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)

Morgan ~ England

Nova Solis (1972)

Morgan's debut Nova Solis is certainly one of the more unheralded UK progressive rock albums from the golden era. There's a strong influence from the "majors", primarily ELP and Yes, which wasn't as common for English bands in those days as you might initially think. Morgan Fisher's piano and organ work, in particular, are quite engaging. But how on Earth did they end up in Italy? Band member Mo Bacon's father was an international merchant, and passed on the band's tape, which ultimately ended up in the hands of RCA in Rome. The album was recorded in Italy with the likes of Il Rovescio della Medaglia and The Trip both in the studio at the same time. The latter band was most certainly influenced by Morgan's presence. Due to some ill-timed hard line negotiation, both RCA USA and UK declined to repress the album in their home countries. Thus its obscurity today. A fate it did not deserve.

Ownership: 

1972 RCA Italy (LP). Uni-pak gatefold.

2012 Esoteric (CD). Liner notes.

1999 (acquired); 6//05; 4/7/14; 7/16/16 (review)

Also own and need to review Brown Out.

7/16/16 (new entry)

Yezda Urfa - Boris. 1975 USA

From the Chicago area, Yezda Urfa represents the logical conclusion to where progressive rock was ultimately heading in its era. The trajectory in popular music from 1967 to 1975 was astounding by any measure. And yet it was just about that same time when the major corporations in music were looking to reign it all in. If you are looking for insanely complex, all-over-the-place, constantly shifting rock music, then Yezda Urfa is your nirvana. Not even in 1973 Italy do you find such insanity, and that was an organized scene where it seemed each band were trying to outdo each other. But, as it turns out, it was in northwest Indiana where the results came in, and Yezda Urfa ended up with the prize. Which is not the same thing as saying they were the best. No, they weren't in my estimation. But they sure were great!

As stated, there were few bands in the world that were more progressive rock oriented than Yezda Urfa. No matter, they still tried hard to achieve a major label signing. Fortunately they kept all their rejection letters to share with us, so we can all have a laugh today. You do have to feel bad for the A&R person at the record company who received the tape for Boris. He or she may have loved every minute of it, but there was NO WAY this band was getting signed up! My favorite comes from London Records: "After listening to your material we have reservations as to its commercial potential...". YA THINK?

The bonus track 'The Basis of Dubenglazy While Dirk Does the Dance', from the Syn-Phonic CD, is just as good as anything from the album proper!

History has a way of vindicating superior art such as this.

Personal collection

CD: 2004 Syn-Phonic
CD: 2010 Belle Antique (Japan)

The original LP is one of the rarest progressive rock albums on the planet, since it was only issued for promo purposes, and very few have ever surfaced. After waiting 15 years for the "artwork", Syn-Phonic finally managed to get this one out to the masses. I picked up the Japan mini as well, just for the heck of it, but it's sourced straight from Syn-Phonic's copy.

Epitaph - s/t. 1971 Germany

Epitaph were a German heavy rock band, typical of the 1971 genre, with a UK vocalist in tow which is always a plus (if persisting with the English language that is). 'Moving to the Country' starts the album off somewhat inauspiciously with that sort of breezy rural rock which dragged down their more famous later album Outside the Law. 'Visions' switches gears radically. Basically a symphonic ballad with a tremendous amount of mellotron. After this, Epitaph go for the "long form" track with extensive stretches of guitar jamming, which is certainly their forte. 'Little Maggie' gives us a "head fake" that it's going to be another rural affair, before tossing the composition aside so they can get down to the business of jamming. Arguably the album ends at its apex with 'Early Morning'. An excellent debut by an otherwise mediocre band that deteriorated as they went on. Though the followups Stop, Look, Listen and Outside the Law are quite good as well.

Personal collection
LP: 1971 Polydor
CD: 2005 Polydor/Universal

The Polydor/Universal CD comes in a fine digi-pak and features 5 bonus tracks that are quite good in their own right and make an excellent supplement to the album proper.

Genfuoco - Dentro l'invisibile. 1979 Italy

From Siena, Genfuoco's sole album is an oddity in that it was released in 1979, at a time when Italian progressive rock was completely dead and buried. Perhaps even more strange, is that it sounds like the album was recorded in 1972. The album has this hazy psychedelic edge to it, especially considering the fuzz tone guitar, as well a distant folky vibe. Keyboards are spacey and atmospheric.

Genfuoco were, in fact, part of the Focolare Movement, an international Christian organization founded in northern Italy back in 1943. They sponsored gatherings known as Genfests (and still do apparently). There were other bands from this time with names like Gen Rosso and Gen Verde, that were purportedly more pure folk sounding (thanks to Italianprog.com for the latter data).

Despite this background, I was completely unaware this was a Christian album, and I've owned this album since the Mellow CD came out in 1992 (a very rare LP in its original state, since it was only sold at Christian bookstores and fairs). The point here is the album isn't heavy on "the message", or I should say it doesn't seem that way to me, since all the lyrics are in Italian and I don't know the language. It's also not a typical uplifting praise-be-to-the-heavens music, but rather a far more mystical sound is brought forth. And there's a nice balance between the instrumental and vocals sections. I found the songwriting to be way above standard here, and perhaps the "1972 aura" really gives this one an edge.

If you're beginning your journey into the fabulous world of 70s Italian progressive rock, don't go here yet. But once you have a taste for the fine wine, you'll find Genfuoco is a bottle that has aged well.

Personal collection
CD: 1992 Mellow

Cai ~ Spain

Noche Abierta (1980)

Cai are from the beautiful Andalusian city of Cadiz, and their sound very much represents the region it originates from. Noche Abierta is their second album, and first for major label CBS / Epic. Cai's music is one of the more overtly flamenco influenced albums with dramatic Arabian vocals, Spanish guitar, and the irregular rhythms associated with the art form. The rock elements are brought forth with stinging electric guitar, choppy piano, and the driving bass and drums. The majority of the keyboards come from a variation of the ARP String Synthesizer, and are a bit thin sounding to modern ears. Overall the album is a fine mixture of flamenco, jazz fusion, and progressive rock. The latter represented most by the closing 'La Roca del Diablo'. A very good album for those predisposed to the southern Spanish style of progressive rock, which includes this listener. Otherwise, Noche Abierta is unlikely to be the album to sway one's opinion in its direction.

Ownership: 1980 Epic (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2018.

First copy: 1995 Epic (CD) With Cancion De La Primavera. Acquired in 1997.

1997; 7/7/16 (review)

Mas Allá de Nuestras Mentes Diminutas (1978)

Progressive rock and jazz fusion meets Flamenco styled rhythms is what Cai's debut is about. 1978 Spain is filled with similar albums and Cai is an excellent representative of the Rock Andaluz movement. Others have called out comparisons to Iman Califato Independiente, and that's a really good reference for this album. Cai later signed to a major label and released two further albums, more geared towards the fusion aspect of their sound. 

Ownership: 1987 Soviso (LP). Gatefold. This release is an exact replica of the 1978 original gatefold. Though pressed in Spain, it was primarily made for the Japanese market. A local friend has the Lacochu original and there are scant differences between them. Acquired in 1993.

1993; 6/5/12 (review); 5/22/26

Once owned: Cancion De La Primavera

9/3/12 (new entry)

Neverness - Cuentos de Otros Mundos Posibles. 2007 Spain

Neverness are a band from northwestern Spain, who released a trio of albums that have largely been overlooked by the progressive rock contingent. I bought this CD not long after it was released, thought it was OK/decent, and filed it away for a future listen. That listen has now happened... nearly a decade later. Proves once again, that sometimes the best thing to do is to wait for a different time and place before passing quick judgment, as the album now sounds great to my ears.

What Neverness has done is almost the impossible: Copy mid to late 70s Pink Floyd... and not be dull. I happen to really like that era of Pink Floyd, but it seems every modern band that goes on to emulate that sound misses the dynamics, and ends up just plodding along at a snail's pace. Neverness has not only captured the spirit of Wish You Were Here and Animals, but also the analog instrumentation and production. The music is heavy on atmosphere, and light on pyrotechnics, so it requires the right melancholic mood to appreciate. Other than perhaps 'Muro de Cristal', all the tracks here avoid the modern music trap, where 90's indie songcraft has penetrated too deep. And even that track has long flights of instrumental work to offset the potential snoozefest. The rest is very consistent and superb. I'm now curious what their albums are like, though it appears the debut may have been taken out of the oven a bit early.

Ownership: CD: 2007 Musea (France). Nice 12 page booklet with recording details, lyrics, photos, and images.

2//08; 1//13; 7/5/16 (new entry)

Xing Sa ~ France

Creation de L'Univers (2010)

Xing Sa is a new kollektiuw made up of members from the Zeuhl band Setna. This "brand name" as it were seems to have as its focus the music of Magma circa 1975 to 1977. That is to say, the post operatic Kohntarkosz sound, one that was heavily influenced by jazz fusion, as you'll find on albums from Live to Udu Wudu. Much of the music is driven by the patented thick and woody Zeuhl bass, and is overall heavy and energetic. There's also a strong atmospheric component that is blended throughout, recalling the spiritual quest Vander himself went through in this era, especially his continued fascination with John Coltrane (primarily in concept, not specific sound). Weidorje would be another good reference here. A very fine work, and let's hope this isn't a one-off activity - as was the case with Weidorje actually - as I personally found the music here better than the parent group Setna, who are also very good in their own right. Another fine release from the Soleil Zeuhl specialist label.

---4/11/26

Well, Xing Sa appears to be just that - a one off. Oh well, at least it was a good one, similar to Weidorje in that way. Perhaps less impactful though. Also, I didn't mention the large amount of mellotron that is played on this album. I suspect it to be samples versus the actual instrument, but still sounds nice in this environment.

Ownership: 2010 Soleil Zeuhl (CD). Digipak with recording details. Acquired in 2010.

10/18/10; 7/2/16 (review / new entry); 4/11/26

Locomotive. 1993 Canada

Well done avant prog from Montreal, with a psychedelic edge, which is somewhat unusual for the era and genre. While avant-prog can often be bogged down by a weighty academic disposition, Locomotive aren't afraid to rock out on occasion, and will even throw in some funk bits. I was most reminded of France's Philharmonie, though a bit less stilted.

A little bit of discography cleanup here. The band is clearly noted in the liner notes, disc, and packaging as Locomotive, not as a solo title by guitarist Andre Duchesne. The only time his name is separated out is on the front right corner, where they splash Duchesne, perhaps as an advertisement to those in-the-know. In addition, the disc is copyrighted 1992, though the liner notes mention that recordings concluded in January 1993. So 1993 seems to be a reasonable date, and certainly not 1991 as noted on RYM (nor 1992 on Discogs, which I have since fixed myself).

Sold the CD in 2020.

7/1/16 (new entry)

Eclat ~ France

Volume 3 (1997)

Eclat, from Marseilles, were one of many French progressive rock bands to have emerged in the 90s, only to be completely forgotten in modern times. Eclat reminds me most of Minimum Vital, especially in regards to the energetic electric guitar and Medieval themed undertone. The album is primarily instrumental, and the only vocal track 'La Madeleine', is also the album's only clear misstep. A fine album worthy of investigation. Eclat appears to still be active, though I haven't heard anything past their 2002 album, which seems to be the case globally.

Ownership: 1997 Kezko (CD). The booklet is a four panel foldout. Acquired in 1997.

1997; 6/24/16 (review)

 

Le Cri de la Terre (2002)

---5/31/07

On Le Cri de la Terre, it seems the band has moved away from the Minimum Vital-like Volume 3, which is to say there is less of the Medieval here. But in its place is a more aggressive kickass style guitar rock, with some nice digital keyboards. Lead guitarist Alain Chiarazzo can play with the best of them. His style is very much from the French school, and the Paysson  comparison (Minimum Vital) continues on. The excellent Paul Whitehead painting rounds out the package.

---3/3/26

I didn't mention it above but track 4 is in the French Theatrical style of their first two albums when they were known as Eclat De Vers. The album is borderline fusion versus traditional progressive rock. This is especially notable on the ECMish 'Mr. Z' and 'Aurore Boreale'. Overall, the expressive guitar of Chiarazzo wins the day.

Former ownership: 2002 Musea (CD). Poster booklet with recording details and lyrics. Acquired in 2007. Downsized in 2026.

5/31/07 (review); 1/29/13; 3/3/26 (update)

1/29/13 (new entry)

Smoking the Century Away ~ Mexico

Smoking the Century Away (1997)

There was a time in the late 1990s when the Smogless label was Mexico City's response to, and admiration of, the 70s Kosmische Kourier movement. Loch Ness, Humus, and Frolic Froth were the most known of these groups, but there were a few other random kollektivs, and one of those was Smoking the Century Away. This "brand name", as it were, was their outlet for more organic psychedelic music and wasn't as fuzz guitar focused as the three groups mentioned above. Sort of a drifting, primitive sound (especially the keyboards), as one might find on an Amon Duul II side long excursion. This album is made up of one track, broken up into 17 vignettes. Yet another late 90's band that is long forgotten today, and still awaits their true discovery.

Ownership: 1997 Smogless (CD). Booklet is a trifold. Acquired in 1998.

1998; 6/23/16 (review / new entry); 6/29/26

Red Sand ~ Canada ~ Quebec

Mirror of Insanity (2004)

Canada's Red Sand are quite simply Script For a Jester's Tear era Marillion, right down to the Fish-like vocalist and album artwork. Which is fine with me, as I felt the early years of the neo-progressive movement held promise. And I never thought Marillion gave their more progressive side a chance and were too quick to embrace AOR styled music. Mirror of Insanity has a few new ideas to add and it's nice to hear a band tackle a genre that lost its way years ago. All the same, perhaps a bit more originality would have helped them here.

Execution meter scores high. Originality meter didn't move. And I decided to part with my copy.

Former ownership: 2004 Ipso Facto (CD)

2004 (review)

Other albums heard: Gentry (2005)

6/21/16 (new entry)

Ozone Quartet - Fresh Blood. 1997 USA-North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina's Ozone Quartet, on their debut Fresh Blood, provide us with a rough 'n ready instrumental violin driven prog rock / fusion album, as if Jean-Luc Ponty played lead for Boud Deun. Not the best production you'll ever encounter, but it probably adds the right amount of grit needed to make it work. This one is easy to get into for fans predisposed to the genre.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Flat Five. Standard jewel case layout. 

1997; 6/19/16 (new entry)

Lizard - W Galerii Czasu. 1997 Poland

Lizard's debut is an unusual effort coming from the late 90s. Most of Poland's progressive rock scene were following along in the footsteps of Collage, and performing UK styled neo-prog. And there is definitely some of that sound present here, but there's also a bit of heaviness (not metal), perhaps paving the way for future stars like Riverside. But most interesting to me is the look back to the Iron Curtain years, and there's a distinct melodic songwriting as you might find on a late 70's SBB album, or even from the Czech group Modry Efekt. Odd combination, but it works. I bought this CD upon release, and enjoyed it immediately. Strange that I never pursued anything else by the band (though it didn't help that some of their initial follow up albums were "official bootlegs", which is rarely a good thing). Time for some research. The band is still around, and releasing albums, but they appear to have fallen off of everyone's radar. No idea if the quality is the same though.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Ars Mundi. Fine new album layout with original art and lyrics

1997; 2013; 6/19/16 (new entry)

England - Garden Shed. 1977 England

Depending on one's perspective, England's Garden Shed is either forward looking or out of date. The music is heavily influenced by Yes first, and Genesis second, with a dash of densely composed Van der Graaf Generator to boot. In Continental Europe there were plenty of more obscure bands doing similar, but for the namesake country itself, this kind of progressive rock music had pretty much slowed to a trickle. There are some commercial styled moments, and it's these that would seem to point the way toward the upcoming Neo Prog (nee NWOBPR) movement that would take hold in the early 80s. But the instrumentation is heavily analog, with Mellotron, Moog, and woody bass, and is definitely a recording of the 70s. Like any album that is influenced by something, one will hear familiar bits here and there, though it's still unique enough to enjoy it simply as the band England. This is a safe pick for new fans looking to venture beyond the Big 6, but aren't quite ready for something entirely new. Like going from Heineken to Samuel Adams Boston Lager.

Ownership: LP: 1977 Arista. Single sleeve. New copy acquired from a record collection buy in Tucson (1994).

Despite being on Arista, Garden Shed did not receive a US issue. I think it would have actually done quite well commercially in the States, as the progressive rock audience hadn't died out yet. Apparently they didn't see it that way, and the album was always a bit of a "cult classic" over here. Avoid the first Japanese CD as it was taken from a scratchy vinyl, which is really strange as I'm sure mint vinyl copies were easily accessible (if not the master tapes). 

1991; 7//05; 6/17/16 (new entry)

Architectural Metaphor - Creature of the Velvet Void. 1997 USA-Massachusetts

Architectural Metaphor were a space rock / Krautrock band from the Boston area, that are long forgotten today, but had a bit of momentum during the late 90s space rock renaissance (most notably playing in the festivals of the day plus various compilation albums). Generally Architectural Metaphor performed as a trio, with loud electric guitar, effects, found sounds, and pounding drums. The latter is unique in that they are provided by a female, who also is their lead singer and "space whisperer". Creature of the Velvet Void is their second full length "proper" album, and marks a distinct improvement on their debut Odysseum Galacti. Musically, Architectural Metaphor are clearly informed by the early Kosmische Musik scene, such as Amon Duul II, Ash Ra Tempel, Cosmic Jokers, et al, as well as the usual space rocker suspects like Hawkwind and Gong. They're not the most accomplished musicians you'll ever hear, but for the type of music they play, a bit of raw amateurism plays to their favor. Besides, any band that names a tune 'March of the Wooden Potatoes' has to be onto something special... 

Ownership: CD: 1997 Black Widow (Italy). Standard jewel case layout with lyrics.

1997; 6/15/16 (new entry) 

Coeur Magique - Wakan Tanka. 1971 France

Guitarist Claude Olmos was later to be enshrined into the collective hearts and minds of Zeuhl fans everywhere as the guitarist on Magma's mythical Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh album, but you would never know he was destined for such a fate by this recording. Coeur Magique is another kind of rare breed: That of the French psychedelic record. Whereas most French bands in 1971 were emulating what was happening over the Channel - and singing in English - Coeur Magique reached further back in time and space - to that of the late 60s American heavy psych scene. What you have here is a late-to-the-dinner-party album recalling Iron Butterfly, Sir Lord Baltimore, Hendrix, even a bit of Santana, all sung in French mind you. Solid album throughout (though it barely clears 30 minutes), and somewhat out of alignment with both time and place, which makes it even that much more interesting. Those who scan 30 albums a day looking to be "wowed" would probably be better served to move on, but for the deep divers, this one is a definite pickup.

Ownership: LP: 1971 BYG. Gatefold. Online acquisition (2013). Very nice gatefold cover with a band photo as its centerpiece. I started with the CD on Spalax (2006) but it offers nothing else and can be let go.

2006; 2013; 6/14/16 (new entry)

Galactic Supermarket. 1974 Germany

As good a place as any to jump in on the happenin' Berlin Kosmische Kourier Musik scene. A non-stop peak experience with roaring guitars, swirling synthesizers, pulsating bass, frantic drums, and echoed female vocals. Moment-in-time live jamming that perfectly captures the ethos of a bygone era. Mandatory.

Ownership: LP: 1974 Kosmische Musik. Single sleeve. Mail order acquisition (1988).

CD: 1994 Spalax (France). Digipak

1988; 1995; 6/3/16 (new entry)

Anglagard - Hybris. 1992 Sweden

The single foremost album that took 90s prog music kicking and screaming back into the 70s. Progressive rock was just beginning to make its comeback in the late 80s and early 90s, when Anglagard showed up and promptly flattened everyone on their ass. Most bands back then were more enamored with Marillion than Trettioariga Kriget (who?). Anglagard once and for all proved that the albatross moniker of "progressive rock" was a style of an era, not a philosophy that must be maintained with a certain high standard of modern creativity. Today, the term retro-progressive is used for bands like Anglagard, but that's a modern appellation. We were just grateful that "prog" was back at all, and in its original form. For that alone, Hybris will always be highly revered by rabid fans like moi. Of course the naysayers came out in droves at the time - just as they do now - stating mostly the obvious: It's not new. No, it isn't new. It is, however, an amazing distillation of a familiar sound - without any of the baggage of the 70s to get in the way. This was created by fans of the genre - for fans of the genre. Thank you Anglagard for paving that path that has continued to be well traveled today.

Ownership: LP: 1992 Colours (Norway). Beautiful gatefold with all sorts of goodies (booklets, stickers, notes). The Colours label was perhaps the last great progressive rock LP-only label before CDs took complete control, and before the vinyl renaissance of the 2010's.

CD: 1992 Mellotronen. Jewel case. This was one of the first new albums (perhaps the first?) where I had to have both the LP and the CD.

CD: 2013 Arcangelo (Japan). Papersleeve edition. Box set that uses Hybris as the cover and stores all three of their albums.

1992; 2010; 5/27/16 (new entry)

Il Paese dei Balocchi ~ Italy

Il Paese dei Balocchi (1972)

I think Il Paese dei Balocchi's sole album is the kind of Italian progressive album that is taken for granted. Usually filed under terms like "second tier", and though not an unfair statement when compared to the likes of PFM, Banco, Biglietto per L'Inferno, Semiramis, Il Balletto di Bronzo, ad infinitum, one should still call this "first tier". A beautiful piece of rock music. I think the orchestrations / singer songwriter romantic stuff is what doesn't sit well for first time visitors / scan-through listeners. After a bombastic opening, the album gives the listener a bit of a head fake. That said, all of the mellow parts are so well done and there are no whiny bits to endure, which usually detracts from other albums in the genre. Overall, it's looser and more sparse than most coming from Italy during this time. One of the few albums with a killer pipe organ solo. I do believe this is a classic! Yes, I do.

Ownership: 1972 CGD (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2004.

First copy: 1982 Seven Seas (LP). Acquired in 1989.

1989; 11//04; 5/10/16 (review / new entry)