Secret Oyster ~ Denmark

Vidunderlige Kælling / Astarte (1975)

 

Vidunderlige Kælling is the 3rd album from Secret Oyster. It was released as Astarte in the Netherlands, so it's sometimes known by that title. Certainly easier to remember. And it was also the first copy I found, so it's how I knew the album for years. Still refer to it that way, honestly.

The music is composed for a ballet. Jazz fusion is not the first genre I think of when considering the ballet. Secret Oyster are also not the first prog oriented band from Denmark to do this. Ache started their career with a ballet soundtrack known as De Homine Urbano. Quite an odd occurrence.

Interesting to mention 'Astarte' because it may be the highlight track here. The sitar and sax soloing together reminds me quite a bit of Embryo. 'Outro' is another standout. As the liner notes point out, the music is varied to support a multi-themed ballet. As such, the listening dimension can be disjointed.

The "obi" strip provided by the CD label references Soft Machine, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Return to Forever. While those groups are certainly reasonable comparisons considering the music does circle the jazz fusion genre, deep divers will likely not agree. To be fair, what else could you compare it to? Not much leaps to mind. As the album goes, one begins to hear a strain of neighboring Sweden's Samla Mammas Manna. That wouldn't draw in a single new buyer, but it's much more of what you can expect here.

Given the premise of the setup, I've always had this album the lowest rated of their quartet of releases. It lacks the burning solos of the other three, though there is some of that.

'Sleep Music', one of the bonus tracks, is a wonderful atmospheric piece and should have been on the album proper.

Ownership: 2005 The Laser's Edge (CD). Booklet with historical liner notes, a band photo, and three bonus tracks. Acquired in 2007.

First copy: 1976 CBS Netherlands (LP). Acquired in 1986.

12//86; 1995; 5/13/07; 6/29/26 (review)

 

Furtive Pearl (1973)

Secret Oyster were one of the more well known European fusion groups back in the day, as their albums sold quite well back home, as well as benefiting from good distribution around the world, especially in the US. In fact they were one of the first European fusion groups I’d heard, having stumbled upon Furtive Pearl (the US release on Peters International) as far back as the mid 1980's. Founded by members from Burnin' Red Ivanhoe, Secret Oyster subsequently added psychedelic guitarist Claus Bohling from Hurdy Gurdy and jazz pianist Kenneth Knudsen from Coronarias Dans to form one very hot quintet. Their four albums, released between 1973 to 1976, are all remarkably similar, but never repetitive or lacking inspiration. The debut mixed in more avant-garde jazz styled noodling, and this is where the Coronarias Dans influence comes in. But the album also features some of their more unhinged rock moments, as Bohling really lets loose on the electric guitar (witness his literally stinging solos on 'Fire & Water' and 'Public Oyster'). The only minor gripe I have with the band, is that Karsten Vogel's primary wind of choice was the soprano saxophone, a variety of the instrument I don't personally enjoy as much as the tenor or alto. All the same, a superb debut by a band clearly on the rise.

Secret Oyster became almost legendary in "reissue circles" (does such a circle exist? you ask...) as the progressive rock act that was most neglected. In fact, when label owner Ken polled a chat board on which band he was going to reissue that had "multiple albums", I guessed immediately Secret Oyster. I win :-)

Ownership: 

1974 Peters International (LP). Reacquired in 2023. First purchased in 1985.

2007 Laser's Edge (CD). Booklet with liner notes from band leader Karsten Vogel, and includes two great live tracks. The original cover features a rendition of an historical postcard of the fishing port of Nibe, in Jutland where the band recorded the album. Acquired in 2007.

1985; 11/2/07; 1/13/15 (review)

Also own: Sea Son; Straight to the Krankenhaus

1/13/15 (new entry)

Alrune Rod ~ Denmark

Hej Du (1971)

It's been forever since I've heard any of the first three Alrune Rod albums. So it was nice to see Hej Du come up for a listen, especially since I picked up the original LP in the last few years.

Like many bands from Denmark, Alrune Rod's hippie roots are very apparent. This is particularly true on the opening piece, and the term "rural rock" inevitably pops into ones mind. We hear this with Culpeper's Orchard as well. By the title track, clocking in at 15 minutes, a stoned jamming atmosphere begins to enter stage left, complete with impassioned mumbling vocals. Stellar guitar and Hammond organ solos emerge while the rhythm section picks up the pace considerably. I'm more reminded of the Dutch scene like Group 1850 and Ahora Mazda than anything else coming from Copenhagen. This leads to the side long B side. Well it's 1971 northern Europe, so you can already guess where this will head. Early Pink Floyd and the Krautrock movement in neighboring Germany are but two guideposts. Overall, a fairly distinct sound coming out of Denmark and a solid classic of the early 70s underground.

Ownership:
1971 Sonet (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2023.

1998 Sonet (CD). Sonet Arene 1969-72. Includes their first three albums plus bonus tracks. Booklet contains photos and recording details. Acquired in 2003.

First copy: 1990's "Sonet" (LP). Gatefold. Unofficial. Acquired in 1998. Long gone.

1998; 2003; 5/18/26 (review)

Dr. Dopo Jam ~ Denmark

Entree (1973)

---Feb 2005

This is as insane as Fat Dogs and Danishmen, but perhaps not quite as loony. They tend to have more of a Bacharach, breezy-light fusion in the melodies, with some mean rock instrumentation backing it up. I'm thinking I enjoy this one a bit more on the whole.

---8/18/25

That was my first and only listen until today. Had I thought of it at the time, the immediate comparison here would be Nine Days Wonder's debut. It's got that shifting themes concept down pat. It's not as radical or rocking as NDW's opening salvo, but this is no easy ride at the amusement park. Also, as I noted on the Fat Dogs and Danishmen review below, Frank Zappa is an essential comparison. There's a lot of great musical ideas here, though they're spotted all over the place, so it doesn't gel as much as you would hope. Because of this, I found the shorter songs and suites on side 2 to be more enjoyable.

Former ownership: 2004 Karma (CD). No liner notes or bonus tracks. A surprisingly spartan reissue from Karma. Acquired in 2005. Downsized in 2026.

2//05 (review); 8/18/25 (update)

 

Cruisin' at Midnite (1981)

Dr. Dopo Jam's final effort Cruisin' at Midnite is a surprisingly very good album for such a late date (and the "red flag" warning of the title). Some really strong guitar, flute, synth, violin soloing, and electric piano drives most of the songs. Plus plenty of nice horn charts, also out of its time. And considering Dr. Dopo Jam's heritage, the goofball quotient is mercifully down, though not completely wiped clean. There's also a funky edge present - similar to some of the late 70's Kraut Fusion groups like Aera or To Be maybe. More for fusion fans than prog I'd submit.

Ownership: 1981 Dopo-Di-Doo-Platts (LP). Acquired in 2005.

2005; 4/25/19 (review); 2/24/21

Fat Dogs & Danishmen (1974)

Dr. Dopo Jam's sophomore effort is the tale of two Frank Zappa's. Most of Side 1, and parts of Side 2, are the silly Zappa, and the goofball meter (now an app on iPhone) goes into the red zone. I'm sure 'Ode to Daddy Meatloaf' and 'Surfin' in Sahara' might be funny to someone somewhere, but comes across as ridiculous on these shores. Most of Side 2 is the serious Frank Zappa (well, serious is a relative term of course). We're talking Hot Rats era here. The affected sax sounds replete with complicated music charts and top flight jazz rock jamming. Album peaks on the middle two tracks of the latter side. Overall a very good album, that one suspects could have been so much better. Lost opportunity that.

Ownership: 1974 Zebra (LP). Acquired in 2004.

2004; 10/8/15 (review)

---

No legit reissues have surfaced for the last two albums as of 4/25/26. Their debut was issued years ago by Karma (as noted above).

10/8/15 (new entry)

Hurdy Gurdy ~ Denmark

Hurdy Gurdy (1972)

Hurdy Gurdy is guitarist Claude Bohling's group before joining Secret Oyster. Their sole album is legendary in collecting circles, and it's easy to see why given the sheer amount of invention within the tight confines of a guitar trio. About half the album is straight up hard rock / blues, and the other half puts on their creative hat and flies to the cosmos. In this way, Hurdy Gurdy reminds me of The Human Beast or Clear Blue Sky. Some superb soloing from Bohling throughout.

The CD offers three excellent bonus tracks, very relevant to the album proper. 

Ownership: 2002 Karma (CD). Lyric booklet. Acquired in 2023.

9/26/07;12/13/23 (review / new entry)

Polyfeen ~ Denmark

Den Sidste Vilde (2020)

Polyfeen are one of those bands from the early 70s that didn't manage to record anything in their era. Many years later a 1972 archival recording surfaced that demonstrated a group with talent but the recording quality was dodgy and not necessarily a pleasant experience. This event though lead to the band reforming with a couple of original members and they have since issued two albums. Den Sidste Vilde is their latest. We see this career trajectory quite a bit in Italy, to mixed results. Polyfeen are one of the better ones to have made a comeback such as this.

The overtly psychedelic cover indicates this will likely be a space rock or stoner metal type album. Fortunately it is not either but rather a mix of retro psych and late 70s styled progressive rock. The second track is a cool little instrumental that could have been done by a band like Saga in their heyday. Track 3 sounds like the most psychedelic aspects of the Beatles. Tracks 1 and the last 3 are their retro prog numbers. It's on these that the band shine the best, especially the closer, arguably the album's high water mark. This one took a couple of listens to soak in, as I thought it might be too similar to other modern groups. But there's some uncommon depth here in the songwriting.

Ownership: 2020 Kommun 2 (CD). Digipak. 

6/28/23 (acquired / review)

Mads Vinding Group ~ Denmark

Danish Design (1974)

There are two solid reasons to chase down this otherwise more typical fusion album: 1) Guitarist Janne Schaffer absolutely blazes on two extraordinary tracks (especially the opener). 2) The really cool album cover. For reason 1), on these two tracks, it sounds more like the Dutch hard hitting instrumental progressive rock of Finch, Bonfire, and Scope.

This is another case where the dates are confusing, as the album is copyrighted 1977 Sonet. But the original Swedish press is indeed from 1974, as it says on the label of that release. Considering the cover, it probably doesn't pass modern cancel culture, but I still think it's pretty awesome.  

No reissues as of 5/20/26.

Ownership: 1977 Peters (LP). Acquired in 2022.

1/18/11 (review); 2/4/22 (update / new entry)

Encyrcle. 2015 Denmark

Taking a break from posting about the commodities and collection revisits. Only so much time in the day. But definitely want to point out the more unknown pieces that need attention. Like Encyrcle!

I'm always on the lookout for retro bands who capture that weird strain of 80s metal - that bizarre amateur hour way of composing and putting things together. Seemingly without rhyme or reason, but not necessarily technical either. Denmark's Encyrcle is that band, and their sole album is just a fun listen. You'll see the band tagged with the speed metal genre, but it's way more interesting and meaty than that implies. This is far more Iron Maiden than Exciter if that makes sense. Nor is this the great late lost 80s tech thrash that I've been going on about for the last few years. There's some blast beats in here, but it goes perfectly with the compositions. The singer is perfect, no death growls and barks to endure, nor does he try to be Rob Halford. A couple of good Udo Dirkschneider (Accept) shrieks here and there, which is so perfect. There's some piano too, go figure that one out. Has some really killer riffs, and they're all placed where you want them to be. The production captures the era just right. If you like the more interesting aspects of 80s metal, you'll want to explore Encyrcle.

Ownership: LP: 2015 Dark Descent (USA). Single sleeve with lyric/picture inner. This will no doubt prove to be the pick of the litter from the 25 cent each find late last year. Dark Descent, as reported on the Crypt Sermon posts, are based here in Colorado Springs. In reviewing their entire catalog last night, 98% of what they release is death and black metal, so not to my tastes. Best I can tell, Encyrcle is the only album like this from the label. According to inside sources, they have done remarkably well from a sales perspective. More power to them!

new entry

Tømrerclaus. 1978 Denmark

Here's an album I've owned since the CD first hit the shelves, and one I was unfamiliar with prior to that. I never knew quite what to make of it at the time. Even had it on a sale pile at one point. But times have changed...

One gets the impression that had Claus Clement Pedersen chosen the traditional path of obtaining a business degree, cutting his hair while working in corporate Europe, that he would have been your classic vice-president/CFO. Instead he takes on the Carpenter Claus image, and creates a do-it-yourselfer empire inside of Europe's most notorious hippie commune: Christiana. This background helps shape the impression of the music itself. It's a throwback to a bygone era. I would have thought something more progressive rock oriented by 1978, but Tømrerclaus (Tomrerclaus) was anything but conventional. Much of the album has the ghost of Jimi Hendrix within, and the old term "acid rock" comes to mind here. At other times, Tømrerclaus is mumbling in Danish on some sort of folk blues type number. Then there's 'Cellokarma',which is the highlight of the album for me, and one of the most interesting psychedelic tracks ever. It's basically a solo piece for cello. Jacqueline du Pré this is not. Rather the cello is fuzzed out and psychedelic to the maximum. It captures the imagination wildly and begs the question why isn't there more of that in music? Anywhere! The CD comes with no less than 8 bonus tracks, mostly in the style above (and much of it excerpted from a cassette called Snydt, released one year prior).

Overall such a unique album really - and one that has aged well for me.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Ad Perpetuam Memoriam (Sweden). Great reissue with original artwork, photos, lyrics, 8 bonus tracks, and a biography.

Pan - On the Air. 1970 Denmark

Recently I wrote about Pan's debut, an album that took me some 25 years to reconcile with. Not long after, I was offered this archival CD of Pan's radio recordings from the same year of 1970. All the tracks are different, so I pounced on it.

Good move. What's interesting about the radio sessions is that Pan are more psychedelic and less straight-up hard rocking. Like most Danish bands from the era, Pan possessed an innate talent to set off on a jam and keep it interesting throughout. As with the debut, Pan aren't going to win any songwriting awards, but the instrumentals more than make up for any shortcoming. The longer tracks, of course, are where the highlights can be found. And there's plenty of them. As a whole, I found the archival album more satisfying than the studio effort.

Ownership: CD: 2004 Karma. Jewel case release. Online acquisition (2019). Looks to be a second pressing as the cover is different than the original. Like with Karma's reissue of the Pan album, all the liner notes are in Danish. If anyone has an English translation, I would most welcome them, and publish right here for posterity and reference to all.

5/24/19 (new entry)

The Old Man & The Sea - 1972-75. Denmark

Denmark's The Old Man & The Sea released one killer and highly respected heavy prog album in 1972, and then disappeared... into the sea apparently. Sometime in 2003, the excellent Karma label out of the Christiana district of Copenhagen - who had been in touch with original organist Tommy Hansen (who later became more famous in the 1980s and beyond as a heavy metal producer) - released a fine set of archival material that more or less remains under the radar. I missed it initially myself, and I'm just now catching up as I picked up the CD recently.

While the debut was clearly in lockstep with the northern European trends of the early 1970s, it becomes obvious that The Old Man & The Sea were anxious to tie itself closer to the UK style. At once the album could be a hard rocker, and then this is quickly followed by an obvious love for none other than Yes. There's some extraordinary organ and guitar work throughout. The idea of a hard rocking Yes is quite welcome in my world anyway. While some of the songwriting could use improvement, the instrumental sections are almost always of the highest order. Most of the album falls into the "great" category and there are no clunkers. Two major highlights are 'The Sea of Green' which is probably the most overt of the songs emulating Yes. The other eye opener is 'The Jam' which truly sounds like an instrumental Krautrock circa 1971, and is very energetic.

The CD is interesting in that it's not presented in any kind of order. There are no dates listed per track, and the sound quality is varied but always excellent (no doubt Hansen's influence). It's not chronological, nor best sound to worst, nor most excellent tracks to worst. Which is great for the listener as it remains interesting from beginning to end. Well worth seeking out the CD for the collection.

Personal collection
CD: 2003 Karma

The CD also features a poster cover insert with a large amount of biographical data, photos, etc.... Excellent package on the whole.

Sensory System ~ Denmark

Sensory System (1974)

In Denmark, the band were known as Sensory System, but in Germany they maintained only the System moniker. Not sure why, but I'm guessing there's a story there somewhere. Like many Danish hard rockers, Sensory System had their basis in rural rock, and are not that far removed from Day of Phoenix, Culpepers Orchard, and Midnight Sun. System is certainly more straightforward than any of these groups, but does feature some fine guitar work throughout. The album also reminds me of the debut by Rush, oddly enough. 'Experience, My Teacher' is the highlight of the eight tracks featured here.

No legit reissues as of 4/7/26.

Former ownership: 1974 Nova (LP)

4/25/19 (review)

Pan - s/t. 1970 Denmark

Pan were a band from Denmark formed by Frenchmen Robert Lelièvre, himself a refugee who skipped town to avoid military service. Once again we have an album that was considerably hyped up back in the rare LP catalogs of the day. In the late 80s and early 90s, I would read these mouthwatering reviews on what an outstanding example of European progressive and psychedelic rock this truly was. Of course the album came with a hefty price tag, and was price prohibitive for me back then (still is I think).

When the first legit reissue hit the stands from Little Wing of Refugees in 1993 (LP), I jumped at it and paid full price. Well you know where this is going by now. Prog? Psych? Bullcrap I cried! I had similar reactions to albums by Spring (UK), Fantasy (UK), and Think (Germany). It's the Great Bilk I concluded. And subsequently sold the record back into the marketplace rather quickly. Besides it had a stupid cover not reflective of the original (LWoR did that for all their LPs, a most misguided philosophy I might add).

25+ years on from that event, the Karma CD came across the wire for a relatively good price (itself now quite rare) and I nailed it. What do we have here anyway? A sound that was quite typical in Denmark from 1969 to 1971 actually. What was known to the old-timers as "progressive", but it's hardly King Crimson and VDGG. That sound would be hard rock, and that's the genre Pan belongs too. But not of the bluesy variety, as is more commonly found, but rather a bit more rural sounding similar to Culpeper's Orchard and Day of Phoenix (two other bands I didn't think much of either 25 years ago). The hard rocking elements recall bands such as Blast Furnace. There's still remnants of a psychedelic past, especially in the guitar work and the way the songs flow. Right from the beginning the album displays this sophisticated hard rock variety with 'My Time' and 'If'. Other highlights include 'They Make Money With the Stars' (a 5:52 minute length track that is inexplicably missing from RYM's track listing to your left), 'Tristesse', and 'Lady of the Sand'. There's also a lot of references to the French here, and that makes more sense once you know Robert Lelièvre's background.

In conclusion, a very good hard rock album with touches of psych, folk, and even a dash of progressive. If you're already a fan of the Danish rock scene of 1969 to 1971, then Pan definitely will find a comfy spot in the collection.

Personal collection
CD: 2005 Karma
LP: 1993 Little Wing (Germany)

The Karma CD was the first legit CD to market and it appears the definitive choice. There does exist one other from the parent label Sonet in 2010, but it looks to be nothing more than a straight reissue with no extras. The Karma CD also includes their rare 45 also from 1970, and the music there is at the same high quality as the album proper. There are also 5 bonus tracks, one an alternate version and the other 4 sound like a different band. It's darn near country rock, a sound that inexplicably was (is?) popular in Denmark back then. Pickin' and Grinnin'!

The CD booklet has photos and copious liner notes. Unfortunately they are all in Danish so I don't understand them. Would anyone be kind enough to send over a translation, or at the every least, find these online in Danish and we can Google Translate and interpret from there? I will publish it here as well as on RYM for posterity.

Elmira ~ Denmark

Lady of the Mountain (1973-1976 / 2001)

Elmira's sole release is the archival Lady of the Mountain and is "recorded live at rehearsals between 1973 and 1976". Similar to the Polyfeen on the same label, it's basically a bootleg audio quality album, but musically interesting all the same. Long tracks with plenty of space given to Hammond organ and guitar solos. Downer vocals remind me of Procol Harum. Certainly not in vogue with the era, and sounds every bit like music one would hear in 1970. Worth a couple of listens, but not essential.

11/16/18 (review / new entry)

Midnight Sun - Midnight Dream. 1974 Denmark

I'd wondered why I kept this LP all these years. That thought continued as I listened to the first 5 tracks on display here. Sounding very much like the North American commercial rock style of the day, it's a chore to sit through. In fact the album sounds like Blood, Sweat, and Tears without the horn section. Then comes 'Batum'. Well now, OK, this is what I'm looking for. It's a psychedelic interpretation of a traditional Swedish folk song and sounds every bit like Kebnekaise and Flasket Brinner. The exact type of psychedelia that modern bands like Agusa are mining today. Flip over the record only to completely lose momentum for the worst track on the album 'The Same Dream'. 'When You Sleep Alone' is quite good though, and that leads us to 'Where Ever You Are'. Bad start, like most of the above. And then comes... one of those irresistible Danish jams that just slays. We're talking primo debut album era Culpeper's Orchard type jamming. Brilliant really. And then for the album closer... it blows. A true pisser of an album. One I can't let go of mind you.

Personal collection
LP: 1974 Sonet

Yea, I'm keeping it.

Oresund Space Collective ~ Denmark ~ Sweden

Dead Man in Space (2009)

Dead Man in Space is Oresund Space Collective's 6th proper album. It is also their very first LP vinyl release. It's a significant trend, as the medium demands an editor to distill the very best parts. And while Oresund Space Collective certainly does do that anyway, this forces them to think a bit harder on what goes in and what stays out. OSC is a band that is a natural fit for vinyl, and it's not surprising to see they have continued this trend since.

On the music front, Dead Man in Space is one of OSC's more coherent and focused releases - no surprise given the context provided above. Improvisational space rock jamming is still the name of the game, though here there's a bit of a jazzy bent in the rhythms and sounds. And I felt there were more poignant psychedelic guitar bursts than normal, giving the album just the bite it needs to be successful. If looking to start somewhere with OSC, Dead Man in Space is a good one to consider.

There's a CD version of the album (with different artwork), and it's about 20 minutes longer (of course it is), so much of what I said above probably doesn't apply to that version.

Ownership: 2009 Kommun 2 (LP). Acquired in 2011.

3/14/11; 10/7/17 (review)

Oresund Space Collective (2006)

Oresund Space Collective are yet another Scandinavian space rock crew, who revel in the art of the groove and the jam, and eschew any kind of arty pretension. Large ensembles are the way to go when performing this kind of exploratory music, and OSC deliver all kinds of personnel and instrumentation (including multiple guitars and an array of vintage and modern keyboards). A true international bunch, in that their very name is the bridge between Denmark and Sweden - and led by the American scientist Dr. Space (Scott Heller). A fine beginning for the band, who were to improve greatly from here - not to mention become far more prolific.

Former ownership: 2006 Transubstans (CD). Copy #322. Acquired in 2007. Downsized in 2018.

1/31/07; 9/12/11 (review); 12/10/17

The Black Tomato (2007)

The Black Tomato is Oresund Space Collective's third album and my personal favorite of the ones I've heard by the band. This title sounds more like a vintage Kosmische release rather than the more modern Ozric Tentacles school of space rock. Long tracks (two of the three clock over 30 minutes each in fact) that shimmer with that early 70's German vibe, but also keeps the motor running throughout, so there's no room for boredom to sit in. And high energy guitar-driven Krautrock always wins here around the UMR household.

Looking for a place to start with the vast OSC catalog? Start with this one.

Ownership: 2007 Transubstans (CD). Acquired in 2008.

2008; 9/8/11 (review)

Other albums I own: Inside Your Head (2008); Good Planets are Hard to Find (2009); Slip Into the Vortex (2010); Entering Into the Space Country (2011); Phaze Your Fears (2012) 

Once owned: It's All About Delay

9/8/11 (new entry)

Ache - Green Man. 1971 Denmark

I've never really been able to ever pen notes for this one. Not sure why, as it's just such a great example of the 1971 landscape. Heavy organ and guitar, definitely progressive, but with a harder edge. Shorter songs than the debut, but actually a better album with stronger compositions, and more ideas per minute. Well... those are my notes I guess. Anyway, no-brainer buy item for fans of the 1971 progressive rock sound.

Ownership: LP: 1971 Philips (Germany); CD: 2000 Philips (w/De Homine Urbano). The original comes in a fine gatefold. I bought mine (or traded for it) sometime in the late 90s. The 2-fer CD has unique liner notes and good sound, straight from the masters.

Burnin Red Ivanhoe - M 144. 1969 Denmark

Burnin Red Ivanhoe's debut album M 144 is a groundbreaking effort, and the blueprint for many a Scandinavian album for the next few years. A double LP set, where half the album is sung in the native language, is unheard of for Continental Europe at such an early date. The influence of the Mothers of Invention looms large, and as such the album can be wildly inconsistent just as Zappa's own works can be. But at its core, we are introduced to a mixture of jazz, blues, rock, combined with the local folk music tradition. Highlights include the opener, 'Antique Peppermint', 'Tingel-tangelmanden', 'Purple Hearts', and the lengthy finale 'Ksilioy'. Essential historical album for fans of progressive rock, but certainly not among the best the genre can offer.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Sonet. My first copy was the 2 LP set on Sonet. A slightly later press on the purple/orange label and without the gimmix. I sold the album over 15 years ago. Real originals on the red Sonet label and the moving pieces are quite expensive and sought after. I recently sourced the 1997 double CD (also on parent label Sonet), which features many live and studio bonus tracks. Even a modern rendition (from a reunion effort) of 'Kaj' is included. Liner notes are in Danish.

10/26/16 (new entry)

Hunk Ai ~ Denmark

Hunk Ai (1986)

Hunk Ai, from Denmark, are a textbook Avant-Prog group. Heavily influenced by Henry Cow, Slapp Happy, Kew.Rhone., and Von Zamla, the music of Hunk Ai is wildly unpredictable, angular, and dissonant. At once harsh and then followed by some surprising melodic sounds. Like most albums in the field, there are great moments to behold, including the driving bass work, fantastic production, and the rare (for the genre) psychedelic guitar solo. On the other hand, there are plenty of free noise sections, tuneless percussion, and the ever present shrieking-and-shrill pseudo-operatic female voice that honestly becomes very annoying after awhile. Some of the vocals recall the French band Noa, though I found them less engaging. I used to have much more tolerance for this kind of stuff, but it hasn't aged well for me. But if you're a fan of said genre, this album is an absolute must listen.

Former ownership: 1986 Olufsen (LP). Acquired in 2006.

2006; 3/16/11 (review); 10/26/16 (new entry)

Blast Furnace. 1971 Denmark

When I first purchased the Long Hair CD of Blast Furnace, not long after its initial release, I wasn't too impressed and sold it off rather quickly. I had a chance recently to source one inexpensively, so I decided to revisit again. This time I hear the album much better than prior. Of course any appreciation of an album such as this is to immerse oneself into the culture from which it came. In this case, 1971 Denmark. Blast Furnace's reputation, at least among well-heeled collectors, is that of a heavy psych rock masterpiece. It's not that, but what you do get is a well composed and performed set of hard rock, psychedelic, and just plain old rock tunes with guitar, organ, and flute leading the way. Highlights include the opening two tracks, the proggy 'Toytown' and the superb single cut 'Long Distance'. There's nothing here that is offensively bad, though there are interludes and short pieces that are superfluous at best. File along with other bands of its ilk like Midnight Sun, Alrunes Rod, Hurdy Gurdy, and Day of Phoenix. Most of the band found themselves in latter incarnations of Culpeper's Orchard, another good reference point. This album won't change your world, but definitely a good fit for any hard/psych rock collection.

Ownership: CD: 2002 Long Hair. Jewel case. Historical liner notes. One bonus track from a 45.

2002 (first listen); 8/29/07; 7/19/16 (review / new entry)

Navigator - Oceanic Empire. 2002 Denmark-Germany

Oceanic Empire is an essential slice of Berlin Skool Electronik Musik. The Danish/German combo offer up some of the finest sequences / guitar overlays one can find in the genre - competing mightily with legendary contemporaries such as Redshift and Radio Massacre International. 'Secret of the Cave' is about as perfect a realization of the entire genre as any track I've ever heard. If you're the sort who just can't get enough of that mid to late 70's Tangerine Dream sound - and apparently I'm one of these sorts - then do not hesitate to buy this CD when/if given the chance.

Ownership: CD: 2002 Groove Unlimited 

12/30/15 (new entry)