Projects: Progressive Rock (1980's and beyond)

Not really sure how to categorize these, so I'll make one up. I really do enjoy these compilations from various progressive rock bands who contribute a song or two to a common cause. Some are thematic, others are live concerts, while several more are just a showcase event for new exposure. Musea was one of the pioneers on the thematic side of the house. I did get frustrated later on, as they would add each track as a bonus to any of the group's albums. But by the 2000s, even if they did that, I couldn't keep up anyway. At some point, I hope to gather more of these for the collection.

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Kalevala - A Finnish Progressive Rock Epic (2003)

This is a massive undertaking and one of the compilations that kicked off what is known as the Colossus Projects. I think this is the second in the series, but I'm not sure. With a full three CDs to digest, I decided that I would tackle one a week, to keep it fresh. I see a lot of folks stating the third disc is the worst. Not sure if that's because of exhaustion, or a valid data driven observation. We'll see if my approach concludes with a different result.

The epic opens with Haikara, the only vintage 70s band from Finland to participate. Guessing they wanted to pay respect in that way. Haikara's first two albums are legendary prog works with a great reputation, before they switched formulas to disappointment and then disbanded for many years. They had two reunion albums under their belt by the time they recorded the 11.5 minute opus that gets the whole project off to an excellent start.The music is a harder edged style of prog, very similar to their early 70s style. Overhead is a Finnish band I'm familiar with but don't own anything by. They have six albums to their credit through 2023, though they were a rather new entity at this point. Overhead continues the driving nature of Haikara, and provide a spirited eight minute track. They're a group I'd like to explore further (hence the value of these type of projects). We move from Finland one country to the west, and enter Sweden. Simon Says has the privilege to welcome the project. They're a secret favorite for me. I say secret in that it seems the band is still widely unknown, even with deep divers of the scene. I've documented two of their albums here already. I consider them one of the few bands to emulate Genesis, but from an early 70s perspective rather than the 80s neo prog take. And that's precisely the sound they bring to Kalevala. Wonderful stuff. Sinkadus is up next, and you all know where I stand with them. The band that dared entered the world of Anglagard, and did a damn good job at it too, despite the complaints of the naysayers. And, no surprise, they deliver one more great track in the retro prog style loaded with mellotron. Don't think I'll ever tire of the genre. Next, we board a plane and fly down to Italy. The first band to greet us is Moongarden, an odd choice indeed. They are hardly representative of the Italian progressive rock scene. Their stock-in-trade is 80s styled neo prog with English vocals, sort of the opposite of Simon Says' approach. That said, I own nothing by the band and have only heard some of their music. They have nine albums up through 2023. Here they provide a 10 minute track in the patented neo prog style. Perhaps more 70s influenced than I expected. More Wind and Wuthering than Foxtrot, but pleasant all the same. And plenty of modern Pendragon too. They did well here. Il Castello di Atlante is up next and is more representative of the Italian prog renaissance. They were one of the earlier bands to participate, though their seven album recording career is a bit checkered. Ah much better, lyrics in Italian. Nice violin, acoustic guitar, and piano as well. A very good track for the group. We're now going to skip over to Wales and have a visit with Magenta. They're another band I have familiarity with but never dived right in. They have an impressive 11 albums to their credit through 2022. Renaissance anyone? It's placement is perfect here, a soothing type of progressive rock that allows one to relax and take in the beautiful sounds of the female vocals and mellotron. About halfway through they provide a nice heavy guitar break. Super track, and I should explore the band's back catalog further. You could be forgiven for thinking Submarine Silence were from the UK as well, given their use of Paul Whitehead's covers and an obvious affection for an instrumental Anthony Phillips era Genesis. I moved on from their debut CD only in that I have too much of that kind of sound already. This Moongarden side project now has five albums to their credit including this year. Sometimes I think music like this works much better in smaller doses. Submarine Silence sounds fresh here, and makes for a very nice seven minute instrumental interlude. A transatlantic flight over to San Jose, California brings us Metaphor. Yet another band playing the Genesis neo prog tradition, my familiarity with them is about the same as Moongarden. They have four albums through 2019. I'm thinking the project should have had Metaphor tackle a different chapter, only in that we're starting to get into Genesis overload by this point. That said, their contribution is very solid. All these neo prog tracks are a reminder how vibrant the initial premise of the genre held, before taking it into treacherous commercial / AOR waters in the middle 80s. Since were already in California, let's get to our second vintage 70s band: Clearlight. Though French in origin, by this point Cyrille Verdeaux had moved and rebuilt the brand (today he resides in Brazil). I was expecting a style change here, but with Cinema Show's Shaun Guerin providing the vocals, we're back in the Genesis camp. A little of that 70s Clearlight space rock would have been helpful I think. But did I enjoy the music? Yep, sure did. But it's time for a break. Be back in a week. (11/3/25)

And, as promised, it is exactly one week later and we start disc 2. We begin with a group called Orchard, who I'm entirely unfamiliar with. They're from Norway and this appears to be their only recorded work. It might also be the best song on the entire three CD compilation. I had made a short note about that in my original listen eight years ago. It's definitely not a Genesis inspired tune. The music is retro prog in nature, but doesn't necessarily sound like a 70s band. Like a more modern sounding Wobbler perhaps. Brilliant. We then go back to Italy and we're greeted by Greenwall, a band I know of, but never heard beyond this comp. Chamber inspired classical / jazz rock with female vocals in English, very much in the Renaissance camp, though very different than Magenta. A nice change of pace, though wouldn't be my style for a whole album. They also provide the longest track on the entire opus, not sure the best choice for that. A lull in the action I submit. Next up is another Italian band, this one going by Revelation. Never heard of them and it appears they've only recorded for two of these theme comps. Another group stubbornly singing in English, this time by a male. Their sound recalls  early Malibran before they switched to their native Italian later in their career. And they do reintroduce us back to Genesis, musically tying the first two discs together, ever so slightly. I probably wouldn't be hankering to hear a Revelation album, if one existed, though it may prove to be excellent. We finally come back home, as it were, with Finland's Scarlet Thread, a band I have documented here on UMR. Instrumental progressive folk rock, with violin and electric guitar as the leads, is their patented brand. Scarlet Thread's sound is perfect for these type of comps, because you could place their music on any one of these albums - anywhere on them in fact - and it will provide a nice segue. And yes, segue indeed, as we now go back to Italy for another five bands in a row. First in this setup is Mad Crayon. I feel certain I heard their 1994 debut back in the day, but I have no rating appended, so clearly it made no impression. Singing in proper Italian, we are greeted with acoustic guitar, piano, and flute, all the trademarks of the classic sound from the Boot country. Haunting wordless female vocals a very nice touch. Overall a sweet track, not entirely far off the Celeste gold standard for such music. That gets us to the legendary Museo Rosenbach. You won't find a bigger booster of their comeback album Barbarica than moi, yet many complain it's not Zarathustra. What is? This recording is a decade prior to that, and the trademark synthesizer is mixed way up front. The song presented here is probably too modern for its own good, a bit stiff in fact, a problem that they managed to resolve ten years on. The polar opposite band to Museo Rosenbach would have to be Leviathan. The former debuted with one of the greatest albums of the century. The other started with one of the worst (the dreadful Heartquake). A Genesis wannabee with poor English vocals and static rhythms. The band has improved astronomically since then, as their entry here is better than Museo Rosenbach's. How the tide has changed. They're also singing, wisely, in Italian. Genesis is still front and center in their repertoire (80s neo variety), but here its execution is excellent, if not a tad overlong. And here they are, the aforementioned Malibran. They were one of the earliest proponents of the Italian prog renaissance. An unusual track for the group, it's bordering hard rock, with some fine melodic lead guitar. The flute brings us back to the familiar prog sounds of the region. A nice diversion piece for the concept. Next up is Sophia Baccini, the charismatic lead singer for Presence. She dominates the composition with her breathy style, often emulating a witch. One that can sing soprano, mind you. Seems this song should have been placed on a Halloween themed comp or something similar. Not anything like the other compositions, though that isn't necessarily a bad thing. We close disc 2 with England's Elegant Simplicity, another one of those bands with close to two dozen releases going back to the earliest days of the prog renaissance. And yet I don't think I've heard a one of them. Here we are provided with a modern styled guitar driven progressive rock instrumental. The kind we often hear from the Netherlands. Rhythmically uninteresting though the melodic instrumental work is quite good. As I said about Greenwall, probably not something I'd need to hear a whole album of, but it's placement here is welcome. 

I'm really glad I'm breaking these listens to smaller bite sizes. I preferred the first disc to this one, so my premise of exhaustion may not hold up. OK, I plan to be back next Monday, and we'll get notes down for the 3rd disc, wrap up, and publish from there. (11/10/25)

And now I'll conclude both listening and reviewing the Kalevala epic. This disc opens with quite a startle, a definite sound departure from what had come before. I have seen reviews calling this track out as one of the highlights. As with Disc 2's opening, the band presented is a complete unknown past this contribution. Qadesh is the English band behind it, and presents a very progressive position, sitting between the familiar Genesis pattern but with a jazzy avant prog twist. It's also quite lyrical. A little bit of Squonk Opera can be heard here, a group I had no expectation of drawing a comparison too, especially for this project. I'd be most curious to hear a full album by this group. And they get the second longest swing of the bat for this disc and the third overall. Back to Italy with Cantina Sociale, a band who have three albums to their credit. I haven't heard them prior. Starting off with "sampled" mellotron, they go about singing in proper Italian. Sounds like classic Italian prog to me, though their albums have mixed reviews. This takes us to Sweden's Grand Stand, yet another unknown for me. They bring that big arena sound to the fore. Their overall sound is lush and welcome. A good insertion here. Next up is Germinale, a band I know very well having acquired their first three albums real time. They always seemed on the cusp of something great, but never really got there. Here they play a song in narrative Italian, recalling Pholas Dactylus, J.E.T., or similar. The 'Now Comes the Battle' statement recalls Aphrodite's Child's 666. I like the uniqueness of this track, though once again, Germinale fails to excite. Flute is a nice enhancement. Aardvark is next. This is the Finnish internet collaboration group, that I've written positively about prior. Female vocals sung in Finnish dominate, with a retro hard rock sound underneath. An excellent pivot from the traditional Genesis prog sound this comp seems to focus on. Switzerland's Thønk comes next, and I had their sole album once. I recall being disappointed with its monolithic keys-bass-drums sound. But that was a long time ago to be fair. And here we are doing the instrumental organ, bass, drums thing. Yea a whole album of this would be boring, at least for a modern group (I can accept it better as an historical artifact). But at 6:35, it's both a deviation and short enough to find its perfect placement here. Nice. Back to the home country with Groovector, whose debut I've documented enthusiastically here on UMR. Lacking both the flute and Hammond, the track comes across as a New Age interlude, dull and glossy. Misses the magic of Ultramarine. The strangely named Whobodies comes next. They do have a cdr-ep to their credit, so not a made-up-on-the-spot group (I think?). They are also the last impression from Finland (in original form). Opening up in Dave Brubeck Quartet style, with jazzy piano and walking bass, the atmospheric sax and trombone introduce themselves. They then switch into a type of jazzy prog rock, the kind Genius Hans gravitates too. Would like to hear more from these guys. Our last trip to Italy combines two Italian bands together: Randone & Tempore. Nicola Randone's group has six albums to their credit, none of which I've heard. The only Tempore I can find is a group from the 60s. I'm thinking they may be the choral group accompanying on this song. The music is classic Italian prog sung in the native language, with mellotron samples, and excellent breaks. The epic closes with France's Cafeine. I tried their one album from this era and appended a very low grade on it. My (private) review is also quite harsh. I don't remember the experience too much to be honest. But will they sound different to me on a compilation? Well, yes they do actually. I really like the guitarist's melodic style and the driving Vince Guaraldi styled piano. They were also awarded the longest track of the disc, and second overall.

Somehow, on the second pressing, they found room for a (short) bonus track on the third disc. This comes from UMR favorite Viima, a Finnish group who seemingly exists for a compilation such as this. And they don't disappoint, providing a more appropriate coda to the concept than Cafeine did.

OK, I did prefer the 3rd disc to the second, and it's very different from the Genesis packed opening disc. Sometimes I think these compilations of original material is the way to go for many progressive rock bands. A little bit goes a long way. As noted in the opener, I hope I get an opportunity to hear more of them. Breaking it up in shorter listens is the right approach - or for long journeys on the open highway.

Ownership: 2008 Musea (3xCD). Fatbox. Huge booklet filled with details. Has one short bonus track. Acquired in 2017.

12/30/17; 11/3/25-11/17/25 (review)

Kings' Boards (1990)

Recorded and released in the heyday of the Japanese progressive rock movement, Kings' Boards pulls together five ivory ticklers and pairs them with a hodgepodge of rhythm sections, for what can only be considered an instrumental progressive rock extravaganza. In many quarters, you will see this album released as the band Kings' Boards, but I don't think that's correct. It's a compilation very much in spirit to those on Musea or Colossus. That is to say, all new material recorded for the sole purpose of this one album.

The liner notes are telling if you're still unsure what you are getting into here. Instead of a favorite Playmate, each one is asked to choose a favorite keyboardist. Keith Emerson wins with two, and Tony Banks and Vangelis each got one vote. Only Motoi Sakuraba went outside the box and chose Japanese jazz pianist Kei Akagi.

As for the music, the main draw here is Naomi Miura, who was with the cutesy semi-prog band Rosalia at the time (who only managed an EP in their day). This is anything but cute, and the music has a distinct dark edge with lots of mellotron, Mini Moog, and wedgy twisted fuzzy organ. She is in fact predicting the rise of Ars Nova two years ahead of time.

The other track I quite like comes from Shigetomo Hashimoto, who was with a band called Ashule. I vaguely recall that name from back then, and RYM shows two unrated releases. If I recall correctly they were tape traded pretty heavily but never managed to release anything formally.

Of course the Motoi Sakuraba track that opens the disc is fantastic, but it was also released on his own debut Gikyokuonsou (which I've reviewed prior), and this now becomes redundant. But if you don't have that already, then you're in for a treat.

The last two tracks are good not great. Manabu Kokado is from White Fang, a band who also only managed one release (Crimson Waves). I never did hear it, but if memory serves they mixed glam metal with extended prog rock compositions - it wasn't such a bizarre concept in those days as it may sound now. The last one comes from Social Tension's Kodomo Endo, and his contribution here is a long way (unfortunately) from his Hammond fueled band.

One of the unique twists here is the mix of the rhythm sections. Mostly they were provided from members of Social Tension and White Fang, as well as the very obscure act Seilane, who I know nothing about.

Ownership: 1990 Made in Japan (CD). Acquired in 1990.

1991; 2/15/19 (review)

Enchantement (1987)

Enchantement is quite representative of the late 80s French progressive scene, which is not the same thing as saying it's superb. There's a certain New Wave charm to some of the tracks (Elohim, Pulsar, Ange), and there's the made-up-on-the-spot group Atmosphere, who nonetheless provide one of the album's highlights (just don't go looking for the mythical non-existent LP).

From the original LP - Minimum Vital, Raison de Plus, and Sombre Reptile were among the highlights. Sadly the latter two never achieved the same level of expertise with their somewhat futile CD efforts later on. Minimum Vital, of course, have continued to be one of the bright lights of French progressive rock for almost 30 years now.

Note that the CD reissue is much improved from the original LP: Two are replacements of different material (Edhels, Boffo), and two are new (Anoxie, Halloween). The latter two total over 16 minutes, so not an insignificant addition. And the Halloween track is arguably the best thing on here. I used to own the LP, but traded it out for the CD not long after release, and considering the excellent Edhels LP track is a bonus on the Still Dream CD, that made the decision easy. The CD booklet is as informative as ever about each band participating.

For me, it's all a bit of nostalgia, as I knew the guys from Musea, and was just starting my own extensive journey into the netherworld of obscure progressive rock back in the 80s.

Ownership: 1989 Musea / Baillemont (CD). Booklet with liner notes. Acquired in 1996.

First copy: 1987 Musea (LP). Acquired in 1988.

1988; 1996; 11/21/15 (review)

8/19/16 (new entry)

1960s-70s Psychedelic / Hard Rock Compilations

Psychedelic Minds Vol. 1 (2006)

I purchased this compilation on the strength of two tracks I'd heard already, both online. We'll link to those as we get to them. To the best of my knowledge there never was a Vol. 2 to the series, which is too bad, as these comps are the best way to get these insanely rare 45 cuts.

The comp opens with Blackrock, a mostly instrumental jam session from Memphis, Tennessee. There's a bit of that Del Jones freakout feel to the vocals. Super. Sound Machine takes us to the label's native Germany, where we don't hear many of these kind of psychedelic 45s, despite the enormous Krautrock output on LP. If blindfolded, I would have guessed this to be American. Another great fuzz blaster. Next up is Yesterday's Obsession from Port Arthur, Texas, home of Janis Joplin. This cut has the trippy psych sound down with airy vocals, vintage organ, and fuzz. Mastermind is next. A mystery group that seems to have no provenance nor a recording date. The labels don't provide enough data to work from. Though there is a similar publishing company from New Mexico, but could be unrelated. Another excellent psych piece. Now we get to the first track that I was familiar with. Review here for Sangre Mexicana from Laredo, Texas. The sixth track is from Cleveland's Bhagavad Gita, another one I own this time via the Beyond The Calico Wall comp (documented below). Nice laid back and trippy composition with piano and a nice fuzz solo at the end. One of the few 45s that finds its way to these compilations that isn't really that rare (though the pic sleeve is tough to score). Released on Philips and related to National Gallery. Back to the unknowns with Protein Bros, a driving heavy rock track from the Los Angeles area. Killer guitar here. Creaky organ and super heavy fuzz introduces us to Jonesboro, Arkansas' finest Purple Canteen. This is a title that will drain your pocketbook, and it's understandable as to why. It's exactly this sound that has crate diggers plowing through basements with spiders. This is followed by Los Nuevos Shains, back when Peru was allowed to let their freak flag fly. Though listed on the CD as 'Looking You', the track is technically called 'Mirandote'. It's a goodie. That takes us to the second song I was familiar with, this time from the French group The Blow Mind. Review here. The compilation closes with the only two sider presented in full. Dirty Filthy Mud, from Oakland, California, released this one 7 inch, and it's the rarest 45 presented here, going for $2K. The A side, placed at the end of the comp, is the banger. Everything is freaked out here, including some early use of synthesizer. A precursor to Brainticket.

Ownership: 2006 World In Sound (CD). Poster booklet includes short narratives for each group. Label and archival photos are provided as well. Acquired in 2025.

11/3/25 (review)
 

Psych Funk Sa-Re-Ga! (2010)

As I noted on those African comps from Now Again, I really enjoy these compilations of obscure cuts from areas of the world not known for rock music. In this case, India. Especially when you get a thick booklet chock full of interesting liner notes for each artist and piece. Most of these come from Bollywood soundtracks, a genre known as Filmi. Not particularly psychedelic or funky, but the title isn't misleading either. Unique but rather conservative on the whole. Atomic Forest being the primary exception, and they are quite famous for just that.

Ownership: 2010 World Psychedelic Funk Classics (CD). Acquired in 2024.

8/6/24 (review)

Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas (2010)

There was quite a bit of buzz on this title when it first came out. I listened to it at the time and thought it was good, but nothing really special. In acquiring the CD for the first time recently, I sat down again with it and enjoyed a +1 listen, but it still fell short of my rather lofty expectation. Part of that is the title of the set and the hype that comes with it (yes... hype). To level set the perspective I'm coming from: I wasn't really a 45 guy until the last five years or so. And that was driven by similar compilations to Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas. These mostly American comps really delivered the goods. The best of the best of fuzz psychers. Each track an adrenalin rush filled with raging guitars and teenage angst. I've since found some unknowns on my own, adding to the allure the genre can bring.

Now we're in Brazil. The land of Gal Costa, Som Imaginario, Os Mutantes, Modulo 1000, and Lula Cortes & Ze Remalho. Combine the US experience of 45s with the albums of the aforementioned groups, and this CD should be phenomenal. But it's really not. Which is different than saying it's a waste of time or not any good. If it was that, I wouldn't bother to feature it. Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas is a very good and varied selection of obscure (as in seriously obscure) bands from Brazil putting out interesting, if somewhat underwhelming material. In this way, it reminds me of those comps I just covered in Nigeria and Zambia. Though this is definitely more psychedelic influenced, and Brazil had a fascinating and established culture happening in the late 60s. For the finest hotels you were getting Astrud Gilberto and Sergio Mendes. In the underground were Loyce e Os Gnomes, perhaps the finest group on offer here. Considering the overall package, this still is well worth acquiring for historical deep divers.

Ownership: 2010 WPFC (CD). Digipak with a full history for each artist. WPFC stands for World Psychedelic Funk Classics and were based in Cheyenne, Wyoming (what???). Acquired in 2023.

4/12/23 (review)

Michigan Mayhem! Volume 2 (2001)

I've really come to enjoy these 45 comps. They're a great way to obtain super rare artifacts - all in one place - for pennies on the dollar (even at retail, much less for a couple of bucks). And this one has short historical comments for each entry. There are 29 cuts (mostly one each from an SP) - all of them new to me. Great sound, and it appears the compiler worked with some of the original labels. This didn't have the usual scratchy 45s from the collection. I'm not a huge garage fan, preferring the psychedelic successor. But this collection is remarkably consistent, and there is some bleed over into psych, especially the more punky tracks. Not a dud among any of the tracks presented here - all from (or related to) the state of Michigan. Most of these are from 1965 and '66, and the ones that go beyond tend to be the more developed. While listening, I looked up each 45. Every one of them is rare as hen's teeth, and cost a small fortune. That's quite a collection. Of course, I'd love to find any of these in the wilds. 

Ownership: 2001 private (CD). Acquired in 2021.

5/10/21; 1/7/22 (review)

Psychedelic Gems 3 (1997)

When Psychedelic Gems 3 was released, it proved to be a goldmine of unreleased material. Having almost nothing in common with each other, the three bands represented here nonetheless proved to be an interesting combo. The problem is - it was a short lived situation. My Solid Ground's 25 minute track quickly found itself on a Second Battle CD reissue from the same year of release (1997). Werwolf followed seven years later, as Black Rills reissued the Laser's Edge version of Creation, but with these three tracks appended. Those I'll cover (or have covered) in their own respective entries. The only track left then is Mr. Grabstein, which is an excellent hard driving Krautock number, recalling early efforts by Message and Grobschnitt. It's eight minutes long - so is that worth keeping this CD for? Not on its own. But the entire package remains of interest. This is the only place, that I'm aware of, that covers My Solid Ground's history (certainly Second Battle never seemed interested in such things). Werwolf's liner notes were copied verbatim into the Black Rills CD, but the photos were not. And of course Mr. Grabstein is also well documented. Would be great to hear more from Mr. Grabstein that's for sure.

Former ownership: 1997 Garden of Delights (CD). Acquired in 1997. Downsized in 2024.

1997; 12//04 (review); 1/21/21 (update)

Obsession (2008)

A strikingly great psychedelic compilation from various corners of the globe, including Turkey, India, and South America. India's Atomic Forest contains an incendiary fuzz sound that I've not heard since Fire's Could You Understand Me. Turkey's reps include the familiar Erkin Koray from a wonderful obscure 45 side, and the oud master Arif Sağ, who apparently for a short time in the early 70s enjoyed plugging in and added psychedelic effects to the traditional Turkish lute. Ersen also gets a swing of the bat, to great success.

South America is primarily represented by Brazil with Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina all participating. As expected, most of these cuts come from incredibly rare 45s and albums, and are uniformly great. The kicker has to be Sonora Casino, who normally play in a traditional Peruvian style. Their contribution to psychedelia is 'Astronautas A Mercurio' which not only drifts from the comfortable Cumbia sound, but is one of the most whacked out psychedelic tracks I've ever heard. Stunning really. 

Ownership: 2008 Bully (CD). Short notes on each band and piece of music. Acquired in 2020.

7/30/20 (review)

  

Well Hung (2008)

A reasonably well titled compilation, though I'd submit it's more psychedelic influenced than funk, to be honest. This fine comp brings together a host of well known bands, but the track style isn't necessarily what one would associate with these groups. The music ranges from pop to rock to, yes, funk. The primary glue here is the psychedelic guitar and production effects. Most Hungarian albums I've heard from the 60s and 70s tend to be fairly conservative, yet this compilation indicates that the country might have been just as unhinged as West Germany during this era. It wasn't - not in recorded form anyway. From that perspective, the compilation has done its job, and extracted the best of the best. Recommended.

Ownership: 2008 B Music (CD). Booklet with full histories of each artist plus a thesis on the scene in general. Acquired in 2020.

7/30/20 (review)

Warfaring Strangers: Darkscorch Canticles (2014)

I can't get enough of these 45 / 7" compilations. This one features 1970s hard rock and early heavy metal bands. Almost every track a winner, with great riffs, solos, and sinister vocals. I'd love to find some of these 45's, but woooo, off the charts rare. Maybe I'll find a couple of them in someone's garage one day. I'm sure they are all out on YouTube because of this comp. Sample a couple to see what I mean about the quality, and then buy this. Well worth your collection space.

While there are some great compilation labels, none are better than Numero in my estimation. The fact that they provide full histories of each group, including their respective participation, is nothing short of extraordinary. They really work hard on these comps. There are two tracks - one each by Wizard and Medusa - that are album cuts, the latter an archival release from Numero themselves. But the rest are hyper rare singles.

Ownership: 2014 Numero Group (CD). See above. Acquired in 2020.

5/12/20 (review)

Aliens Psychos & Wild Things Volume Fore (2007)

Aliens Psychos & Wild Things Volume Fore is a bit different than some of the other fuzz blaster 45 comps I've written about recently. For this selection, we start in the mid 60s. Mostly these are forward looking garage bands with some guitar bite. By the time we get to the 1967 acts, the garage goes full-on psychedelic. As with every comp I purchase, there's that one single I heard on YouTube and then begin to look for availability on CD. In this case, the bait was Sound Expedition's 'Ultimate Power', a single I wrote about somewhere in here. That lead me to this comp, and the reviews from reliable like-minded collectors encouraged me to buy it.

As I do with all these comps, I research each 45 as I hear them. And once again, the obscurity level on these is incredibly high. There's also some unreleased material here, primarily at the early stages. One interesting notable - there's a band here called Groop Therapy (incidentally that's who is on the front cover - a bit reminiscent of the B-52's). And I swear they sound like a proto Stereolab. And as we know, Stereolab often referred to themselves as The Groop. Did they know about this ridiculously obscure band? Noooo. Well maybe?

One other interesting tidbit is that many of these bands are from the American southeast, Virginia in particular. Not the first region folks go looking for psychedelic music, but proved once again, that the whole country was turned on in the late 60s, and unfortunately those that controlled all missed it.

Ownership: 2007 Arcania (CD). Full band histories on most the groups presented. And with a touch of humor as well. Also worth stating that the sound quality here is better than the usual scratchy copies that often make up these kind of comps. Acquired in 2019.

12/12/19 (review)

For a Few Fuzz Guitars More (2002)

This CD comes courtesy of RYM's own psychedelic collector guru Tymeshifter, who was kind enough to send me a copy after seeing my review of The Purple Sun track from another compilation. As someone who never bothered to collect 45s in their prime - and since I was a prog guy, it would have been odd to do so - these compilations have proven to be a goldmine of great music.

After some 20 years of dormant physical crate digging on my part (mostly sticking to the online world of ebay and the like), I attacked 2019 with fervor (primarily because my current job situation gives me more flexibility and time than in the past). And 45's have been the area where I've had the greatest finds - as well as the greatest disappointments. In terms of dollars that is. I'm way in the black on my investments, and yet 85% of what I've bought is still here awaiting to be sold. What is fun though is that you can buy 50 seven inches for $50, and walk away with $500, and still have 48 left to sell, most of them for 25 to 50 cents each - or just donate them back to the local thrift shop (where you were likely to have found them in the first place). A fascinating situation. And every day I learn of new rarities, especially in the soul, garage, reggae, and rockabilly fields. It's endless folks. For most of us anyway.

I bring this topic up here on the For a Few Fuzz Guitars More review, because it just underscores what an astounding collection Tymeshifter possesses. I could go the rest of my life searching only for rare psych and garage and maybe I'd turn up 5% of what he owns. Fortunately he's shared some of his rarest gems with all of us. Even though this was released 17 years ago, many of these 45s still remain complete unknowns.

There are thre tracks here that I owned already (own = CD, not original). The aforementioned Purple Sun is one of course. Peacepipe is another, as it is part of the Shadoks CD reissue from the same year (2002). I'll say this, any compilation that features 'The Sun Won't Shine Forever', that will be the best track on the album. It's one of those hair raising tracks we all live to hear. And finally the Sub track is on the Garden of Delights CD reissue (extended), as well as being part of the In Concert album itself. Sub also represents another exception here: It's the only non USA track to be featured (they're German).

As for the rest, they are remarkably consistent in their greatness. If you like the fuzzier spectrum of psychedelic music, like I do, then add this comp to your buy list. I researched each 45, and some of them are crazy obscure. The Dystraction, Sounds Synonymous, Super Band, Velvet Haze, Golden Grass, and White Lightnin' are just a few examples of this. The latter comes from nearby (to me) Pueblo (CO) so maybe I'll luck out and find that one someday. We can always hope that any of these bands have more music in a canister somewhere.

Ownership: 2002 DMT (CD). Booklet with scans of all the 45s contained within.  Acquired in 2019.

11/30/19 (review)

Warfaring Strangers: Acid Nightmares (2017)

If you're into the heavy psych sound of the late 60s and early 70s, then this is another essential compilation. Most of these type of comps center solely on 45s and one particular country (usually the US). But in this case, it includes some European bands as well, and not everything is from a 45. The album cuts are relatively easy to secure in reissue format (Gift, Bulbous Creation), though the Goliath remains obscure. As for the others, it's revelatory. I bought this CD on the strength of The Purple Sun track, and the others are similar in style. Best I can tell, most of these tracks have never been reissued before, outside of bootlegs (if even that).

Comes with a fantastic booklet with a full history of each group, not just the usual anecdotes and collector's reflections.

Ownership: 2017 Numero Group (CD). Acquired in 2019.

9/14/19 (review)

An Overdose of Heavy Psych (1997)

Well... this CD gives the buyer exactly what it says on the tin: An overdose of heavy psych. 25 psych singles (mostly singles anyway) from late 1960s North America, with an abundance of fuzz guitar being the glue that holds this one together. Unlike many compilations that have extreme highs - and lows - this one is remarkably consistent. I would argue that 95% of the material here falls within the very good to excellent category, and if you're a fan predisposed towards the fuzzy side of psych (oh you know - like me), then this is a compilation you'll want to pursue. The lowest point would be IRA, only because they ape Hendrix note for note, but still a good track. The sublime highlights include the relatively lengthy Glass Sun from Michigan, which demonstrates more ideas and a light progressive slant - and The Firebirds' 'No Tomorrows' which is about as heavy as anything released by this date, challenging Blue Cheer for California bestial supremacy. This latter band, and its pseudonym The 31 Flavors, is a revelation for me. I had seen this album for years, saw the title Light My Fire, and just presumed it was another exploito covers album. Well it was an exploitation album technically, but they didn't cover The Doors hit, and these six tracks prove that they were a very enlightening studio backup outfit.

1997 Arf! Arf! (CD). full booklet detailing what the author knew about the bands as of 1997. The sound quality ranges from masters tape to scratchy 45s from his collection. Acquired in 2019.

2/17/19 (review)

Fantasio Daze (2010)

The primary reason I sought out this compilation CD is the full inclusion of the Bag single, which I consider one of the highlights of the Dutch progressive psychedelic scene. And the fact that Group 1850 has one of their more obscure singles here (though I already own it as part of a larger Group 1850 CD compilation), I figured there were more gems to be uncovered.

And... I was right. Though truth be told, nothing here equaled or surpassed 'Tripdream', 'Nothing Will Remain', and 'Don't Let it Be'. For my tastes, the other great tracks found here come from Names & Faces, Cinderella, Crown's Clan, Phoenix, and Crying Wood. And there are no stinkers, everything is at least "good".

Ownership: 2010 Otherside (CD). English liner notes. Acquired in 2019.

1/11/19 (review)

Beyond the Calico Wall (1993)

The gimmick of this compilation is to find the weirdest and wackiest psychedelic sounds of the mid to late 1960s. Some are rare 45's, others are taken from albums, and there's even a modern cut by a band lead by the compiler.

And Erik Lindgren succeeded at doing just that! Which doesn't necessarily mean it's a great comp throughout, but you're almost guaranteed to find a few nuggets depending on your filters. I suppose some folks will just be turned off in general, but one would question why they are listening to such a comp in the first place.

For my tastes, I'm going to be looking for some compositions within the madness. With that, there are two brilliant pieces, one each from Spontaneous Generation and Duffy. In the merely great column, I would add Park Avenue Playground, Afterglow (whose sole album isn't nearly this good or radical as this track would indicate), The Pebble Episode, Bhagavad Gita, and Raik's Progress. Otherwise the tracks range from very good to average to disappointing (least favorite: The Waterproof Tinkertoy).

A keeper for sure, but its consistency is only in the inherent weirdness among the tracks.

Ownership: 1993 Voxx (CD). Booklet with liners about each track. Acquired in 2019.

1/11/19 (review)

St. Albert's Dream (2013)

This is a fantastic compilation of obscure 45's, and unreleased archival material. No duff tracks, everything in the pocket as it were. This to me anyway, is the perfect type of compilation. All non album tracks, superb music, and all very hard to find. Unfortunately like the Devil's Kitchen on the same label, no historical data was provided, which would have enhanced the overall product that much more. Of course, I'm grateful for the music period, so we'll just have to do the rest on our own. This comp is of the "heavy psych" variety, which is a personal favorite genre of mine as well. 

Greylock Mansion were from Tucson, Arizona (home base of the LSD label) and released two 45s in 1970 on Dynamic Records. This track is one of the highlights of the compilation.

Butter (not Butler as designated here) - no idea? Says unreleased master tape from Roger Jones (1972).

Jerimiah are reputed to be related to Brother L Congregation, and were from Victoria, Texas (southwest of Houston, and southeast of San Antonio, near the Gulf Coast). This track came out on the Kumquat label as a 45 single (1969).

Weasel comes from a 45 on Westpark Records, a division of Soundville out of Houston, Texas. So we'll presume they were from there (1969).

Wheatridge - no idea again. Says "uncredited acetate" (1970).

Oracle were another band from Tucson, though I can find no evidence of where this track comes from (1972).

Brand X (hmm sounds familiar... but no) were from Indianapolis and released this track on a 45 on Steel Breeze Records (1970). This is another highlight of the comp.

Mechanical Switch were from the small south Texas town of El Campo between Victoria and Houston. This track is on a 45 on Bag One Way Records (Feb 1969 according to one source).

Murphy's Law - This track is a Uriah Heep cover from their 1971 Look at Yourself album (and sounds a lot like a demo version of Uriah Heep actually with trumpet added). Date listed is 1972 and looks like it's from El Paso.

Sleepy Hollow were from Phoenix, Arizona and released this track on a 45 from ECI Records (1969).

Frozen Sun were yet another band from Tucson. This track was on a 45 from the Capt. Zoomar label (1969).

Ownership: 2013 Lysergic Sound Distributors (LP). Acquired in 2015.

12/6/15 (review)

Psychedelic Gems (1996)

Psychedelic Gems is the first in a series from Garden of Delights covering the vast amount of 45's and unreleased material from Germany's psychedelic past. These artists, at least on Volume 1, are definitely distinguished from their peers that played in the style now widely known as Krautrock. This set is more like what was coming out in the US and UK during the late 60s psychedelic rock boom, and would have to be considered dated even in their own day.

Dom (1972). Not related to the group who released Edge of Time. This band released one 45 single (Newcomer label) that is straightforward instrumental psych rock, with some excellent guitar with plenty of effects added for good measure.

Pax Vobis (1972). First track is very much like the Doors. The other three are instrumental, and similar, minus the Morrison styled vocals. Superb organ (older vintage) work here. Two tracks are unreleased prior (the other two were on Soundfire - what a great name for a label!). I quite liked this group myself, and consider them the highlight of the compilation.

The Ooze (1970). Continues in a similar manner, though with much more of an Iron Butterfly and Vanilla Fudge influence. Great organ and fuzz guitar leads. Both tracks from a 45 on the CCA label.

The Devils (1973). All three tracks were unreleased prior. First track has a bit of an electronic edge recalling Friend Sound at their most coherent. After that it's hardly more than surf rock, and a sound that is outdated by at least seven years at this point (though the electronics fortunately do reappear on Darkness). Definitely the low point of the compilation.

Blues Ltd. (1971). 45 single on Progressa. Not surprising, this bunch go for more of a blues psych sound. Hearing some Procol Harum on this, and the added sax even gives off a whiff of Xhol Caravan, especially considering the progressive nature of the recoding - the first (and only) indication of a Krautrock sound found on here.

Scramp (1972). Like Dom, this one was a 45 on Newcomer. And like Dom, it's way past its shelf life, sounding like a US punk psych band from 1968. Which is to say - it's pretty good actually!

Ownership: 1996 Garden of Delights (CD). Full liner notes. Technically GoD named the label Psychedelic Gems. Acquired in 1996.

1996; 11//04; 7/3/15 (review); 6/16/25

7/3/15 (new entry)

Function Underground, USA

The hype sticker alone told me this would be the gem of the stack: "The Black and Brown American Rock Sound 1969-1974". My heart be still. How I love these comps, especially when they come with a booklet jam packed with historical information. I look for 45s such as these everywhere I go, and sometimes you get lucky. No one knows who they are, so they presume they're worthless. Discogs has kind of ruined that in some places, especially when they get compiled like this. Because now everyone wants them! Fortunately thrift shops don't usually bother to research, even some record stores don't! Still relying on their dogeared price guides where everything Elvis and Beatles is rare, along with a handful of garage and soul titles. But unknowns... were unknowns. So they're worthless. Thank you! This album actually starts off a bit conservative with 1984 and Purple Snow, each more towards psych soul than psych rock. But starting with Jimi Macon, things get progressively wilder. Note that first name spelling. All you need to know. The party really gets going with Creations Unlimited and peaks with Michael Liggins and the Super Souls, complete with flute, psych guitar and funky rhythms. Side 2 is no less stellar. Ebony Rhythm Band's 'Drugs Ain't Cool' sounds like Chicago's take on 'I'm a Man' only to be followed by Cisneros and Garza Group covering... 'I'm a Man'. This track also introduces the "brown" part of the album, which sadly only features 3 tracks. Highlight here might be L.A. Carnival, who also happens to have a full length archival album released by Now-Again. Ordered it last night (and it's great, need to get some notes up about it). Overall a brilliant collection if you're interested in the lo-fi, but heavily sincere, funk psych bands that only appeared on 45s.

Ownership: LP: 2017 Now-Again. Single sleeve with 16 page booklet. Purchased new (heavily discounted) at Independent Records here in Colorado Springs (2022). That store is now closed.

3/19/22 (LP 3.8); 12/20/23 (new entry)

Midwest Funk / Funk 45s from Tornado Valley ~ USA

My favorite kind of compilation these days is those that gather up a pile of rare 45s and release them in one set, compete with historical liner notes and perspectives. And that's exactly what Midwest Funk is. As I look up each 45 (Messengers Incorporated is an album cut), they're all rare as hen's teeth - many never sold once on Discogs for example. They have the wrong technical definition of the Midwest, as they nix the Dakotas and add Oklahoma, but from a practical perspective, it makes sense what they did. And besides what do the English know about the US? lol. The time frame is the late 60s to the early 70s.

There are 23 tracks here, including at least one unreleased extended piece. The music is about 65% instrumental and is nonstop toe tapping funk. Occasionally psychedelic, but mostly what is known as deep funk. Think The J.B.'s here. Brass, sax, wah-wah rhythm guitar, organ, some flute, and a killer bass and drum backbone. How fun it must've been to see bands like this live in their prime. At some small not-up-to-code club, on the other side of the tracks, the smell of whiskey, smoke - and sweat. An air of danger, but us veteran street urchins know better - it's safe as milk. Great  - I mean great - fun here.

Ownership: 2004 Jazzman / Now-Again (CD). Fat booklet with a full description of each state's funk scene followed by a dissertation on each single. Acquired in 2023

12/15/23 (review / new entry)

Various artists - Nigeria and Zambia rock compilations

I recently picked up all of these online brand new for a song. I love historical documents such as these, and all are worthy just for the historical book that comes with each. Like mini encyclopedias with CDs inserted. Essentially these are all fuzz laden African rock works, mostly taken from insanely rare 45s and a few album cuts. I'm more familiar with the Zambian acts as that scene has been mined pretty hard. But the Nigerian sounds were the real eye opener for me. I've heard a few bands from there, but I didn't realize just how vast the scene really was. This is the way to go to hear most of these, as collecting them individually would be impossible - especially those that have not been reissued separately. It's tempting to lump African rock in with funk and soul, and while there's slight elements of that, this genre is definitely separate from African-American styled rock. It's a fascinating blend of late era psychedelic and garage with elements of hard rock and African culture. The music is mostly simple but energetic and sincere. And possesses a wonderful raw sound. There's a distinct difference between what was happening in Zambia and Nigeria, but in the macro view, these are closer to each other than other worldwide genres. Brilliant work from Now-Again, likely the label that will go down as the best of the music researchers.

Ownership: Wake Up You! The Rise And Fall of Nigerian Rock 1972-1977 Vol. 1. 2016 Now-Again (CD)

Wake Up You! The Rise And Fall of Nigerian Rock 1972-1977 Vol. 2. 2016 Now-Again (CD)

 

Welcome to Zamrock! Vol. 1. 2017 Now-Again (CD)

3/19/23 (new entry)

Tripwave: A Retrospective Collection of Russian Psychedelic Progressive Music. 1989-2010 Russia

Starting from the beginning, which the label conveniently placed in chronological order:

Eastern Syndrome – Celt. 1989. A mix of unhinged psychedelia and 1980s New Wave songcraft and associated production qualities. Vocalist sounds like David Byrne, while the reckless psychedelic guitar abandon could be from an old F/I album circa “Space Mantra”. Some fine spacey sax as well. A little bit like the Saqqara Dogs overall here. It appears this track comes from an unreleased album called “Studio 13”. Fascinating stuff, and perfect for a compilation.

The Moon Pierrot – Moon Dream. 1990. Thick bass, happy rhythm guitar, danceable beats, sonorous vocals. Sounds like 1985 New Wave to me! But… I thought this was a psych prog collection? No, the  Moon Pierrot belongs somewhere else, despite some fine electric guitar about half way through. I like it anyway.

Do Major – To Rake Your Fingers Through the Grass. 1992. More slap bass, canned drums, and synthesized vocals. Guess we’re still in the New Wave “neo psych” section of the album? I should state that I find music like this quite good, even if not necessarily what I associate with terms like “psychedelic progressive”.  The guitar work here, in particular, is exemplary. As are the female vocals. I should investigate this band further.

Decadence – Dream #5: Love. 1999. Seven years on, and we’re still in 1980’s territory. Hmmm.  This is from an album that was released by Musea. I can hear influences from bands such as Porcupine Tree here. Apparently the album has a prog metal slant, though this track eschews the distorted muscle. Pig squealing guitar, however, is not omitted. Not bad though.

Disen Gage – Solaris. 2004. Moving along quickly from a chronological perspective. This track comes from their debut “The Screw-Loose Entertainment”, and musically sounds like a modern interpretation of the motorik side of the Krautrock house like Harmonia with some post rock heaviness applied. Excellent stuff. Gotta love a Russian band that utilizes, as their band name, a play on words with English.

Rada & Ternovnik – Interlude. 2004. Well here’s a band with a dozen albums and a gazillion musicians. Could be a commune band, or a professional troupe? I have no idea. The music treads within the confines of the cold and clinical King Crimson cookbook, yet with some splendid acid guitar leads. And then the wordless female vocals takes this to the exotic – the sublime.  Who are these guys? Jeez…. Spent most of my life tracking interesting obscure progressive rock down, and here’s a band with a ton of albums that no one knows about. Gnosis lists ELEVEN of them with exactly zero ratings between them.  My goodness.

Krtl – Soda. 2006. First group here that it doesn’t appear released anything prior.  Also the first band here that is giving me that Gong influenced space rock sound. Danceable psychedelic guitar driven space rock with synthesizer “splooshes”…. right…. Ozric Tentacles. I thought I was getting a whole CD of it. Well… fortunately I received something else. This track is good. So is the whole CD so far. Damn….

Deti Picasso – Happy End is Inevitable. 2006. I’m beginning to wonder if I’m a Russophile? This doesn’t fit a single bucket of music that I would normally enjoy…  yet, I’m loving this track! Missing Persons singing in Russian with heavy psych guitars, via… hell I have no idea what. Need to learn more….

Vespero – Inna Burst Into Tears. 2007. Now this is one I knew of prior. And those dogs at Trail know exactly what they’re doing!  I’m pretty much a Vespero fan boy, and yet they somehow found the absolute BEST track in the entire Vespero canon (from their debut CD “Rito”). When I think of exotic space rock with female vocals, this is the track that comes to mind. OMG. Brilliant in every way.

Kafedra.org – Entrance to Invisibility. 2009. Another band that is totally unknown. Despite the captures-the-imagination track title name, this one is a rather straightforward rock tune with spacey synths and female vocals. Maybe my least favorite song from this album.

Liompa – Thee. 2010. The last track from the comp also features a band without a recording history. Yet another band that propagates the space rock instrumental (guitar-bass-drums-percussion) with soft female vocals. Would really like to hear more from these guys!

Absolutely love the industrial apartment block photo that adorns the CD package.

Overall, a CD that comes highly recommended. I certainly learned a few things here.

My good friend Lev, who is from Russia, had the following insights about two of the bands mentioned above: "Rada & Ternovnik is a cult band led by the idiosyncratic singer Rada Anchevskaya, a good acquaintance of mine and a really talented lady. Basically you can never guess what you might find on their albums - the only constants in the lineup have been Rada herself and her husband Vladimir Anchevsky, and they are known for shifting styles and musical moods effortlessly. If I were asked to describe their music in one word, I'd go with psych - purely on the basis of Rada's shamanic vocals and loose improvisational structures of many pieces. However, in fact they often merge it with many other genres, from traditional folk to so-called "dark folk" with a lot of mysticism, from postpunk to atonal avant-garde jazz. Oddly enough, their latest lineup is the proggiest, featuring keyboards for the first time (played by Fedor Amirov).

Another band which I can heartily recommend is Deti Picasso - once again, led by my old acquaintance, brilliant singer Gaya Arutyunyan (together with her brother Karen - yes, it's a male name in Armenia where they hail from!). Sadly they disbanded a couple of years ago (although Gaya and Karen are now members of the equally excellent Budapest-based Wattican Punk Ballet), but up to that point they were basically acting as two different bands within one. The first one focused on their Armenian heritage - folk songs with a unique Deti Picasso twist, as well as self-penned tracks in a similar style. "Ethnic Experiments" and "Turbo Mairik" are albums that showcase this side of the band, and I'd very much recommend them as it might be easier for a foreigner to get into their Armenian repertoire (it essentially got them famous in Europe which led to their moving to Hungary on a permanent basis). However, I like their Russian side even more - epitomized on the albums "Glubina" and "Gerda". This is a truly genre-mixing, style-bending experience, from alternative rock to prog to avant to theater music and everything in between, with great lyrics and fantastic vocal and instrumental performances... Totally unique too, I'm struggling to think of any comparisons."

Ownership: CD: 2011 Trail

11/28/13 (new entry)

Psychedelic World Music: Discovery

Psychedelic World Music is a compilation featuring 9 bands from around the world that have recorded primarily instrumental psychedelic space rock music - two-thirds of it unreleased until now. The most obvious comparison would be the bands coming out of  the UK Festival psych scene of the 1980s such as Ozric Tentacles, Mandragora, and Soma. But as you listen closely, the groups featured on this compilation, regardless of location, seem to have adopted the Central and Eastern European variation of said sound. It's especially noticeable in the melodies, but the rhythmic structure looks Eastward as well. So if you're a fan of bands like Korai Orom, Ole Lukkoye, and Vespero, then this compilation is a must pick up. I am myself, and I found all nine bands here to be revelatory.

The first three tracks are especially captivating. Namely Cosmic Vibration (Germany), Triptych (England), and The Misteriosos (USA). If I were a label with money to spend, I'd start right here to build up my stable of bands and know that my label would have instant credibility. The latter, in particular, is the highlight of the entire disc with its mysterious female voice, atmospheric acid psychedelic guitar, and "Saucerful of Secrets" pounding percussion. Interesting to find out, then, that this is one of the three previously released tracks on the disc (none of which I'd heard prior to this). The Misteriosos track is from an obscure 2005 album, that apparently is completely different than this one track. That's too bad as it would have been my top priority to own. Starting with Track 4, the thrills become a little less per minute, but everything on here is at least very good. Considering the remainder, the Russian group Grey Mouse, and the Belgian band The Narcotic Daffodils are of particular interest. There are three bands here that are from countries that are rarely represented in rock music: Armenia, Belarus, and China - the last one being an all-time first for me. And something tells me that we will be hearing a ton of music from China in the next 50 years. In fact, I'd bet on that.

If any of this sounds at all interesting, then do not miss out on this wonderful compilation. Trail Records is the best USA label producing space rock today.

Ownership: CD: 2012 Trail Records

1/28/13 (new entry)

Proton 1 ~ Germany

various artists - Proton 1 (1974)

On the vaunted Kerston label (Gaa, Tyll, Epidermis), Proton 1 features five bands over a 2 LP set, of which Sun and Zyma recorded albums many years later. Zyma managed two albums actually.

1. Zyma - Law Like Love 7:02
2. Zyma - Tango Enough 6:02
3. Andorra - I've Been Waiting 7:10
4. Andorra - Mr. Congresman 2:47
5. Andorra - On My Way 4:29
6. Penicillin - Das Kleine Zahnrad 2:51
7. Penicillin - Die Fledermaus 4:39
8. Penicillin - Für Elise 6:07
9. Nexus - Always Fluffy 3:08
10. Nexus - Plexus 4:41
11. Nexus - Ignis 7:55
12. Sun - Leisure 10:44
13. Sun - To Celia 8:35

1) & 2) are from Zyma and are both excellent. At this stage they have a female and male vocalist, and the music is hard hitting bluesy post Jefferson Airplane rock, similar to Joy Unlimited and Frumpy. Much rawer than their later, more refined Canterbury efforts. One can only hope there is a full canister of tape here for a future reissue. I'd love to hear a whole album of Zyma at this stage of their career.

3) through 5) are from the band named for the obscure tiny country between Spain and France. Sadly no ethnic elements are present. 3) is a decent straightforward acid rocker with nice guitar work. 4) is a short CSN / Byrds like rural folk rock number. 5) is the highlight of Andorra's set, and features a nice groove with some excellent guitar soloing and shaker percussion. This track recalls Missing Link, Nosferatu and early Epitaph. Andorra show enough potential, that if an archival release presented itself, I'd be most interested.

6) through 8) features Penicillin, the odd group out in this bunch. They're basically a German language, commercially oriented, bluesy rock band. 8) is an instrumental classical rip similar to Ekseption, Trace, or Amos Key. Other than some decent Hammond organ work, overall there's not a lot to grab hold on here. Weakest band on the set, no doubt.

9) through 11) moves us into the jazz rock realm with Nexus. The addition of flute and sax to the palette makes for a more interesting ride. 9) has vocals and is the catchiest of their three tracks. 10) is the highlight of the entire Proton set and is an absolutely wonderful instrumental jazz rock piece. 11) is more atmospheric with electric piano, electric guitar (featuring an excellent wah wah solo), sax and flute. Nexus are a very mature band at this point, and another group that I hope has more in storage for a future archival issue.

12) & 13) are for Sun and somewhat maintains the jazz flavor set forth by Nexus. 12) is the longest track on Proton 1, and has a few different movements between jazz, bluesy rock, moody folk and progressive sections. Vocals and Hammond organ are fairly dominant here. A thoughtful piece. 13) breaks out the violin. Flute and acoustic guitar accompany along with harmony vocals, before breaking into heavier movements. Sun are definitely the most progressive minded of the bands present on this set, though not as mature or professional as Nexus or Zyma. Another archival set that one hopes is sitting idly by waiting for a reissue label to release.

Overall, definitely a set well worth seeking out.

Former ownership: 1974 Kerston (LP). Acquired in 1994.

The Sun and Zyma tracks are bonus material for their respective Garden of Delights CD reissues.

1994. 8/29/10 (review)

Concert '71. Germany

1. Waniyetula - Light My Fire 7:37
2. Waniyetula - Lindis Farne 8:38
3. Stoke - BMW 4:55
4. Homunculus - Rainbow 3:17
5. Abraham - Turban 17:13
6. Nice Noise - Abraxas 5:48

As for titles, it's as simple as they come. Yes folks, this is Concert '71. In today's search engine world, it's a researcher's nightmare, but I'm sure in 1971 Germany it made perfect sense. That's what it is, right?

1) and 2) were reissued on Waniyetula's A Dream Within a Dream CD from Garden of Delights. 1) is the familiar Doors' tune, of course, and the jazzy flute mid-section adds a new twist. 2) is a loose instrumental jam, with a cosmic space rock edge. The overall recording is a tad better than bootleg quality, so many of the effects are lost I'm afraid.

Apparently Waniyetula were the big draw for the time, and they did manage two albums in their lifetime, one under the name of Galaxy ("Nature's Clear Well"). I won't pretend I know anything about the other groups here, but here are my thoughts on the music presented:

3) Is a raw rocker no doubt pissing about the elite classes roaming around in their German luxury automobiles. Vocals are bad, but the guitar melody and solo is pretty good. Crowd seemed to like it anyway.

4) Contains a heavy guitar riff and a very old organ that must have been left behind at some US army base. Homunculus' vocalist is even worse than Stoke's. Straight rock song, with an OK guitar solo break. The recording quality is really horrid to be honest.

5) At a length of 17 minutes, I have to admit Abraham is the band I was most looking forward to hearing. And it didn't let me down. What a sloppy mess of a psych jam. I think there's a sax in the background, but he's completely drowned out by the effects laden guitar. Some wordless male vocals make an appearance that are barely audible. OK, winds guy switched to flute and the higher tone allows us to hear it a bit better. Wow, the recording seems to be getting worse. All we hear is rhythm guitar while the sax is wailing somewhere back there, but we really can't hear what he's up to. Heck with that says Mr. Guitarist as he begins to do his own psychedelic wailing. Doing a hell of a job at it too. Song (loosely speaking) goes on too long of course but they miraculously didn't have one drum solo. I hope this is one of those bands sitting on some cool studio material that Long Hair or Garden of Delights will surprise us with one day. Abraham have demonstrated plenty of potential here.

6) Must have asked Homunculus to leave their organ on the stage. Oh dear, Nice Noise is covering Santana, medley-style, with this 1960s soap opera organ and light jazz tone guitar. You'll need lots of bratwursts and beer to survive this one I'm afraid. Crowd gives polite applause while by now laughing themselves to death.

If you see this album for sale, no doubt being hawked at very high prices, just leave it. There's nothing here.