Freedom to Music
Archive for January, 2009
Away for the week
25 Jan 2009
Sorry for not being able post albums like I used to for the last couple of weeks. Nowadays, work has overtaken some of my spare time too and I’m not able to keep up with the blog. I won’t be posting any new albums this week but I’ll hopefully be back for good after that.
Stay tuned.
Note : Cyril, can you re-contact me via e-mail, your gmail account bounced off my reply and I can’t contact you.
Julian's Treatment – A Time Before This (1972) (@256)
22 Jan 2009
(Review from progarchives.com)
Julian Jay Savarin was a British author who wrote his share of music. In the early 70s, he also involved himself in music, by applying his sci-fi know-how to lyrics and playing organ. He assembled a band called “Julian’s Treatment” and “A Time Before This” was released in 1970. It is an interesting combination of progressive and late ’60s psychedelia, with spacy organ, and of course, sci-fi oriented lyrics.
Highlights include “The Coming of the Mule”, an instrumental piece with guitar that sounds like it came off a Focus album, as well as classically-influenced organ. “Phantom City” has more of that late 60s psychedelic vibe, complete with phasing. “The Black Tower” is a bit more laid back, showing that Cathy Pruden was truly the lady for this album. “Alda, Dark Lady of the Outer Worlds” has Pruden singing like an evil lady. “Altarra, Princess of the Blue Women” is another mellow piece, with that cosmic atmosphere. “Fourth From the Sun” has a somewhat more jazzy-bent, especially from the drum department.
The music from Julian’s Treatment sounds dated and relatively simple but if you love the organ-based progressive rock bands from the early British progressive rock movement like Rare Bird, Bram Stoker, Quatermass or Gracious, don’t miss this underrated, often missed band with the powerful female vocals and splendid organplay as their trademark!
All the twelve chapters are generous and have craft, they flow intensely, they charm you possessively. It can be a fascinating world, musically adapted, if you like your progressive deeper, more reaming, and close to breathless.
Line-up:
- Julian Jay Savarin / vocals, keyboards
- John Dover / bass
- Jack Drummond / drums
- Cathy Pruden / vocals
- Del Watkins / guitar, flute
Track List:
01. First Oracle – 1:37
02. The Coming Of The Mule – 3:46
03. Phantom City – 5:17
04. The Black Tower – 5:01
05. Alda, Dark Lady Of The Outer Worlds – 3:52
06. Altarra, Princess Of The Blue Women – 4:07
07. Second Oracle – 1:36
08. Part One :Twin Suns Of Centauri Part Two :Alkon, Planet Of Centauri – 5:52
09. The Terran – 3:55
10. Fourth From The Sun – 2:45
11. Strange Things – 4:53
12. A Time Before This – 8:41
Link in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Bare Bones (1999) (@256)
21 Jan 2009
(Review from progarchives.com)
During the 90′s there were many artists “unplugging” their guitars and producing acoustic albums of their best songs. Here we have Wishbone Ash’s contribution, “Bare Bones”.
The album could not be described as totally “unplugged”, but contains some nice folky and bluesy songs accompanied by many various stringed instruments including acoustic guitars and dobro guitar, plus accordion, violin and harmonica to good effect, even a Hammond organ is used. The material and instruments have been chosen to good effect, producing a beautiful airy, folky effect, almost like the band in your local pub. “Errors of my Way” sounds absolutely brilliant and the beautiful violin snaking its way through the song is a master stroke.
Overall a very uplifting listen, it would have been nice to see more Ash classics on here given the folky treatment, but the songs chosen fit together seamlessly. Despite this offering’s unique textural quality, Wishbone Ash fans will definitely recognize the easy melodic sense that the band always captured in the studio. For a group so separated in time from their glory years, Powell and company do a remarkable job keeping things fresh on Bare Bones.
Line-up:
- Andy Powell / guitar, vocals
- Mark Birch / guitar, vocals
- Bob Skeat / bass, vocals
- Ray Weston / drums
Guest Artists:
- Lewis Gibson / Violin (2)
- Mick Parker / Accordian (2, 7)
- Morwena Lasko / Violin (3)
- Paul Moran / Hammond Organ (3, 11), Piano (9, 11)
- Glen LeFleur / Percussion (4, 5)
- Claire Hamill / Back Vocals (5)
- Giles Hedley / Harmonica (5, 10)
- Aynsley Powell / Percussion (8)
- Chris Davis / Dobro (10)
Track List:
01. Wings of Desire – 3:40
02. Errors of My Way – 5:14
03. Master of Disguise – 3:50
04. You Won’t Take Me Down – 5:27
05. Love Abuse – 4:01
06. (Won’t You Give Him) One More Chance – 3:14
07. Baby Don’t Mind – 3:48
08. Living Proof – 4:13
09. Hard Times – 4:43
10. Strange Affair – 5:51
11. Everybody Needs a Friend – 5:56
Link in comments.
Analogy – Analogy (1972) (@256)
20 Jan 2009
(Review from vintageprog.com, progarchives.com)
Analogy wasn’t a child of Germany in a strict sense. The members were German (with one exception) but never had an appearance there as a band. They worked together in Italy since 1968 using different names. The band’s eponymous debut was released in 1972.
The album consists of seven songs with a krautrock attitude, an impressive mix of psychedelic, symphonic, jazz and blues rock. There is a lot of great hammond appearances to point out and the vocals are very unique — she could take her voice up in a high soprano on the beautiful “Weeping My Endure” and then in a “lower” tone in the rocking “The Years at the Spring”.
The title-track is with its nine minutes the longest and most complex one, going from energetic riffs to quiet parts where the organ and guitar creates some really mystical and haunting atmospheres. The opening track “Dark Reflections” is with its dramatic vocals, excellent melodic chorus and swirling organ-passages one of the very best tracks on the album. “Indian Meditation” features wordless vocals and some flute that fits well to the title of the track.
In September 1972 Pankoff left the band because of some disagreements about the musical direction. 1973 it came to a new collaboration with flute player Rocco Abate who was searching for new experiences. Thurn and Schoene composed a 30 minute set of thematically-linked musical pieces simply entitled “The Suite”. In this work the classical music of the Renaissance-period was combined with progressive rock. Analogy played this suite several times live and received good reviews. With the growing money problems the group disbanded in November. “The Suite” was later completed and recorded in 1980, which is included in this edition of the album as bonus tracks.
Line-up:
- H. J. “Mops” Nienhaus / drums
- Jutta Nienhaus / lead vocals
- Nicola Pankoff / keyboards
- Wolfgang Schoene / bass
- Martin Thurn / 12 strings acoustic & electric guitars, flute, bongo, piano
Track List:
01. Dark Reflections – 7:02
02. Weeping My Endure – 4:50
03. Indian Meditation – 4:15
04. Tin’s Song – 1:39
05. Analogy – 9:41
06. The Year’s At The Spring – 4:37
07. Pan-Am Flight 249 – 5:17
08. Sold Out (Bonus) – 4:39
09. God’s Own Land (Bonus) – 3:36
10. The Suite ‘A’ (Bonus) – 15:59
11. The Suite ‘B’ (Bonus) – 11:54
Links in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Illuminations (1996) (@256)
19 Jan 2009
(Review from progarchives.com)
After an anxious wait of some 5 years to see whether there would be any further new material released in the name of Wishbone Ash, Andy Powell finally put the fans out of their misery with this 1996 release. While misgivings about the absence of Ted and Martin Turner plus Steve Upton were only to be expected, the continuation of the twin lead guitar line up, backed by a solid rhythm section and a dedicated lead vocalist, offered the reassurance that Powell was intent on business as usual. Pretty much all the songs here are co-credited to Powell and the multi-talented Roger Filgate.
The 6 minute opener “Mountainside” could easily have been lifted straight from one of the band’s early albums, only the unfamiliar vocals belie its origins. A lengthy burst of harmonised guitars introduces an upbeat toe-tapper with a pleasing energy and freshness.
An early highlight is “Top of the world”, a mid paced number with jangling guitar and a great hook. The song suits Tony Kishman’s voice well and the lead guitar work here is right up there with the band’s finest. The lyrics could be, at least in part, a reflection on the former days of the band: “Say goodbye to the old days, they’re over and gone. Facing up to the realisation that we’ve got to move on.”.
Andy Powell takes on lead vocals for “No Joke”, a song firmly rooted in the “Argus” days, with changes of tempo and incisive guitars. This one will please long term fans immensely. The following 10 minute “Tales of the wise”, might be described as a loose remake of “Phoenix”. This magnificent epic has all the ingredients of a Wishbone Ash classic, with an opening anthem leading to a raising of the pace for a lengthy guitar break. This really is one of the finest songs recorded in the Wishbone Ash name for many a long year, and alone makes the album worthwhile.
The latter part of the album settles down to a series of more straightforward guitar rock songs. Of these, the biting “Mystery man”, a song empathising with the plight of Vietnam war veterans, stands above the rest. The song actually sounds rather like a Free number, with its brooding blues style. We close with a bonus instrumental track “The crack of dawn”, a sort of backing track for “Leaf and stream”.
This is a fine album in the Wishbone Ash name, which captures the essence of the band while moving them firmly into the late 1990′s.
Line-up:
- Andy Powell / electric & acoustic guitars, mandolin, vocals
- Roger Filgate / electric & acoustic guitars, lap steel, bass, keyboards, back vocals
- Mike Sturgis / drums
- Tony Kishman / vocals
with
- Mark Templeton / keyboards
- Mike Mindel / keyboards
- Paul Avgerinos / keyboards, welding, back vocals
Track List:
01. Mountainside – 6:01
02. On Your Own – 5:33
03. Top of the World – 6:38
04. No Joke – 6:46
05. Tales of the Wise – 10:05
06. Another Time – 5:23
07. A Thousand Years – 4:05
08. The Ring – 4:35
09. Comfort Zone – 4:26
10. Mystery Man – 4:28
11. Wait Out The Storm – 3:44
12. Crack Of Dawn – 3:17
Links in comments.
Kaputter Hamster – Kaputter Hamster (1974) (@256)
18 Jan 2009
(Review from progarchives.com)
Kaputter Hamster came from Flendsburg / Germany and released their only album in 1974 as a private release.
It is among the purest of “stream-of-consciousness” music you are likely to hear in all of rockdom – but also among the most raw music, as one might expect from krautrock. The technical abilities of all players are no more than average garage band level, the performance rough and under-rehearsed, and the production is virtually non-existent – all of which makes this album all the more extraordinary.
The ideas flow thick and fast, mainly along the lines of great grooves and ambient rather than virtuosic improvisation. There’s something else than generic music here – that intangible magical something that only the very best krautrock has. Although definitely not easy listening, for someone that listens to a lot of progressive, this is an easy and enjoyable ride from start to finish, and the feeling one gets at the end is of satisfaction.
The music is a perfectly formed and naturally easy-flowing dream-like sequence where few ideas are repeated, and inspirations are not obvious – maybe a smattering of the Groundhogs, as there’s certainly some MacPhee in the riffs and sensitive noodling. Yes, the guitarist noodles away – but it’s with purpose, and with deep appreciation of the colours he’s trying to apply to the music… even if it does go pear-shaped a few times, he always recovers. Even though the music is less wild than Amon Duul II, it still comes across as early Floyd on amphetamines in places, and carries a personal, of not completely unique stamp.
Line-up:
- Peter N. Buchfeld / vocals, guitar, percussion
- Frank Linde / vocals, guitars, percussion
- Holger Heldt / bass, acoustic guitar
- Arne Linde / drums, percussion
- Wilfried Krickhahn / vocals, guitar, percussion
Track List:
01. Eggwhite Session! – 4:25
02. Behind The Universe – 13:21
03. Shooting At The Stars – 4:02
04. Interlude For A Dreamer – 7:15
05. Mental Convenience – 5:47
06. Quarters For The Night – 6:12
Link in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Live In Chicago (1992) (@256)
18 Jan 2009
(Review from progarchives.com)
This 1992 set has been re-released a number of times under slightly different titles (Live in Chicago, Living Proof, Live in the Windy City), but in every case the tracks are identical. The line up has the classic twin guitars of Ted Turner and Andy Powell supported by Andy Pyle (bass) and Ray Weston (drums). This would be Ted Turner’s last appearance on an album by Wishbone Ash.
For those hoping to hear a succession of songs from the band’s early years, the set list will be something of a disappointment. On the plus side, there are three tracks from the legendary “Argus” (perhaps predictably “King Will Come”, “Throw Down the Sword”, “Blowin’ Free”) but apart from those the oldest track is “Living Proof” from 1980′s “Just Testing”. Other than those four songs, the set list focuses on Wishbone Ash’s then latest releases “Nouveau Calls”, “Hear to Hear” and “”Strange Affair”.
The sound quality is best described as adequate, the bass being too up front in the mix, dominating the proceedings throughout. The vocals on the other hand sound a bit feint and suffer from unintended echo. It is a pity really, as the band’s performance is excellent throughout, with fine vocal harmonies and of course truly top rate guitar work.
After the crowd pleasing opener, a slightly extended version of “King Will Come”, the band introduce a couple of tracks from their then latest album “Strange Affair”. Both of these (“Strange Affair” and an extended “Standing in the Rain”) are rollicking affairs, the latter including some particularly excellent lead guitar. There seems to be some unaccredited keyboards on these tracks, the following “Lost Cause in Paradise” also opening with what appeared to be sampled sounds.
“Throw Down the Sword” is naturally a highpoint in mid-set, the following “In the Skin” from the instrumental album “Nouveau Calls” being substantially extended from its studio counterpart through improvisation. Likewise, “Why Don’t We” (from “Here to Hear”) is given a spirited 8 minute run through, the twin guitars offering wonderful echoes of the past.
As we approach the conclusion of the album, a third track from “Argus”, “Blowing Free” is dusted off and given an 8˝ minute workout. The song has lost none of the energy it had when it first appeared, indeed this version may well be the definitive live rendition. The album closes with “Living Proof” from “Just testing”, a track which is a concert staple.
This is a superb live album featuring the classic twin lead guitars of Wishbone Ash. The track list may be largely unfamiliar to those who lost the band after the mid 1970s, but the songs here are all worthy of the Wishbone Ash name, and indeed many benefit from exposure to the live environment.
Line-up:
- Andy Powell / Guitar and vocals
- Ted Turner / Guitar and vocals
- Andy Pyle / Bass
- Ray Weston / Drums
Track List:
01. The King Will Come – 7:39
02. This Strange Affair – 5:42
03. Standing In The Rain – 6:23
04. Lost Cause In Paradise – 5:08
05. Keeper Of The Light – 3:52
06. Throw Down The Sword – 6:14
07. In The Skin – 8:36
08. Why Don’t We – 8:03
09. Hard Times – 5:03
10. Blowing Free – 8:38
11. The Living Proof – 5:57
Links in comments.
Dr Z – Three Parts to My Soul (1971) (@256)
17 Jan 2009
(Review from progarchives.com)
Dr. Z was an early 70s English trio, lead by North Wales university professor Keith Keyes.
Their only album, “Three Parts to My Soul”, flirts with the occult in a rock setting. Here Keyes has the idea that in the afterlife, your soul is divided in to three parts, with a Latin term to each, Spiritus, Manes and Umbra. Spiritus was the soul that goes to heaven, Manes is the soul that’s damned to Hell, and Umbra being the soul that stays on Earth to eternally haunt.
The dominant mood of the album (“Three Parts to my Soul”) is set by a percussive harpsichord that is alternately majestic and militaristic – imagine the sound of a Keith Emerson harpsichord concerto if Carl Palmer matched him note for note on a kettle drum.
“Evil Woman’s Manly Child” is said to be a reverse of the Ten Commandments. Here you get two voices, a whispered voice and a sung voice. This is truly one of the album’s many high points. “Spiritus, Manes et Umbra” is such a catchy little song, it could have been a single if edited accordingly. “Summer For the Rose” shows some psychedelic elements, showing how the 1960s hadn’t totally vanished at the time. “Burn in Anger” is a piano-dominated ballad that truly screams 1971, while “Too Well Satisfied” is a cheesy song with lots of appeal. “In a Token of Despair” is the closing ballad, regarding the spirit that haunts the Earth. The entire album has that theatrical quality.
At its most inventive and textured, the album is a fine example of early 70s progressive at its darkest. It has simple rhythms and the music is peculiarly obsessive, with very long piano and organ solos and baroque melodies.
Line-up:
- Keith Keyes / piano, harpsichord, organ and vocals
- Bob Watkins / drums & percussion
- Rob Watson / bass guitar
Track List:
01. Evil Woman’s Man Child – 4:44
02. Spiritus Manes Et Umbra – 11:53
03. Summer For The Rose – 4:29
04. Burn In Anger – 3:25
05. Too Well Satisfied – 6:13
06. In A Token Of Despair – 10:06
07. Lady Ladybird (Bonus Single) – 2:46
08. People In The Street (Bonus Single) – 3:07
Link in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Strange Affair (1991) (@256)
17 Jan 2009
(Review from wishboneash.co.uk)
Steve Upton quit the band during the early sessions of this album due to personal problems, marking this album the first album in the band’s 21-year history without him. Upton’s departure led to him not only parting company with the band, but also quitting the music business altogether
For the recording sessions the band initially recruited drummer Robbie France. France toured with Wishbone briefly during the Autumn of 1990, but was eventually replaced by Ray Weston, a noted figure on the London studio scene who had previously played with Martin Turner during the early 80s. Both drummers appear on the album.
As with its predecessor “Here To Hear”, compositions penned by the individual members of the band dominated Strange Affair. The material chosen covered a diverse range of styles but, to a certain extent, indicated that the three songwriters in the band were pulling in three vastly different musical directions.
The dominance of Andy Powell as vocalist/songwriter on tracks such as “Strange Affair”, “Hard Times” and “Renegade” made for an overall bluesier feel on those songs. Martin Turner continued to pursue his interest in incorporating synthesisers into the band’s music and contributed the track “You” which had an autobiographical lyric content. Ted Turner meanwhile contributed a mixed bag of material from the dreamy “Say You Will” through to the all-out of “Standing in the Rain”, the latter being arguably the finest song on the album.
Strange Affair remains a mixed bag of ideas and, while lacking the consistency of many of the band’s other album releases, still contains many first rate tracks.
This album truly marked the end of the “reunion” era. Shortly after the album’s release, Wishbone Ash also parted company with IRS Records and the album was quickly deleted, resulting in it being unavailable for several years.
Line-up:
- Andy Powell / Guitars, Vocals.
- Ted Turner / Guitars, Vocals
- Martin Turner / Bass, Vocals, Keyboards
with
- Robbie France / Drums (3, 4, 9, 13)
- Ray Weston / Drums & percussion (1, 2, 5-8, 10-12)
Track List:
01. Strange Affair – 4:22
02. Wings Of Desire – 3:51
03. Renegade – 3:55
04. Dream Train – 5:01
05. Some Conversation – 4:18
06. Say You Will – 4:08
07. Rollin’ – 3:55
08. You – 3:52
09. Hard Times – 3:03
10. Standing In The Rain – 5:41
11. Strange Affair (Bonus Brass) – 4:28
12. Rollin’ (Bonus Brass) – 3:55
13. Dream Train (Bonus Brass) – 5:03
Links in comments.
Le Mani – Le Mani (1976) (@256)
16 Jan 2009
(Review from progarchives.com)
Le Mani were from Milan and performed mostly covers until 1973 when they began to hit the festival circuit. Their style was supposed to be a mix of ELP and the Italian classical tradition. Songwriter Claudio Fucci joined the group and they began to make an album together but it was never completed back then due to record company problems. This EP consists of the five songs that were recorded.
The opener “Tarantella” features organ and flute trading off enthusiastic runs with a modest rhythm. “Il Palazzo” is the longest track at 6 minutes and trades the flute for some saxophone. The speed slows when the vocals begin. Fucci’s vocals are pretty good and sound nice against the saxophone. The Hammond is used extensively here as well with swirling runs quite high in the mix and the flute returns at the end. “Canto” is next with its acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies. Flute and organ again run the show. “Mani” is the shortest track at only a minute and a half but it’s a highlight. It’s just a beautiful solo piano interlude, simply lovely. “La Casa Del Vento” closes the album and is clearly the most realized song featuring a great vocal with perfect flute and atmosphere, and a nicely strummed acoustic guitar. This one sounds more like PFM than ELP. The melody here is really nice.
The production of the album is not very sharp, there is a certain muffled sound to this album that is noticeable but not bad enough to wreck things.
Only 18 minutes long, this EP is recommended primarily to 70s Italian progressive fans but it is one of those rarities worth hearing.
Line-up:
- Claudio Fucci / vocals
- Dario Piana / keyboards, pianoforte and Hammond organ
- Roberto Bianconi / flute, saxophone
- Mario Orfei / bass
- Maurizio Gazzi / drums
with
- Dario Guidotti / flute (5)
Track List:
01. Tarantella – 3:24
02. Il Palazzo – 6:06
03. Canto – 3:34
04. Mani – 1:35
05. La Casa Del Vento – 3:28
Link in comments.
Wind – Morning (1972) (@256)
16 Jan 2009
(Review from vintageprog.com)
Wind’s second and last album was much more in the vein of early British symphonic progressive rock like Cressida and Spring.
Here it becomes more obvious that the band actually has a really good singer, who often sounds like Pat Moran from Spring. “Carnival” is a definite highlight, which sounds like a cross of Spring and “Epitaph”- styled King Crimson. “Schlittenfahrt” is an instrumental with some catchy vocal harmonies that sounds quite different from the rest of the album. “Dragon’s Maid” and the fairy-tale like “The Princess and the Minstrel” are also nice, melodic tracks of soft symphonic progressive rock with mellotron.
Without gaining the commercial success, the band split in 1973. Drummer Lucky Schmidt would later pursue his career with the band Aera.
Line-up:
- Steve Leistner / lead vocals, percussion
- Thomas Leidenberger / guitar, vocals
- Andreas Bueler / bass, vocals, percussion
- Lucian Bueler / keyboards, vocals, percussion
- Lucky Schmidt / drums, percussion, Mellotron, piano
Track List:
01. Morning Song – 3:59
02. The Princess And The Mistrel – 6:39
03. Dragon’s Maid – 8:39
04. Carnival – 7:56
05. Schlittenfahrt – 3:11
06. Puppet Master – 3:25
07. Tommy’s Song – 5:36
08. Josephine – 3:38
Link in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Here to Hear (1989) (@256)
16 Jan 2009
(Review from wishboneash.co.uk)
Here To Hear was released in September 1989 – almost two years after Nouveau Calls, the instrumental album which had brought the four original members of Wishbone Ash back together after a fourteen year hiatus. Such was the success of “Nouveau Calls” that not only did the band undertake a European tour in 1988, but they also decided to record a follow up album. During the sessions, it was clear that Ted Turner and Martin Turner both had ample material composed which they were keen to record – fully fledged songs that had been unsuitable for Nouveau Calls instrumental format.
As with “Nouveau Calls”, “Here to Hear” sees Wishbone Ash displaying their trademark ideals of harmony, melody and precision musicianship in the context of a streamlined, contemporary and upbeat approach. The album is a product of its time and the way it sounds reflects the way everyone in the band had evolved on both a musical and personal level.
The strength of the songwriting on Here to Hear is best emphasised by the quality of the material which was left off the album due to time restraints. Two further instrumentals were recorded. An unfinished song was developed into a single b-side on record company’s request. All three are included as bonus tracks in this edition of the album.
Line-up:
- Ted Turner / Guitars, Lap Steel, Vocals
- Martin Turner / Bass Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards
- Andy Powell / Guitar
- Steve Upton / Drums
Track List:
01. Cosmic Jazz – 3:32
02. Keeper Of The Light – 3:55
03. Mental Radio – 4:55
04. Walk On Water – 4:03
05. Witness To Wonder – 4:10
06. Lost Cause In Paradise – 4:46
07. Why Dont We – 6:16
08. In The Case – 3:30
09. Hole In The Heart (part one) – 3:05
10. Hole In The Heart (part two) – 4:35
11. Heaven Is (Bonus) – 4:35
12. Bolan’s Monument (Bonus) – 3:56
13. Duefle Shuffle (Bonus) – 4:06
14. Cosmic Jazz (Bonus Karaoke) – 3:46
Links in comments.
Wind – Seasons (1971) (@256)
15 Jan 2009
(Review from krautrockgroup)
West Coast 60’s inspired German psych rock band Wind’s debut album, “Seasons” is a monster of the genre, for it combines a heavy Stooges rock sound complete with aggressive Iggy Pop-ish vocals, as well as a heavy dose of that Pink Floyd organ atmosphere ala Cirrus Minor.
The album leads off with ‘What Do We Do Now’, a track combining both of the aforementioned influences, it shifts back and forth between straight forward aggressive rock and dreamy instrumental passages. The next track, “Now It’s Over” brings a softer mood to the album; an atmosphere reminiscent of King Crimson’s ‘I Talk To The Wind’. Following this is the beautiful piano piece ‘Romance’ which sounds as if it were prepared for a silent film. “Can you see the wind if blowing” asks the powerful chorus of the track ‘Springwind”. This track teeters between softer verses and explosive choruses and is sure to get your foot a tappin’.
‘Dear Little Friend’ has a main riff which is sure to remind listeners of Mountain’s ‘Mississippi Queen’, Wind’s balls-to-the-wall take on the riff is great. Finally, the album closes with the sixteen-minute ‘Red Morningbird’. From its eerie acoustic guitar, vibes and harmonica opening to its equally eerie Cirrus Minor organ sound, to the primal rage Stooges rock, and its Saucerful-esque closing vocal section, this is a powerful track and should be heard.
Line-up:
- Steve Leistner / Lead Vocals, Harmonica, Percussion
- Thomas Leidenberger / Guitars, Vocals
- Andreas Bueler / Bass, Vocals, Percussion
- Lucian Bueler / Organ, Piano, Vocals, Percussion
- Lucky Schmidt / Drums, Percussion, Vibraphone, Clavinet, Piano
Track List:
01. What Do We Do Now – 8:27
02. Now It’s Over – 4:25
03. Romance – 1:34
04. Springwind – 7:10
05. Dear Little Friend – 4:16
06. Red Morningbird – 15:54
Link in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Nouveau Calls (1987) (@256)
15 Jan 2009
(Review from wishboneash.co.uk)
Along comes Miles Copeland with the idea to create a new, all-instrumental label. Having been Wishbone Ash’s original manager, he convinced the band to reform the original lineup and release a new album of vocal-less music. Nouveau Calls saw the four original members of Wishbone Ash – Martin Turner, Steve Upton, Ted Turner and Andy Powell, working together for the first time since 1974. Copeland’s adage was simply “no vocals”, hence the album title pun.
Upon its release, Nouveau Calls surprised both fans and critics with its broad musical scope. As one would have expected, influences that had not been heard in Wishbone Ash’s music for some time – such as Andy Powell’s folk-tinged guitar melodies, Ted Turner’s lap steel and Martin Turner’s strident melodic bass lines – were clearly evident in the album’s music.
Whilst containing the traditional Wishbone Ash hallmarks and ideals, the album also had a definite contemporary feel. Martin Turner, in particular, had been keen to utilise the technological advances of the eighties such as synthesisers and sequencers, which nestled comfortably alongside the band’s trademark twin lead guitars on tracks such as “Tangible Evidence” and “Real Guitars Have Wings”, the latter of which would open the band’s live set for many years.
Although the reformation of the original Wishbone Ash line-up had originally been intended solely for the purpose of recording Nouveau Calls, such was the enthusiasm within the band, that the four originals agreed to undertake a concert tour to promote the release.
Line-up:
- Andy Powell / Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Mandolin
- Ted Turner / Lap Steel & Electric Guitars, Banjo
- Martin Turner / Bass, Keyboards
- Steve Upton / Drums, Percussion
Track List:
01. Tangible Evidence – 4:24
02. Clousseau – 3:41
03. Flags of Convenience – 4:32
04. From Soho to Sunset – 3:27
05. Arabesque – 4:31
06. In The Skin – 4:52
07. Something’s Happening in Room 602 – 3:34
08. Johnny Left Home Without It – 3:40
09. The Spirit Flies Free – 3:45
10. A Rose is a Rose – 3:40
11. Real Guitars have Wings – 3:15
12. T-Bone Shuffle – 3:35
Link in comments.
Jose Cid – 10000 Anos Depois Entre Venus E Marte (1978) (@256)
13 Jan 2009
Portugal isn’t exactly what you call a progressive rock hotbed, but perhaps the most surprising figure in the progressive rock scene was that country’s pop star and he went by the name of Jose Cid. Yes, this was the guy who entered in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1980. Of course, by that time, the guy had little to do with progressive anymore.
But in 1978, that was a very different story with this, “10.000 Anos Depois Entre Venus e Marte”. Here, he’s loaded with tons of great analog keyboards like Mellotron, Mini Moog, Solina string synths, and created a sci-fi concept album about the destruction of Earth, and the two escapees returning to Earth some 10,000 years after its destruction.
The climates ranges from mellow with spacey synthesizers to up-tempo rock with distorted electric guitar. The Portuguese vocals sound very warm and all compositions are tasteful arranged with pleasant work on piano, some sensitive and howling electric guitar soli and frequently the majestic sound of the choir-Mellotron, subtle, surprisingly blended with the melodic and pleasant progressive rock.
Line-up:
- Jose Cid / pianos, synthesizers, strings, Mellotron, vocals
with
- Josi Carrapa / guitar (8)
- Ramon Gallarza / drums, percussion (1-7)
- Ze Nabo / bass (all), guitars (1-7)
- Guilherme Scarpa Inas / drums, percussion (8)
- Mike Sergeant / guitars (2)
Track List:
01. O Ultimo Dia Na Terra – 4:21
02. O Caos – 6:00
03. Fuga Para O Espaco – 8:10
04. Mellotron O Planeta Fantastico – 6:43
05. 10.000 Anos Depois Entre Venus E Marte – 6:05
06. A Partir Do Zero – 4:43
07. Memos – 2:07
Link in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Raw to the Bone (1985) (@192)
13 Jan 2009
(Review from wishboneash.co.uk)
Following the departure of Trevor Bolder during the Spring of 1983 to return to Uriah Heep, the band recruited Mervyn Spence (ex-Trapeze). “Raw To The Bone” introduced the considerable vocal range and song-writing talents of their new bassist. With the chart success of the previous album Twin Barrels Burning under their belt, Wishbone Ash continued its heavy rock direction for this natural follow-up.
Tracks such as “Cell of Fame”, “People in Motion” and “Love Is Blue” continued the heavy rock direction of the previous album, but added the superior songwriting and vocal talents of Mervyn Spence. In addition tracks such as “Long Live The Night” displayed a melodic content that had been largely missing from Twin Barrels Burning.
Despite being far removed from Wishbone Ash’s classic style and a tendency for some of its songs to sound too similar, Raw To The Bone contained some fine material, firmly rooted in the melodic heavy rock vein, albeit with a more commercial sound.
However, despite being a particularly well-crafted album in its genre, many purist Ash fans clearly resented the band’s continuing move away from its original style and the further abandonment of the twin harmony guitar concept.
Line-up:
- Andy Powell / Guitar, Vocals
- Laurie Wisefield / Guitar, Vocals
- Mervyn “Spam” Spence / Bass guitar, Lead Vocals
- Steve Upton / Drums
Track List:
01. Cell Of Fame – 4:36
02. People In Motion – 3:49
03. Don’t Cry – 3:28
04. Love Is Blue – 3:42
05. Long Live The Night – 3:30
06. Rocket In My Pocket – 3:44
07. It’s Only Love – 4:11
08. Don’t You Mess – 3:51
09. Dreams – 3:28
10. Perfect Timing – 3:52
Link in comments.
Ikarus – Ikarus (1974) (@256)
12 Jan 2009
(Review from progarchives.com)
Ikarus lived a short time, with only one classic album. Its bang considerably opens the suggestion of a good quality, a tremendous play and a personal “seizure”. Much into classic progressive, rock affinity, jazz and space, blues and 60s psych, vocals and instrumental drench, the quality takes over the movement, while the essence stays below listening and being mesmerized. Ikarus blend the heavy musical molasses of King Crimson with the organ led rock fusion sounds of fellow German bands Virus and Out Of Focus… and toss in just a pinch of Soft Machine.
The album consists of four long and consistent tracks with emphasis on guitar and organ interplay, but the use of flute, saxophone and clarinet adds more color to their compositions. Third track “The Raven” is notable for the very much pro Zappa’esque introduction before retiring into the land of organ-space rock.
Complete with mellotron, space excursions and long tracks, this album will certainly please your ears. Pretty impressive and lovely to hear, Ikarus sticks to value, eclecticism and a lot of progressive sense.
Line-up:
- Lorenz Kohler / lead vocals
- Wolfgang Kracht / bass, back vocals
- Jochen Petersen / acoustic & electric guitars, alto & tenor saxes, flute, clarinet, back vocals
- Bernd Schroder / drums, percussion
- Manfred Schulz / guitar, lead vocals (4), back vocals
- Wulf-Dieter Struntz / organ, piano
Track List:
01. Eclipse – 15:24
02. Mesentery – 6:11
03. The Raven – 11:43
04. Early Bell’s Voice – 7:43
Link in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Lost Pearls (1978-82) (@256)
12 Jan 2009
(Review from wishboneash.co.uk)
Lost Pearls contains a selection of previously unreleased studio recordings from the period 1978-1982, culled from a haul of multi-track tapes.
The tracks were mostly recorded by the second Wishbone Ash line-up during studio sessions for the “No Smoke Without Fire” and “Just Testing” albums. As typical of this period, much of the material is written by Martin Turner (‘Is Justice Done’, ‘Where You Been’, ‘Football and Boxing’) and Laurie Wisefield (‘The Bells Chime’, ‘Hard On You’). Andy Powell contributed ‘Out on a Limb’, while “Just Testing” backing vocalist Claire Hamill wrote ‘Haunted House’ (of which two versions were included, one sung by Hamill, the other by Turner).
A couple of instrumental jam sessions are also featured, giving an indication as to the way the band worked in the studio. ‘John Sherry Jam’ was titled after the band’s then manager and agent, while ‘Sheriff Of Sherwood’ contains several ideas that were eventually used in “No Smoke Without Fire” track ‘Stand and Deliver’.
A live version of the band’s 1980 stage encore ‘Too Much Monkey Business’, recorded at Sheffield City Hall as well as an early version of Twin Barrels Burning track ‘Streets of Shame’ (then entitled ‘Night Hawker’) featuring Trevor Bolder on bass make up the package.
Lost Pearls is a fascinating insight into what might have been and while arguably the material featured is not of the same standard as that eventually chosen for the albums in question, it remains an essential purchase for fans of this particular era of Wishbone Ash.
Line-up:
- Martin Turner / bass & vocals
- Steve Upton / drums & percussion
- Andy Powell / guitar & vocals
- Laurie Wisefield / guitar & vocals
- Claire Hamill / vocals (7)
- Trevor Bolder / bass (11)
Track List:
01. Is Justice Done – 4:24
02. The Bells Chime – 3:23
03. Hard On You – 5:00
04. Out On A Limb – 3:45
05. Where You Been – 4:01
06. Halfway House (Martin vocal) – 3:47
07. Halfway House (Claire vocal) – 3:50
08. Football And Boxing – 3:30
09. John Sherry Jam – 6:29
10. Too Much Monkey Business (Live) – 5:35
11. Night Hawker – 6:13
12. Sheriff Of Sherwood (Demo) – 6:12
Links in comments.
Zen – Bakirkoy Akil Hastanesinde (Live 1999) (@160-128)
11 Jan 2009
Thanks to Man in Silence for the review contribution.
(Review from psychevanhetfolk.homestead.com, resetmagazine.net)
Being recorded live in the most famous rehabilitation hospital of Istanbul; Bakirkoy Akil Hastanesi’nde is the last album of Zen. Doctors, nurses, patients and a couple of friends of the band attended the concert in the “Mazhar Osman” Hall of the center.
The songs were based on the writings of the famous Turkish psychiatrist, Ord. Prof. Mazhar Osman Uzun, who also gave his name to the concert hall. The music resemble pure and fiery insanity, more than melodies. Though the album is not as weird or heavy as ‘Tanbul’. It’s more a bluesy psych live improvisation.
The band once described themselves as “collective improvization” music players and without no doubt, this record place hits the nail on the head in accord to their music.
Track List:
01. Bu Dunya Benim Dunyam
02. Mazhar Neyzen Ve Kopegi
03. Burda Bizden Baskasi Yok Ki
04. Arkadas Ates
05. Dut Ali
06. Bakirkoy Havasi
07. Birozdan
Link in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Twin Barrels Burning (1982) (@320)
11 Jan 2009
(Review from wishboneash.co.uk, progarchives.com)
Following the departure of John Wetton, ex-Uriah Heep Trevor Bolder stepped in for the tour of “Number The Brave” and also participated in the recording of the band’s next album, “Twin Barrels Burning”.
The sessions marked a drastic change in musical direction for the band, with a sound that eschewed the classic Wishbone allmarks of harmony and melody in favour of a more direct, heavy-rock sound (the album coincided with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement which was sweeping the UK at the time and had spawned the likes of Iron Maiden, Saxon and Def Leppard).
As a result “Twin Barrels Burning” is a straightforward blues-influenced hard rock album. There are guitar-god love songs (“Genevieve”), back- seat lust songs (“Can’t Fight Love”), missing-my-gal-so-I’m-calling-her-in-the-middle-of- the-night-songs (“Hold On”), picking up skank on the street songs (“Streets of Shame”), you and me against the world songs (“Wind Up”), and a couple of god’s gift to women songs (“Can’t Fight Love”, “No More Lonely Nights”). Only “Angels Have Mercy” is an odd ball and that’s only because the mix on this one is particularly fuzzy.
Weaving all of this together is a two-guitar attack that is sort of like the twin-axe attack the band was known for in the 70s, but not quite. In most cases there is a definitive lead guitar, with the other embellishing somewhat but mostly just providing accompaniment.
The album initially seemed to be a success, yet the band’s new direction alienated many long-time supporters.
Line-up:
- Laurie Wisefield / Vocals, Guitar
- Andy Powell: Vocals, Guitar
- Trevor Bolder / Vocals, Bass Guitar
- Steve Upton / Drums
Track List:
01. Engine Overheat – 4:06
02. Can’t Fight Love – 4:00
03. Genevieve – 3:37
04. Me And My Guitar – 4:01
05. Hold On – 4:51
06. Streets Of Shame – 4:37
07. No More Lonely Nights – 5:17
08. Angels Have Mercy – 3:55
09. Wind Up – 5:04
Link in comments.
Titus Groan – Titus Groan (1970) (@256)
10 Jan 2009
(Review from progarchives.com)
Taking their name from Mervyn Peake’s gothic fantasy novel, Titus Groan was a quartet lead by guitar/keyboardist and singer Stewart Cowell and wind player Tony Priestland. Their sound approaches the early UK progressive, all tracks being over 5 minutes long and often fronted by promising wind instruments. Centred around the great 12-mins Hall Of Bright Carvings track (also a Peake theme), the album was released in early 1970.
Thanks to the flute and oboe playing and bassist John Lee’s contributions, the album has an almost martial sound that isn’t very complex but gives the music a depth that serves to ground it in the sort of timeless setting reminiscent of many Jethro Tull’s albums. The harmonizing vocals are pure early seventies. Stuart Cowell’s intense electric guitar riffs, which along with his organ bleating on tracks like “I Can’t Change” make for a hard-rocking sound that was quite popular at the time.
Titus Groan also released a three track single the same year, all three tracks appearing as bonus on this edition of the album.
Line-up:
- Stuart Cowell / keyboards, guitar, vocals
- John Lee / bass
- Tony Priestland / saxophone, flute, oboe
- Jim Toomey / drums
Track List:
01. I Wasn’t For You – 5:33
02. Hall Of Bright Carvings – 11:39
03. I Can’t Change – 5:41
04. It’s All Up With Us – 6:09
05. Fuschia – 6:06
06. Open The Door Homer (Bonus) – 3:29
07. Woman Of The World (Bonus) – 4:27
08. Liverpool (Bonus) – 5:53
Link in comments.
Zen – Tanbul (1998) (@256)
10 Jan 2009
Thanks to Man in Silence for the review contribution.
(Review from dustedmagazine.com, homestead.com)
Zen’s third album, Tanbul is an outstanding psych-rock record that takes the best of what you know about Turkish psychedelia and updates it with taste and mastery.
The jams here were improvised and patchworked together dub-style with radical mixing techniques. Overdriven baglama, saz and electric guitars meet heavy percussion and electronics with alien voices ranting in all pitches. It just has to be heard to be believed.
Nice drums, perfectly placed sound textured additions, crafty and powerful electric guitar, electric bass, weird vocals with sense. Where former releases had a murkier feeling, the professional production on this release with some creative echoes and effects on the sounds makes the sound much more modern.
Track List:
01. Ariza Oyun Havasi – 2:12
02. Derdimi Anla – 4:53
03. Duz Gel – 6:26
04. Tanbul – 5:28
05. Asir Hasta – 2:01
06. Yalan – 2:39
07. Iki Teker – 1:49
08. Ben De Yalnizim – 7:10
09. Baaartma Beni – 3:00
10. Yavastan Gel – 1:26
11. Uzun Dus – 14:20
Link in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Number The Brave (1981) (@256)
09 Jan 2009
(Review from wishboneash.co.uk)
Following the departure of founder member Martin Turner, the remaining members of Wishbone Ash invited respected British bassist/vocalist John Wetton (ex-UK, King Crimson, Roxy Music, Family, Uriah Heep, Mogul Thrash) to join them for the recording of their next album, “Number the Brave”.
“Loaded” opens the album and sets the blueprint for much of the album, which has a funkier feel than previous Wishbone Ash offerings. “Where is the Love” comes next – a workmanlike boogie number. There then follows one of the albums true highlights, the anti-nuclear message “Underground”, which features some fine guitar picking from Andy Powell, whose lead vocal blends effectively with Claire Hamill’s voice. “Kicks on the Street” is pretty standard hard rock, while “Open Road” is perhaps the band’s most successful venture into funk-rock territory.
“Get Ready” is an adequate cover of the Smokey Robinson hit. “That’s That” is John Wetton’s sole songwriting and lead vocal contribution to the album, while the next two tracks both features Laurie Wisefield on lead vocal. Album closer “Number the Brave” is another of this album’s triumphs, perfectly mixing the Ash sound of old with a (then) modern sound and direction for the eighties.
During the sessions, it soon became clear that John Wetton was not going to be a direct replacement for Martin Turner. Wetton believed he was joining the band to take over Turner’s duties of bassist and lead vocalist, yet this would not prove to be the reality. Although John Wetton offered several songs to the band, most of these would be rejected as unsuitable for the band’s style. Wetton was frustrated by Andy Powell and Laurie Wisefield’s decision to take the majority of the lead vocals.
Before the album’s release John Wetton and Wishbone Ash had parted company, Wetton going on to achieve enormous success with Asia.
Line-up:
- Andy Powell / Vocals, guitar
- Laurie Wisefield / Vocals, guitar
- Steve Upton / Drums
- John Wetton / Vocals, bass, keyboards
with
- Claire Hammill / Back vocals
Track List:
01. Loaded – 4:11
02. Where is the Love – 3:20
03. Underground – 4:15
04. Kicks on the Street – 4:16
05. Open Road – 5:20
06. Get Ready – 3:15
07. Rainstorm – 4:55
08. That’s That – 3:04
09. Roller Coaster – 3:18
10. Number the Brave – 4:56
Link in comments.
Away for a few days
05 Jan 2009
I’m going to be swamped for the rest of the week days and won’t be able to post new albums.
See you on Saturday.
Mother's Finest – Live (1979) (@256)
05 Jan 2009
(Review from allmusic, amazon)
Georgia funk rock band Mother’s Finest might appear to be only a blip on the radar screen of rock history, but not to any of the headlining bands they’ve stolen shows from — or any of the audiences who saw it happen. Mother’s Finest blended white guitarist Moses Mo and drummer B.B. “Queen” Borden with black vocalists Joyce Kennedy and Glenn Murdock, bassist Wyzard, and keyboardist Mike.
The 1979 album “Mother’s Finest Live” is the closest any album came to actually conveying the kind of nonstop excitement, spontaneity, and unpredictability of their live shows. It features not only original staples like “Watch My Stylin’” and “Give You All the Love”, but also Kennedy singing a stunning cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love” and the musicians shining on a rearranged version of Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride”.
Great rock guitar leads, thundering double base drumming, grooving heavy bass and keyboards, soaring soulful vocals, … That’s Mother’s Finest!
Line-up:
- Mike Keck / Percussion, Keyboards
- Joyce Kennedy / Vocals, Percussion
- Mo Moses / Guitar, Percussion, Vocals
- Glenn Murdock / Vocals, Percussion
- B.B. Queen / Drums, Percussion
- Jerry “Wizzard” Seay / Bass, Drums, Vocals
Track List:
01. Somebody to Love – 5:55
02. Fire – 4:10
03. Mickey’s Monkey – 6:03
04. Give You All the Love – 6:30
05. Baby Love – 4:13
06. Magic Carpet Ride – 5:11
07. Love Changes – 5:21
08. Watch My Stylin’ – 4:46
09. Don’t Wanna Come Back – 3:28
10. Can’t Fight the Feeling – 4:34
Link in comments.
Zen – Derya (1996) (@256)
05 Jan 2009
(Review from psychevanhetfolk.homestead.com)
Zen’s second studio album was released in 1996.
Their improvisations are still very dark, but there’s more added percussion, giving it an extra ritual music flair. Musically it’s even more experimental. They succeed to create a certain mood, very underground.
On one longer track, “Badi Badi” the improvising finally overcomes the mood of doodling and directs in its own energy. Also “Gaz” goes over the top, but in an experimental underground way.
Line-up:
- Merih Oztaylan / Vocals, sampler
- Levent Akman / Rhythm machines, hand cymbals, percussion
- Bill Macbeath / Double bass, bass guitar
- Murat Ertel / Saz, guitar, vocals
- Emre Onel / Darbuka, sampler, percussions
- Cevdet Erek / Drums
Track List:
01. Eveleme Develeme – 3:24
02. Bugun Senden Mektup Aldim (Gotta Letter From You Today) – 2:09
03. Bu Da Gecer (This Will Be Over Too) – 3:39
04. DuB – 1:17
05. Calmakla Calismanin Ne Farki Var (What’s The Difference Between Practicing and Playing) – 3:20
06. Jever (When You Hit Me) – 1:34
07. Uzun Yolun Hikayesi Bol Olur (A Long Road’s Story’s Long) – 3:55
08. Ispanyol Kerranesi (Spanish Whorehouse) – 2:43
09. Koyun Kizi Derya (Derya, The Girl of The Village) – 2:43
10. Badi Badi – 7:42
11. Hidayet Abi – 7:17
12. Gaz – 4:56
Link in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Live Dates II (1980) (@320)
05 Jan 2009
(Review from progarchives.com, wishboneash.co.uk)
Seven years after their brilliant 1973 “Live Dates” double album comes this 1980 collection, six tracks made at Hull, Bristol, Wolverhampton and London. The same sparkling sound quality, the same amazing cover art, but a different set of songs and a different line-up, Laurie Wisefield replacing Ted Turner on guitar and vocals, but not at all to the band’s detriment, “Live Dates 2″ traces the Wishbone saga from Wishbone Four to Just Testing.
Side one of the first LP represents the biggest Ash cross-section. ‘Doctor’ from Wishbone Four album kicks the album off nicely. ‘Living Proof’ delivered on a windy night at Bristol Colston Hall has beefy chords and dirty words sweetened by a long solo at the end. ‘Runaway’ and ‘Helpless’ culled from Wolverhampton Civic Hall are perennial Ash…two roustabout tracks where the warmth of the audience begins to kindle.
Second side contains two longer, 9-minute prog-rock inclined jamming suites, “FUBB” (from “There’s the Rub”) and “Way of the World” (from “No Smoke Without Fire”). Both are very good compositions with extended twin guitar solos, convincing bass and strong drums with frequent change of themes and rhythmic structure.
The second LP features much lilting Ash with ‘Lorelei’, ‘Persephone’ and ‘You Rescue Me’, all very smooth and magnificently paced especially the delicacy of ‘Persephone’. ‘Time Was’ which opens the second side has mellowed greatly over the years and the handling this time around is particularly soft.
Wisefield gets his vocal solo glory on “Goodbye Baby”. His usual rendition is helped by a strong chorus line. And so we close with ‘No Easy Road’ again considerably reworked with some particularly swaggering vocals from Turner. It’s so good you won’t even miss the blasting brass section of the original. Ash live and rampant.
Line-up:
- Andy Powell / guitars & vocals
- Laurie Wisefield / guitars & vocals
- Martin Turner / bass & vocals
- Steve Upton / drums
Track List:
CD1
01. Doctor – 5:40
02. Living Proof – 5:45
03. Runaway – 3:10
04. Helpless – 3:35
05. F*U*B*B – 9:40
06. The Way Of The World – 10:15
CD2 (Bonus)
01. Lorelei – 6:20
02. Persephone – 8:20
03. You Rescue Me – 6:50
04. Time Was – 6:45
05. Goodbye Baby Hello Friend – 5:20
06. No Easy Road – 7:20
Links in comments.
Zen – Suda Balik (1994) (@256)
04 Jan 2009
(Review from kunstradio.at, psychevanhetfolk.homestead.com)
Formed in the second half of the 80s in Istanbul, the band took the name ZeN in 1988 (meaning “woman” in Persian, as well as standing for “the one who plays” -a musical instrument- when used as a suffix). The band played their own blues and punk based songs until 1989. In time they widened the improvised section and eventually giving up their compositions, turned to complete collective improvisations.
Zen’s first official album, recorded in 1994, shows the group playing in an experimental way. Various tracks reminds at krautrock like moods like Faust. It’s very dark, dense, deranged mostly acoustic music with cloudy woolly structures. Near the second half of the album, the music delves into too much an underground improvising, in a way Amon Düül or Can did as well in their early days. Yet it is much more acoustic and has a certain middle eastern touch in experimental improvising.
Line-up:
- Merih Oztaylan / Vocals, sampler
- Levent Akman / Rhythm machines, hand cymbals, percussion
- Bill Macbeath / Double bass, bass guitar
- Murat Ertel / Saz, guitar, vocals
- Emre Onel / Darbuka, sampler, percussions
- Cevdet Erek / Drums
Track List:
01. Cok Su Ictim – 1:18
02. Suda Balik – 3:55
03. Aman Dur Bekle – 3:31
04. Seslen Bana – 3:51
05. Ses Nefes – 2:59
06. Inkilap Vapuru – 6:15
07. Caktir – 8:22
08. Karsilama – 3:40
09. Acikli Ama Aldatici – 4:18
10. Plaj Havasi – 4:06
11. Dadidi – 3:57
12. Yali Ciftetellisi – 4:36
13. Bu Yol Hic Bitmeyecek – 7:06
14. Hidden Track – 3:25
Links in comments.
Wishbone Ash – Just Testing (1980) (@256)
03 Jan 2009
(Review from wishboneash.co.uk, progarchives.com)
Released in January 1980, “Just Testing” was Wishbone Ash’s tenth studio album and coincided with the band’s tenth anniversary celebrations. The title came from a phrase that Laurie Wisefield had made up in earlier recording sessions, when he would say “just testing” if he made a mistake which brought the session to a standstill.
Highlights of the album include the opener and initial single release “Living Proof”, an incredibly catchy song with its pulsing beat and dual harmonies. It would become a concert staple for many years to come.
“Master Of Disguise” marked Andy Powell’s debut solo songwriting for Wishbone Ash. The song has a strong melody which, when combined with more orthodox Ash guitar work and some background organ playing, make for a pleasant diversion.
The epic closer “Lifeline” evolved out of studio jamming. It has pleasing guitar work.
A massive 62-date tour of Britain and Europe was undertaken throughout much of 1980 to promote the album. However, internal conflicts over the future of the band led to Martin Turner quitting in October 1980, thus ending the longest period with the same line-up in the history of Wishbone Ash.
Line-up:
- Andy Powell / Guitars
- Laurie Wisefield / Guitars
- Martin Turner / Bass, Vocals
- Steve Upton / Drums
Track List:
01. Living Proof – 5:44
02. Haunting Me – 4:34
03. Insomnia – 5:09
04. Helpless – 4:03
05. Pay the Price – 3:34
06. New Rising Star – 3:58
07. Master of Disguise – 4:25
08. Lifeline – 6:29
Link in comments.
Theta – Seeds Of The Dream (2000) (@256)
03 Jan 2009
(Review from musical-discoveries.com)
The last progressive rock project of Japanese singer Yoko Royama was Theta’s Seeds Of A Dream. She later passed away in 2004.
Nine tracks featuring soaring angelic vocals adorn the stunning album. The singer had received significant notariety on the Vermillion Sands’ 1988 album Water Blue, largely due to the band’s similarity to Renaissance and Yoko Royama’s vocal style to their lead singer Annie Haslam.
The album opens with a light contemporary ballad-like track featuring lovely violin and keyboard arrangements entitled “Footprints” sung by Yoko Royama in English. The full spledour of the band is evident as the song develops. “Afterglow” is a lovely instrumental featuring Yoko’s flute and as the arrangements develop is a tribute to the virtuosity of the band members.
While some will compare Theta and Vermillion Sands to that Renaissance featuring Annie Haslam, the harpsichord, flute and basic structure of “Beyond the Wall of Time” is most reminscent of Renaissance Faire music. Sung in Japanese with Yoko’s vocalise excursions joined by male vocals as well, it is a lovely albeit short track. A similar style is evident in “Tasogare no nakade” led by its violin part and Yoko’s perfectly complimenting Japanese language vocal. Multi-tracking in the final choruses adds a lovely texture blending vocals with string arrangements. Layers of harmonizing vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar in “Summer Night Dream” also produce a Renaissance Faire sound. A lovely flute solo is a highlight of the track.
Clearly the highlights of the album are the progressive tracks “The Toy-Airplane” and “Mourning for a Falling,” Instrumental movements perfectly compliment soaring vocals sung in Japanese. With vocals introduced between major instrumental parts, the band clearly demonstrates a sound of classic Renaissance. Keyboard and string solo excursions work well within the overall arrangement and are especially well played.
The Parisian sound of “IZUMI” from the dark side…” is a tribute to the band’s label (Musea), a lovely epic-length, cabaret-style track sung in English! We especially enjoyed Yoko’s vocal excursions in the concluding passages of the song. The album concludes with “Muscial Box of Nostalgia.” A potpurri of classic melodies are initially woven together with Yoko’s stunning lead vocal, mixed way up with a noticable reverb nicely offsetting the violin part and keyboard effects. Most classical in its arrangement, it is a stunning little ballad.
Theta’s Seeds of the Dream features stunning vocals and well-produced instrumental arrangements.
Line-up:
- Yoko Royama / vocals
- Youko Tsushiya / keyboards
- Kasuhito Kawakami / bass guitar
- Naroyuki Harada / drums
with
- Junko Minobe / violin (1, 2, 4, 5)
- Masahiro Yamada / keyboard live support (2-6)
- Harumi Nishimaki / vocal
- Tamao / vocal
- Eigi Nishigori / electric guitar (2)
- Ai Keisuke / acoustic & electric guitar (3, 6, 7)
- Akihisa Tsuboy / violin (7, 9)
Track List:
01. Footprints – 6:36
02. The Toy-Airplane – 7:37
03. Beyond The Wall Of Time – 2:37
04. Mourning For A Falling – 4:37
05. Tasogare No Nakade – 4:48
06. Afterglow – 6:55
07. Summer Night Dream – 3:22
08. IZUMI- From The Dark Side – 8:56
09. Musical Box Of Nostalgia – 4:39
Link in comments.
Time – Smooth Ball (1969) (@256)
03 Jan 2009
(Review from amazon, dtodo1poco.com)
Smooth Ball, their second album, featuring new bassist Richard Tepp is heavier, more psychedelic, features longer tracks and shows a more technically competent band who make full use of the studio.
The twin guitars of William Richardson and Larry Byrom are center stage on “Smooth Ball” and the result is quite pleasing to the ear.The centerpiece of “Smooth Ball” is the 10 minute tour-de-force “Morning Come” featuring Byrom at his finest. Their blues influence is evident on tracks like “Lazy Day Blues”, while “See Me As I Am”, “Trust In Men Everywhere” and “Flowers” are examples of their attempts to get to grips with the predominant psychedelic influences of the time.
Line-up:
- Larry Byrom / guitar
- Bill Richardson / guitar
- Richard Tepp / bass
- Steve Rumph / drums
Track List:
01. Preparation G – 0:52
02. Leavin’ My Home – 3:08
03. See Me as I Am – 5:47
04. I Think You’d Cry – 4:21
05. I’ll Write a Song – 4:21
06. Lazy Day Blues – 1:44
07. Do You Feel It – 2:28
08. Flowers – 2:39
09. Morning Come – 10:03
10. Trust in Men Everywhere – 5:01
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Wishbone Ash – No Smoke Without Fire (1978) (@256)
03 Jan 2009
(Review from progarchives.com)
After the decent but uncharacteristically laid back “Front Page News”, Wishbone Ash re-united with their original producer Derek Lawrence for “No Smoke Without Fire”.
The results are immediately apparent on the opening “You See Red” with the jamming twin guitars back where they belong, right up front. The pace of the song is not overtly quick, but it has a driving basis while telling a troubling tale of domestic violence.
The troubled themes continue throughout the album, with the exception of the closing song “Way of the World”, which finally evokes optimism. Musically however, this is far from a darkalbum. There are softer songs, such as the brief “Leaf and Stream” like “Ships in the Sky”, but as a whole, this is a far more traditional Ash album than those which preceded it.
“Anger in Harmony” features a striking change of tempo midway to play out with a spirited twin guitar jam. “Like a Child” features some of the strongest harmonies and one of the finest melodies the band has delivered in a long time, a real overlooked gem.
The closing 9˝ minute “Way of the World” is very much a “Time Was, Part 2″. The slower acoustic opening vocal section eventually gives way to a lengthy upbeat guitar jam.
This is an unjustly forgotten album in the band’s back pages.
Line-up:
- Martin Turner / Bass & Vocals
- Andy Powell / Guitar & Vocals
- Laurie Wisefield / Guitar & Vocals
- Steve Upton / Drums
Track List:
01. You See Red – 6:04
02. Baby the Angels Are Here – 4:47
03. Ships in the Sky – 3:02
04. Stand and Deliver – 7:27
05. Anger in Harmony – 5:04
06. Like a Child – 5:00
07. Way of the World, Pt. 1 – 4:09
08. Way of the World, Pt. 2 – 5:30
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Time – Time (1968) (@256)
02 Jan 2009
(Review from amazon)
TIME (Trust In Men Everywhere) was one of the more talented bands to come out of California in the late 1960s. Blending pop, blues, and psychedelia, “Time” produced two fine albums.
Their first album, “Time” recorded in 1968, features not only future Steppenwolf Byrom but also former Sparrows and future Steppenwolf bassist Nick St. Nicholas. It is a gentler, poppier album. The opening track, “Tripping Into Sunshine”, starts with a typical psychedelic introduction, setting the intended tone for the album. Other highlights include “I Really Love You” and the closing track “Take Me Along”.
Line-up:
- Larry Byrom / guitar
- Bill Richardson / guitar
- Nick St. Nicholas / bass
- Steve Rumph / drums
Track List:
01. Tripping into Sunshine – 3:07
02. Label It Love – 2:27
03. Finders Keepers – 3:11
04. Love You, Cherish You – 2:28
05. Make It Alright – 2:04
06. Let the Colors Keep On – 2:11
07. You Changed It All – 2:31
08. I Really Love You – 2:43
09. Make Love to You – 3:37
10. I Can’t Find It – 2:59
11. What Can It Be – 2:20
12. Take Me Along – 3:09
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Cacophony – Go Off! (1988) (@256)
02 Jan 2009
(Review from allmusic)
Cacophony’s second (and last) effort improves on the formula established on their “Speed Metal Symphony” album. The brainchild of guitarists Marty Friedman and Jason Becker, Cacophony is basically an arena in which the two shredders can indulge their most decadent instrumental ideas. The songs are as influenced by speed metal as they are by neo-classical progressive rock, which makes them even more intense than many of their brethren.
On “Go Off!”, the duo clean up the sound a bit and pare back the guitar excesses just a tad, allowing for a slightly more song-oriented approach. “Stranger” even has a decent pop hook in its chorus. Lead singer Peter Marrino adds some rather overwrought heavy metal braying. Yet Friedman’s and Becker’s guitars are still the stars of the show here. Their preference for dissonance, odd time signatures, and unpredictably complex arrangements make “Go Off!” a very interesting listen at times.
Though the second album was a commercial failure, it spawned cult followings around the band. Cacophony broke up with Jason Becker joining David Lee Roth and Marty Friedman joining Megadeth.
Line-up:
- Jason Becker / Guitar
- Marty Friedman / Guitar
- Peter Marrino / Vocals
- Jimmy O’Shea / Bass
- Deen Castronovo / Drums
Track List:
01. X-Ray Eyes – 5:10
02. E.S.P – 6:06
03. Stranger – 3:24
04. Go Off! – 3:46
05. Black Cat – 7:45
06. Sword Of The Warrior – 5:09
07. Floating World – 5:10
08. Images – 3:42
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Wishbone Ash – On Air (BBC 1971-77) (@256)
01 Jan 2009
(Info from phrock)
The majority of tracks here were recorded for a variety of BBC radio shows, ranging from “Top Gear” to programmes hosted by Stuart Henry, Bob Harris and Pete Drummond. They date from the early 70s when the band was its commercial peak and had a line-up compromising Andy Power and Ted Turner on lead guitars. Martin Turner on bass and vocals, and drummer Steve Upton.
Completing the set are three recordings for the Old Grey Whistle Test, one for 1971, and two from 1977. By the time of these last two cuts Ted Turner had left the group, but the band’s celebrated and influencial twin guitar sound had been retained with the recruitment of Laurie Wisefield. These historic sessions capture Wishbone Ash direct, powerful and without frills.
Line-up:
- Andy Powell / Guitar, Vocals
- Martin Turner / Bass, Vocals
- Ted Turner / Guitar (1-7)
- Laurie Wisefield / Guitar (8-9)
- Steve Upton / Percussion, Drums
Track List:
01. Blind Eye – 3:45
02. Lullaby – 3:13
03. Pilgrim – 8:44
04. Jailbait – 4:50
05. Blowin’ Free – 5:36
06. Throw Down The Sword – 6:12
07. Vas Dis – 4:42
08. Goodbye Baby Hello Friend – 3:31
09. Baby Come In From The Rain – 4:40
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Cacophony – Speed Metal Symphony (1987) (@256)
01 Jan 2009
(Review from allmusic)
Cacophony’s “Speed Metal Symphony” is one of the more extreme examples of its genre. Rather than being a showcase for merely one guitar hero possessing superhuman technique, Cacophony brings you two guitar virtuosos, Marty Friedman and Jason Becker, who are equally capable of blowing your head off with their state-of-the-art neo-classical chops.
As if that weren’t enough, their angular compositions are delivered at warp-speed tempos, with tons of dissonance and odd time signatures thrown into the mix. Imagine twin Yngwie Malmsteens playing simultaneously over a bed of Megadeth rhythm tracks, and you’ll get the basic idea. The sheer note density on this album is tough to digest, and the brash production makes it all sound like it’s happening in a wind tunnel.
Yet underneath the cacophony, two extremely gifted guitarists are at work here. Abrasive singer Peter Marrino adds vocals to most of the tracks on Speed Metal Symphony without necessarily making them any more accessible. This is some of the most indulgent music ever recorded.
If you’ve got the constitution for it, dig in.
Line-up:
- Jason Becker / Guitar
- Marty Friedman / Guitar, Bass
- Peter Marrino / Vocals
- Atma Anur / Drums
Track List:
01. Savage – 5:51
02. Where My Fortune Lies – 4:34
03. The Ninja – 7:27
04. Concerto – 4:39
05. Burn The Ground – 6:53
06. Desert Island – 6:26
07. Speed Metal Symphony – 9:36
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Insect Trust – Hoboken Saturday Night (1970) (@256)
01 Jan 2009
(Review from allmusic)
How could a combo named the Insect Trust be anything other than eclectic? “Hoboken Saturday Night” was the second of two platters from an interesting aggregate whose core consisted of multi-instrumentalists. The band touches upon facets of the singer/songwriter, psychedelic, and folk-rock subgenres, while somehow eluding them all.
The opening short and slightly demented “Be a Hobo” is a precursor to the non-traditional nature of the proceedings. Although undoubtedly a tongue-in-cheek nod to the local New Jersey social scene via the band’s hazy perspective, “Hoboken Saturday Night” is a straight-ahead rocker that sums up the carefree funky mood. The rural vibe of “Ragtime Millionaire” recalls Jefferson Airplane’s “The Farm”, with Jeffries’ personable vocals undeniably reminiscent of Grace Slick. Koehler’s “Somedays” provides a frenetic and pulsating disparity with a raw sound and horn arrangement that comes off like a cross between early Captain Beefheart, Love, and the Tijuana Brass. Trippier is the lengthy noir waltz “Our Sister the Sun”, highlighted by Jeffries’ ethereal voice, creating a vaporous blend with Palmer’s airy woodwind. Another side of the Insect Trust surfaces on the closer, “Ducks”, as the upbeat R&B groover could easily be mistaken for a long lost Bar-Kays cut.
Insect Trust is best remembered for extending rock’s boundaries and taking the genre to a much hipper level without resorting to a lot of banal technique.
Line-up:
- Bill Barth / Guitar, Percussion
- Luke Faust / Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals
- Nancy Jeffries / Vocals, Percussion
- Trevor Koehler / Flute, Drums, Piccolo, Sax, Wind Instruments
- Robert Palmer / Wind Instruments
Track List:
01. Be A Hobo – 0:30
02. Hoboken Saturday Night – 3:01
03. The Eyes Of A New York Woman – 3:13
04. Ragtime Millionaire – 3:23
05. Somedays – 2:49
06. Our Sister The Sun – 7:17
07. Reciprocity – 3:25
08. Trip On Me – 2:50
09. Now Then Sweet Man – 3:13
10. Reincarnations – 3:17
11. Glade Song – 3:05
12. Ducks – 5:40
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Wishbone Ash – Runaway (Live 1976) (@320)
01 Jan 2009
(Info from wikipedia)
“Runaway” is an archival live album, recorded at the Liverpool Empire, on Nov 17th 1976, one month after the release of “New England”. The only exception is “Helpless”, which was recorded at the Hammersmith, on Feb 2nd 1980.
Here we see the second line-up of the band, performing a good amount of earlier stuff. Half of this set list wouldn’t appear in the future glorious “Live Dates II” album.
Line-up:
- Andy Powell / guitar
- Laurie Wisefield / guitar
- Steve Upton / drums
- Martin Turner / bass guitar, vocals
Track List:
01. Helpless
02. Runaway
03. Warrior
04. Lorelei
05. Persephone (fades out at 3:45)
06. (In All Of My Dreams) You Rescue Me
07. Outward Bound
08. Mother Of Pearl
09. Rest In Peace
10. Time Was
11. Bad Weather Blues
12. The King Will Come
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