music group called Cambridge Electric Opera Company, which this album was supposed to be released under. It was a last minute decision by Elektra to only put Stoughton's name and photo on the cover. John Cage was a major influence on the record, Stoughton recalls.
In hearing the album again, the two shorter opening tracks on each side are either psychedelic folk, or an English type of Baroque pop that was popular in the era. A3 is very similar to the experimentalism of Friendsound. And B3, while also experimental, does mix in some coherent psychedelic music.
It's interesting to see the willingness of major labels to capture a larger audience during the late 60s. Transformer is hopelessly non commercial, but such were the times. By 1970, major labels weren't sure what to do, which is why I often called it the "confused year". By 1971, Corporate America had controlled the market and focused heavily on financial returns. That would be the state of affairs until it all broke down in the 90s when technology allowed everyone to participate. Today albums like Transformer are released regularly, but to niche markets, which is the proper approach.
This same article goes on to state: "Transformer... remains unpopular outside of what the musician calls "a small but dogged core of [online] music lovers who are interested in the extreme music of the '60s". I would agree with Stoughton that the album has found its audience due to larger global exposure. But I disagree with the influencer that it remains "unpopular". Who would know really? Seems popular enough on the websites I visit. I would say "unknown" is appropriate here. It's a polarizing album though, as is Friendsound, so yea it's not for everyone that's for sure. I enjoy it quite a bit, though I wish some of the experimentalism had been dialed back and they included more songcraft instead. Stoughton was good at writing tunes, so nothing to cover up.
Ownership: 1968 Elektra (LP)
No reissues exist as of 5/5/25.
12/20/07 (first listen); 12//08; 7/29/09 (acquired / review); 5/4/25 (update / new entry)
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