Cos - Viva Boma (1976)

"Thank God for liner notes.I couldn't figure out what certain instruments were that they were playing,especially when the list of instruments didn't show anything that sounded like a fuzz organ for example.Well there is a detailed story about this recording session thankfully that reveals that newcomer Marc Hollander's farfisa organ's sounds were treated by fuzz and wha wha devices and ended up in a Dynacord echo chamber that could reproduce them at a normal,slow or accellerated speed.Alain used the same effects on his Rickenbaker bass.Band leader Daniel Schell modified the sounds of his guitars through an EMS synthesiser which allowed him to double the melody.He also used several other effects like saturation,a wah wah filter etc.Both Marc and Daniel were fans of MAGMA,ZAO and HENRY COW which really comes through on this recording as the Zeuhl/Jazz flavour is quite strong.Female singer Pascale Son is incredible.She has a child-like sound to her vocals that remind me of a cross between the innocence of THINKING PLAGUE's singer and fragility of the PAATOS' singer.The word "Boma" in the album's title can mean grandmother in a Belgium dialect or refer to an African town along the river Congo.That is why the front cover has the hippos in the river Congo,and on the back we have a picture of the band and girlfriends with others, along with the grandmother,front and center.Very humerous.You can tell these guys like to have fun from the other pictures in the liner notes. A must have. " - Mellotron Storm - ProgArchives

- Pascale Son / vocals, oboe
- Alain Goutier / bass
- Daniel Schell / acoustic and electric guitars, alto and bass flutes, devices
- Guy Lonneux / drums
- Marc Hollander / keyboards, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, devices

Guests:
- Bob Dartsch / drums, percussion
- Denis Van Hecke / cello
- Pipou, Jean-Louis Haesevoets / percussion
- Marc Mouli / Mini-Moog
- Roger Wollaert / drums
- Willy Masy or Jackey Mauer / drums, vocal improvisation

1. Perhaps next record (1:25)
2. Viva Boma (2:35)
3. Nog verder (4:32)
4. Boehme (3:17)
5. Flamboya (7:33)
6. In Lulu (4:08)
7. L'idiot Léon (10:48)
8. Ixelles (5:02)
9. Mon rebis (previously unreleased) (6:03)
10. Reine de la vallée (previously unreleased) (4:17)
11. Nog verder (demo version) (7:22)
12. Fanfan la Tulipe (vocal improvisation) (2:38)

Links In Comments

Iq - Sacred Sound

Celeste - Principe Di Un Giorno (1976)

"Some of the most beautiful melodies i have ever heard.The waves of mellotron wash over the delicate soundscapes of acoustic guitar,warm,soft vocals,flute and piano melodies.There are some drums,sax and violin, as well as other instrumentation, creating heavenly sounds. "Principe Di Giorno" opens with mellotron,as violin,piano and vocals come in.Flute and acoustic guitar follow,and 2 minutes in the sound is wonderful as the drums and mellow vocals create an awesome uplifting melody.Some nice sax melodies later in the song."Favole Antiche" opens with some strange noises then mellotron,vocals and flute come in.2 minutes in more mellotron and drums and we can hear voices in the background.Some majestic church organ comes in and a vocal melody,followed by soft vocals and acoustic guitar.Piano melodies close out the song."Eftus" features more mellotron,flute,acoustic guitar and vocals."Giochi Nella Notte" opens with flute,acoustic guitar,piano and drums.Piano and sax melodies along with flute round out the song."La grande isola" sounds so wonderful with the vocals,drums,sax,flute and mellotron.I know i sound like a broken record but this is amazing!"La Danza Del Fato" opens with bells, as flute ,piano and vocals follow."L'imbroglio" is just over a minute long with flute,violin and acoustic guitar leading the way. I think everyone should own this classic Italian album.I love my "metal",but this is like a warm summer breeze that can't be put into words.You just smile and enjoy it. " - Mellotron Storm- ProgArchives

- Giorgio Battaglia / bass, bass pedal, vocals xylophone
- Leonardo Lagorio / acoustic & electric piano, flute, alto sax, Mellotron, Eminent, spinetta, Arp odyssey / 2600, vocals
- Ciro Perrino / percussion, flute, recorder, Mellotron, xylophone, vocals
- Mariano Schiavolini / guitar, violin
Guest:
- Aldo De Scalzi / plop

1. Principe Di Giorno (6:12)
2. Favole Antiche (8:18)
3. Eftus (4:17)
4. Giochi Nella Notte (8:11)
5. La Grande Isola (5:04)
6. La Danza Del Fato (3:56)
7. L'imbroglio (1:06)

Links In Comments

May Blitz - May Blitz (1970)

"MAY BLITZ were formed by vocalist/guitarist Jamie Black who recruited Tony Newman on drums, (ex Sounds Incorporated and Jeff Beck Group), and Reid Hudson (bass, vocals) in 1969. The original lineup featured bassist Terry Poole and drummer Keith Baker, from Bakerloo, but both left before recording anything for the band. Baker had a better offer from Uriah Heep, and went to record "Salisbury" with the band.

The band survived long enough to record two incredibly heavy, powerful and psychedelic albums with strong blues undertones and progressive tendencies, despite the lack of keyboards. These were released on Vertigo, who we also associate with Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep - but the music is probably heavier than either. Their style comes in somewhere around High Tide and the Pink Fairies - but these are really ballparks.

Their debut album is a must-hear for anyone curious about the development of heavy music, and features a production in which it is not only almost possible to smell the ganja smoke, but is also rich and clear enough to provide the striking dynamic contrasts the music needs, as it occasionally veers from ambience to crushing riffs in the blink of an eye. It is certainly very unpredictable, even now." - ProgArchives

- James Black / lead vocals, guitar

- Reid Hudson / bass

- Tony Newman / drums

1. Smoking the Day Away (8:19)

2. I Don't Know? (4.52)

3. Dreaming (6:40)

4. Squeet (6:51)

5. Tomorrow May Come (4:47)

6. Fire Queen (4:14)

7. Virgin Waters (6:56)

Links In Comments

Popol Vuh - Kyrie

Out Of Focus - Wake Up! (1970)

"This awesome band came from Munich and made three extraordinary albums on the super-collectable Kuckuk label plus another that never got released until recently. Hennes Herring on KB (mainly Hammond organ), Remi Dreschler on guitars, Moran Neumuller on vocals and winds, Klaus Spöri and Stefan Wisheu on drums and bass respectively made an incredibly tight unit although they were prone to a lot of improvisation moments also. Their music is somewhat similar to early British prog but will gradually evolve to a certain jazz-rock while staying very politically and socially conscious (in the typical German style of those years) although the singing does not hold a big place in their music, their third release (a double) being mostly instrumental. They released three albums on the legendary Kuckuk label, the same one that also reissued them in Cd format..." - ProgArchives

- Remigius Drechsler / guitar

- Hennes Hering / keyboards

- Moran Neumüller / vocals, saxes

- Klaus Spöri / drums

- Stefan Wisheu / bass

1. See how a white negro flies (5:48)

2. God saved the queen, cried Jesus (7:28)

3. Hey John (9:35)

4. No name (3:06)

5. World's end (9:55)

6. Dark, darker (11:37)

Links In Comments

Amon Düül II - Surrounded By The Stars

Can - Tago Mago (1971)

"This is one of those albums that everyone just needs to own, like Dark Side of the Moon, or something. CAN may not have the same kind of universal appeal as good ol' Floyd, but I just can't imagine life without a song like "Halleluhwah." If you've never heard it, it's basically just one fat drum groove -- actually the fattest drum groove ever -- for 18 minutes straight, with every damn artifact of psychedelic weirdness possible in the universe floating in and out of the mix like some sort of big sonic stew. There are guitar solos, yelling Japanese guys, tortured violins, tom-tom extravaganzas... it's simply amazing. And the funny thing is, the next song makes that one look normal! Simply own it, listen to it. " - Corbet - ProgArchives

- Holger Czukay / bass
- Michael Karoli / guitar
- Jaki Liebezeit / drums
- Irmin Schmidt / keyboards
- Damo Suzuki / vocals

1. Paperhouse (7:29)
2. Mushroom (4:08)
3. Oh Yeah (7:22)
4. Halleluhwah (18:32)
5. Aumgn (17:22)
6. Peking O (11:35)
7. Bring Me Coffee Or Tea (6:47)

Links In Comments

Kraftwerk - Rückstoss/Gondoliere

Alcatraz - Vampire State Building (1971)

"Vampire State Building is a killer release from 70's Germany underground. The band delivers a bunch of bombastic, extremely freaked out fuzzy improvisations including jazzy tendencies. Simple Headphone Mind opens the album with a surprising hippie like groovy jazz variation that features powerful piano bases, enchanting flute line and a very catchy rhythm. The break session provides endless screaming fuzzy guitar solos accompanied by a very jazzy instrumentation. Tour chance of a Lifetime is a heartbreaking, cloudy compositions for dense, spacious melodies with beautifully dramatic vocals. Where the wild things are is an hyperactive freak 'n roll piece with killer riffs, mysteriously atmospheric jazz fusion links. Piss off is a bizarre, curious, fuzzy & druggy jam making a large part to atonal guitar / sax dialogues. Change will come is a retro jazz rockin' piece including a nice groove and agitated stoned vocals. Dirty, Heavy druggy psychedelica. An important musical document. " - Philippe - ProgArchives

- Rüdiger Berghan / piano, vocals
- Klaus Holst / guitar
- Klaus Nagurski / flute, tenor saxophone
- Ronald Wilson / bass
- Jan Rieck / drums, percussion

1. Simple Headphone Mind (10:00)
2. Your Chance Of A Lifetime (5:06)
3. Where The Wild Things Are (3:03)
4. Vampire State Building (13:10)
5. Piss Off (3:18)
6. Change Will Come (6:08)

Links In Comments

Grobschnitt - Solar Music

Guru Guru - Ufo (1970)

"A free form jazz mentality, avoiding musical clichés and commercialism, has always characterized the music and philosophies of German freak `n roll band GURU GURU who have categorically occupied their own special stage within the realms of modern music. From it`s LSD induced origins in the late `60s to it`s present day configuration which still rocks and grooves with intensity, countless personnel changes have occurred making it more of a succession of musical ventures and concepts under the moniker GURU GURU, which came about as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the BEATLES and their guru worshipping of the late `60s. GURU GURU were one of the first bands to become associated with the German Krautrock movement from that era along with bands such as XHOL CARAVAN, AMON DUUL and CAN. However, the band was not partial to the absurd stereo-typing and preferred the terms "acid space" or simply, "acid rock" which better described their loud, trippy, improvisational music." - ProgArchives

- Mani Neumeier / percussion, drums, voice, tapes
- Uli Trepte / bass, sounds
- Ax Genrich / guitars

1. Stone In (5:43)
2. Girl Call (6:21)
3. Next Time See You At The Dalai Lhama (5:59)
4. Ufo (10:25)
5. Der LSD - Marsch (8:28)

Links In Comments

Can - Bring Me Coffee Or Tea

Jane - Live At Home (1976)

"Jane at their apogee brings into focus all their subtle qualities that had by this time made them the most groovin' German band which didn't really fit into the Krautrock category with their rather simple but effective brand of heavy blues/rock on this spaced out August 1976 live performance at the Niedersachsenhalle in their hometown of Hanover, Germany. Loathe it or love it it's all here , stoned out vocals, lofty guitar freakouts, pulsating Hammond organ and the cumbersome beat which made the Jane sound so distinct. Next to Grobschnitt's Solar Music Live this is the penultimate German live rock album hands down and the only Jane album to achieve gold status. Searing versions of Daytime and Hangman off their first LP Together as well as the ballad Out In The Rain from the Here We Are LP burn with even more passion than the originals along with excerpts from Fire, Water, Earth & Air plus an extended 20 minute epic entitled Windows which was not released on any of their studio albums is included here exclusively for the home crowd. Not a directionless jam but actually one of their strongest compositions with impressive use of synths!
All of Jane's cool friends can now come together in the sun once again! Not only one of the best live German albums but one of the best live rock albums to emerge from the seventies period. Indespensable. A headphone album if there ever was one. " - Vibrationbaby - ProgArchives

- Klaus Hess / lead guitar, vocals, Taurus bass pedals
- Martin Hesse / bass, vocals
- Peter Panka / drums, vocals
- Manfred Wieczorke / keyboards, vocals

Disk 1
1. All my friends * (4:58)
2. Lady * (3:38)
3. Rest of my life * (4:42)
4. Expectation * (5:32)
5. River * (3:51)
6. Out in the rain * (6:22)
7. Hangman * (11:55)
8. Fire, Water, Earth & Air * (4:00)
9. Another way * (5:41)
10. Daytime * (9:41)
11. Hightime for Crusaders * (5:07)

Disk 2
1. Windows * (19:20)
2. Lady + (3:29)
3. Fire, Water, Earth & Air + (3:37)
4. Another Way + (5:07)
5. River + (4:02)
6. Out In The Rain + (5:46)
7. Hangman + (14:06)
8. Windows + (23:03

Links In Comments

Kraan - Live In Berlin (1975)

"I must say i love Krautrock,i really do.When in the 70's i discovered this music i could not get enough of it.Bands like Can,Ash Ra Tempel,Popol Vuh,Tangerine Dream (how i could go trough hours of whish and whosh and repetitive sounds still baffles me today but hey those were the times )really caugth my attention.What i did not know at the time was that beneath the surface there were many more surprises in store for me but i could not get them because they just were not popular enough to cross the borders.Fortunately this has changed with the advent of internet,thanks to bloggers and dedicated sites like the Bible of progrockers ProgArchives,we were able to finally discover this hidden gems of Krautrock. Bands like Jane,Eloy,Embryo,Frumpy,Birth Control,Gila,Guru Guru,Agitation Free,Kraan and many more made me realize the true greatness of this genre.Not all the bands have the same sound,infact you can hear lots of differents stiles ( psychedelic,cosmic,jazz rock,straightforward rock) but what they all had in common was that all of them wanted to experiment,create something new hence the long acid jams or the blues rock trips.To celebrate this music we decided to have a Krautrock weekend.The band i choose to start is one of the latest acquisition of my collection,which in a very short time really became one of my all time favourites.The band in question is Kraan and the album is Live In Berlin 1975.This is not an official release,this is not Kraan Live which was recorded i think the previous year.The songlist is roughly the same and despite this being a bootleg the sound is very good and i think this is a notch above the official release,just listen to the version of Kraan Arabia to understand what i mean.This is Kraan at their best with their tipical blend of ethnic jazz rock,the long jams are just "hearing nektar".Enough now,is about time to let the music talk,i hope you will enjoy this as much as i did and have a nice weekend.

PS: I would like to point out that this is obviously the opinion of someone living in a forgotten place back in the 70's in Italy,where this bands had really no chance of being known :-) ."

- Jan Fride / drums
- Hellmut Hattler / bass
- Johannes Pappert / Alto saxophone
- Peter Wolbrandt / guitar, vocals

01-Holiday Am Marterhorn Part I
02-Bandits In The Woods
03-Holiday Am Marterhorn Part II
04-Kraan Arabia
05-Andy Nogger
06-Degado
07-Prima Clima
08-Let It Out
09-Luftpost
10-Nam Nam
11-Sarah's Ritt Durch Den Schwarzwald (Encore)

Links In Comments

Frumpy - How The Gipsy Was Born

Wallenstein - Blitzkrieg (1971)

"WALLENSTEIN were a band that transcended a number of musical styles during their decade-plus of existence, from early krautrock to symphonic to space rock toward the end of their existence.
WALLENSTEIN's original lineup was centered around keyboardist/vocalist Jürgen Dollase and drummer Harald Großkopf, both of whom would go on to make names even bigger for themselves in the German music business (Dollase with THE COSMIC JOKERS and Großkopf as a founding member of ASHRA and later the CENTRAL EUROPE PERFORMANCE). The band was originally named BLITZKRIEG, but as they readied their first studio release the band discovered a prior band with that name so changed theirs and retained 'Blitzkrieg' as the title of that first album." - ProgArchives

- Bill Barone / Gibson 335 guitars, acoustic guitar, vocals

- Jerry Berkers / bass, lead vocals

- Jürgen Dollase / keyboards, Mellotron, lead vocals, words

- Harald Großkopf / drums, percussion

1. Lunatic (11:55)

2. The theme (9:37)

3. Manhatten Project (13:47)

4. Audiences (7:38)

Links In Comments

Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso - Non Mi Rompete Part II

Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso - Non Mi Rompete Part I

Yes - Time And A Word (1970)

"Even without Wakeman or Howe, this rates easily alongside The Yes Album, Fragile and Close to the Edge as one of the quintessential early prog-rock albums. Not only is it near-impossible to find a flaw, but every song is both great and succinct, yet the album retains an exceptional cohesiveness. Chris Squire still considers this his favorite Yes album. As much as I love all the others, I'm tempted to agree." - maani - ProgArchvies

- John Anderson / vocals

- Chris Squire / bass, vocals

- Peter Banks / guitars, vocals

- Tony Kaye / keyboards

- Bill Bruford / drums

1. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed (4:47)

2. Then (5:42)

3. Everydays (6:05)

4. Sweet Dreams (3:48)

5. The Prophet (6:32)

6. Clear Days (2:04)

7. Astral Traveller (5:50)

8. Time and a Word (4:31)

Bonus Tracks

9. Dear Father (4:14)

10. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed (Original Mix) (4:46)

11. Sweet Dreams (Original Mix) (4:20)

12 The Prophet (Single Version) (6:33)

Links In Comments

Deep Purple - Child in Time

Rick Wakeman - The Wives Of Henry VIII (1973)

"RICK WAKEMAN began work on his first solo album, "The Six Wives of Henry VIII", prior to the release of YES' "Close to the Edge". This all-instrumental album purports to be, as the artist himself states, "my interpretations of the musical chracteristics of "the wives of Henry VIII". It's an interesting goal -- one worthy of the progressive rock genre it fits into -- with the keyboardist conjuring various personalities through sentiment, devoutness and drama. Despite the presence of several YES bandmates (including ALAN WHITE, who had yet to appear on a YES album), "Six Wives" doesn't recall the work of YES in any direct sense. WAKEMAN, though a pioneer of the synthesizer and mellotron, is well attuned to the keyboard's history, and his melange of sounds both old and new is unique. Having revealed himself to be something of a history buff, WAKEMAN is also outed as an Anglophile, not just in his choice of subject matter but in his decidedly structured approach to songwriting. The music is steeped in English idioms, from the staid religious passages (going so far as to emulate a church organ on "Jane Seymour") to the rural quality of his melodies (which achieves a lovely effect on "Catherine Howard"). Perhaps most impressive is WAKEMAN's ability to fuse different sections together using a variety of sounds, without making the music feel unnatural or forced. "Catherine of Aragon" and "Catherine Parr", for example, cover a wide range of emotions and actions in a relatively short span of time, yet WAKEMAN avoids overwhelming his listeners by creating respiteful passages in between the more active sections."The Six Wives of Henry VIII" is regarded by many as WAKEMAN's best solo album. His animated arrangements and sympathetic storytelling, tinctured with a sense of humor and a flair for the dramatic, should please both realists and escapists. " - daveconn - ProgArchives

- Rick Wakeman / pianos, organ, harpsi chord, synthesizers, mellotron - Bill Bruford / drums (1-5)
- Ray Cooper / percussion (1-5)
- David Cousins / electric banjo (3)
- Chas Cronk / bass (3)
- Barry de Souza / drums (3)
- Mike Egan / guitar (1-2-5-6)
- Steve Howe / guitar (1)
- Les Hurdle / bass (1-5)
- Dave Lambert / guitar (3)
- Laura Lee / chorus (5)
- Sylvia McNeill / chorus (5)
- Judy Powell / chorus (1)
- Frank Ricotti / percussion (2-3-6)
- Barry St.John / chorus (1)
- Chris Squire / bass (1)
- Liza Strike / chorus (1-5)
- Alan White / drums (2-4-6)

1. Catherine of Aragon (3:45)
2. Anne of Cleves (7:50)
3. Catherine Howard (6:36)
4. Jane Seymour (4:44)
5. Anne Boleyn (Incl "The day thou gavest Lord is ended") (6:31)
6. Catherine Parr (7

Links In Comments

Paul Gilbert - Scarified

Steve Vai - The Ultra Zone (1999)

"This album contains two tributes to two other stellar guitarists. One of those is "Jiboom," which pays homage to Stevie Ray Vaughan, while "Frank" remembers Frank Zappa. Vai saw his career begin as a teenage stunt guitarist for Frank Zappa. Later, Mike Keneally performed the same role in a band backing Zappa. For this album, Keneally toured in Vai's band, but plays keyboards on the album. It is an amazing exhibition of six-string talent." - Tom Schulte

"The Blood & Tears"

"The Ultra Zone"

"Oooo"

"Frank" (homage to Frank Zappa)

"Jibboom" (homage to Stevie Ray Vaughan)

"Voodoo Acid" – 6:25

"Windows to the Soul"

"The Silent Within"

"I'll Be Around"

"Lucky Charms"

"Fever Dream"

"Here I Am"

"Asian Sky"

Links In Comments

Richard Bona - Eyando

Jaco Pastorius - Jaco Pastorius (1976)

"Jaco Pastorius' debut album certainly got a lot of attention in the jazz world. In 1976 there wasn't a bass player alive who had not heard, and consequently had not been blown away by Jaco's version of Donna Lee that opens this album. When it came out, this album was revolutionary in the world of bass playing, and most bassists probably still consider it a five star album to this day, but how does it sound to us regular folks.Jaco certainly goes for the eclectic approach on this album, touching on RnB, neo-classical, be-bop, world beat, ambient and a few styles of his own invention. Probably the nicest cuts on the album feature Herbie Hancock and a string ensemble playing some sophisticated Jaco compositions that are a third stream cross between jazz and 20th century neo-classical. My other favorites include two semi-ambient pieces that feature Jaco playing the bass as if it were a tuned percussion instrument.The rest of the album consists of a couple of upbeat world-jazz numbers that show what direction Jaco would be taking Weather Report, an outdated shot at commercial RnB with Sam n Dave, and a couple of solo straight ahead jazz numbers that highlight Pastorius's obvious skills on the bass.Once upon a time this album was 'the shot heard round the world' for bass players, it still is highly influential and contains some nice sophisticated music for us non-bassists as well. " - Easy Money - ProgArchives

Jaco Pastorius: Bass, horn & string arrangements
Don Alias: Congas, Bongos, Percussion, Okonkolo y Iya, Afuche
Randy Brecker: Trumpet
Ron Tooley: Trumpet
Peter Graves: Bass Trombone
David Sanborn: Alto Sax
Michael Brecker: Tenor Sax
Howard Johnson: Baritone Sax
Herbie Hancock: Keyboards, Piano, Fender Rhodes
Narada Michael Walden: Drums
Sam & Dave: Vocals
Bobby Economou: Drums
Michael Gibbs: Conductor, String Arrangement
Wayne Shorter: Soprano Sax
Othello Molineaux: Steel Drums
Leroy Williams: Steel Drums
Lenny White: Drums
Peter Gordon: French Horn
Strings: Violins: David Nadien (concertmaster), Harry Lookofsky, Paul Gershman, Koe Malin, Harry Cykman, Harold Kohon, Matthew Raimondi, Max Pollikoff, Arnold Black. Violas: Selwart Clarke, Manny Vardi, Julian Barber, Al Brown. Celli: Charles McCracken, Kermit Moore, Beverly Lauridsen, Alan Shulman. Double Basses: Richard Davis, Homer Mensch.


1. Donna lee (2:26)
2. Come on, come over (3:50)
3. Continuum(4:31)
4. Kuru (7:38)
Speak like a child
5. Portrait of tracy (2:20)
6. Ocus pocus (5:25)
7. Okonkole'y trompa (4:21)
8. Used to be a cha-cha (8:52)
9. Forgotten love (2:12)

Links In Comments

Picchio Dal Pozzo - Picchio Dal Pozzo (1976)

"A wonderful release that has always kept me on my toes and been quite an inspiration, Picchio dal Pozzo's self-titled release is a hidden gem in the Canterbury scene, filled with inspiring lines and one of the most wonderful psych tracks these ears have come across. Although perhaps not as essential as Gong's most famous of works, this is wonderful material.Essentially, I am drawn to this album from the psychedelic Seppia, which has a groove for about 4 minutes that I quite simply call the coolest groove ever. Man, is it fun. Think of it as a musical high, with cosmic influences and effervescent vocals and a pounding distorted line that you can't help but move along with. This differs quite much from other famous Italian works and so it should be noted as soon, as this shares much more connection to bands like Gong and the like than it does to Le Orme, Museo Rosenbach, and etc.The variety of instruments, stunning effects, and sense of style are more than enough to make this record something to hold onto. I can almost guarantee that those with a love of Canterbury and an ear for experimentation will be enthralled with this release. Give it a try, I'm sure you'll be impressed. " - OpethGuitarist - ProgArchives

- Andrea Beccari / bass, horn, percussion, voice
- Aldo De Scalzi / keyboards, percussion, voice
- Paolo Griguolo / guitar, percussion, voice
- Giorgio Karaghiosoff / percussion, voice

- Guests:
- Fabio Canini / drums on 5,6, percussion on 3,5,7
- Vittorio De Scalzi / flute on 3,8
- Leonardo Lagorio (CELESTE) / contralto sax on 5,7
- Gerry Manarolo / guitar on 7
- Carlo Pascucci / drums on 5,7
- Ciro Perrino (CELESTE) / xylophone on 3

1. Merta (3:18)
2. Cocomelastico (4:23)
3. Seppia (10:16)
a)Sottotitolo
b)Frescofresco
c)Rusf
4. Bofonchia (0:51)
5. Napier (7:23)
6. La Floricultura Di Tschincinnata (4:22)
7. La Bolla (4:29)
8. Off (4:4

Links In Comments

Hawkind - Warrior On The Edge Of Time (1975)

"For me HAWKWIND hit their peak with this album and the previous one Hall Of The Mountain Grill.Certainly the addition of Simon House and his liberal use of mellotron adds some softness and beauty to both of these records.This would be the last studio record from HAWKWIND that House would use mellotron.This would also be Lemmy's last album with the band. Assault & Battery Part I and the next song The Golden Void Part II blend together making it in my opinion the best 10 minutes of music that HAWKWIND have ever recorded.It opens with Lemmy's bass lines and a windstorm of mellotron.The tempo picks up as the drums come in and then vocals.I like the vocal melodies too.Flute From Turner before 2 minutes.Themes are repeated and we get lots of flute 4 minutes in.As it blends into the next track we again start out with a river of mellotron.Sax and organ also help out with synths.Vocals penetrate the wall of sound.A nice heavy beat and more passionate vocals 2 minutes in.Sax returns and it goes on and on to the end. The Wizard Blew His Horn features spoken words that echo from Sci-Fi writer Mike Moorlock.This reminds me of Nik Turner's solo album Xitintoday.It blends into Opa-Loka which features a good hypnotic beat(like CAN is known for) that builds including mellotron.Spacey sounds come in late.Great tune. The Demented Man opens with the sounds of seagulls as acoustic guitar then vocals come in.Drums and a fuller sound a minute in.Mellotron comes in as seagulls can still be heard. Magnu opens with the sound of wind and rain before an excellent riff comes in.Vocals follow and there's an eastern feel in the background.Some violin before 3 minutes with lots of spacey sounds followed by sax.A cool spacey interlude 5 minutes in where they jam until it blends into Standing At The Edge which features another spoken word section this time by Nik. Spiral Galaxy 28948 is dark and sinister sounding to begin with.Then synths come in and the tempo picks up to change the mood.Flute and spacey synths dominate as drums pound. Warriors features more spoken words by Mike again. Dying Seas opens with bass and a catchy rhythm as vocals from Turner join in.Lots of spacey sounds and some violin along with some minor riffing. Kings Of Speed is a rocker.I keep thinking he's singing Ace of spades.Yeah it's similar to what MOTORHEAD would do but with better vocals.Haha.Violin after 2 minutes. A must have HAWKWIND album if there ever was one." Mellotron Storm - ProgArchives

- Dave Brock / guitar, synthesizer, bass (4), vocals (1, 2, 5, 6 & 11)
- Nik Turner / Tenor and Soprano saxophone, flute, vocals (7 & 10)
- Simon House / Violin and Mellotron
- Lemmy / bass guitar
- Simon King / drums & percussion
- Allan Powell / drums & percussion
- Mike Moorcock / vocal (3 & 9)

1. & 2. Assault & battery part I / The golden void part II (10:20)
3. The wizard blew his horn (2:00)
4. Opa-loka (5:40)
5. The demented man (4:20)
6. Magnu (8:40)
7. Standing at the edge (3:45)
8. Spiral galaxy 28948 (3:55)
9. Warriors (2:05)
10. Dying seas (3:05)
11. Kings of speed (3:25)

Bonus track
12. Motorhead (3:11)

Links In Comments

Gavin Harrison - Slipping Away

Alan White - Ramshackled (1976)

"ALAN WHITE has been the drummer for the band YES for more than thirty years, contributing to all their albums from the live "Yessongs" until the present. Before joining that band, however, he played with a lot of musicians, from local unknown bands to famous artists like John Lennon, George Harrison, Ginger Baker`s Air Force, Joe Cocker, Balls, Griffin, "Bell & Arc", Alan Price, Gary Wright, Jesse Ed Davis, Billy Preston, and many others."

- Alan White / drums, percussion

- Peter Kirtley / guitars, vocals

- Colin Gibson / bass, percussion

- Kenny Craddock / keyboards, vocals

- Alan Marshall / vocals

- Bud Beadle / solo saxophone, flute

- Andy Phillips / steel drum

- Steve Gregory / tenor saxophone, flute

- Henry Lowther / trumpet

- Madeleine Bell / backing vocals

- Joanne Williams / backing vocals

- Vicky Brown / backing vocals

- David Bedford / orchestral arrangements and orchestra conductor

- Jon Anderson / vocals (4)

- Steve Howe / guitar (4)

1. Ooooh Baby (Goin`to Pieces)

2. One Way Rag

3. Avakak

4. Spring - Song of Innocence

5. Giddy

6. Silly Woman

7. Marching into a Bottle

8. Everybody

9. Darkness (Parts I, II & III)

Links In Comments

Bad Salad - Crowded Sky - Demo (Working Title: Song #8 "Susto")

Opeth - Still Life (1999)

"Ok,this is my favorite album!It's a masterpiece!The concept is splendid!That's a story about a banned love in middle ages.The music has beautiful and right changes((I mean that they exist in the appropriate moments),(It's melancholic,very aggressive,violent,jazzy e.t.c))!The vocals are perfect(as always)!
I don't have favourite tracks for this album because I like all the album.Of course I separate The moor,godhead's lament,moonlapse vertigo,serenity painted death(the best track of the album and generally my favorite track from Opeth)and white cluster.

The artwork is so fantastic!The mourning woman with the cross behind her and the red fondo fit perfectly!!

I challenge everyone to listen to this album.I believe that is a must-have for every music admirer and appreciator.Because it isn't death metal with splatter.It's progressive death metal with meaning.

My grade:10/10(it can be excessive but I love this album)." - Prog Geo - ProgArchives

- Martin Mendez / bass

- Mikael Åkerfeldt / guitar, vocals

- Peter Lindgren / guitar

- Martin Lopez / drums

1. The Moor (11:28)

2. Godhead's Lament (9:47)

3. Benighted (5:01)

4. Moonlapse Vertigo (9:00)

5. Face Of Melinda (7:59)

6. Serenity Painted Death (9:14)

7. White Cluster (10:02)

Links In Comments

Argent - God Gave Rock 'N' Roll To You

Hawkwind - Levitation (1980)

"I'm a huge fan of the HAWKWIND period from "In Search Of Space" to "Warrior On The Edge Of Time". "Levitation" is an album i've known about for years, i just haven't been able to find it until it was just recently re-issued.This has to be the most accessible yet heaviest HAWKWIND album out there.What a blast ! My only concern is that i might tire of it too quickly, hence the 4.5 stars instead of 5 stars.We'll see. Of note Robert Calvert is gone, while Tim Blake(GONG) and Ginger Baker(CREAM,BLIND FAITH) have jumped on board. "Levitation" is just too catchy and i really mean that.It's uptempo and i like the sound of the guitar,especially during the prolonged instrumental section. "Motor Way City" is such a feel good track for me.it opens with pleasing guitar followed by vocals.I like the guitar solo before 3 1/2 minutes as they jam to the end. "Psychosis" features lots of powerful atmosphere as spoken words arrive.It turns spacey late with electronics. "World Of Tiers" has this spacey intro which is replaced quickly by a great sounding soundscape.The drumming and bass are outstanding here as the guitar plays over top.It settles down before kicking back in. "Prelude" is a short intro with spacey winds and electronics. "Who's Gonna Win The War" has a darker sound to it as vocals join in.Nice guitar before a minute and later 2 1/2 minutes in.A powerful message here. "Space Chase" opens with electronics which are joined quickly by an uptempo instrumental assault. "The 5th Second Of Forever(From The Film)" features acoustic guitar and spacey sounds early.It kicks in after a minute as vocals join in.This is so good ! It ends as it began. "Dust Of Time" opens with guitar that again sounds incredible.Vocals join in.It settles before 2 1/2 minutes then builds.That great sounding guitar from earlier is back 5 minutes in joined by vocals. This will sit proudly with my other favourite HAWKWIND albums.A must ! " - Mellotron Storm - ProgArchives

- Harvey Bainbridge / bass, backing vocals
- Ginger Baker / drums
- Tim Blake / keyboards
- Dave Brock / vocals, guitars, synthesizers
- Huw Lloyd-Langton / lead guitar

1. Levitation
2. Motorway City
3. Psychosis
4. World of Tiers
5. Prelude
6. Who's Gonna Win the War
7. Space Chase
8. The 5th Second of Forever
9. Dust of Time


Links In Comments

The Animals - House Of The Rising Sun

Pink Floyd - Meddle (1971)

"I'm torn between this and the very first Pink Floyd album as my favourite. The genius of Barrett pervades that first LP, but the rather amateurish playing and recording jarr a lot, though I still prefer it to the technical excellence of Dark Side, a moment when the band became commerically-massive, but lost something of it's dark soul.
What finally swings it for me is the long suite of music on the other side (in more ways than one) called Echoes. This is a wonderful piece of atmosphere making, one that Syd himself would have been proud of. It contains so much that is subtle as well as powerful, for me this is Floyd's finest moment, though much else they did was interesting. If the record here was the same on the B side as the A side, it would be pretty poor by comparison, the first side is very uninspiring. It has its moments, but not enough of them, it struggles for shape and definition. Then comes that marvellous suite of music, and all is forgiven. A must for any serious collector." - gisell - ProgArchives

- David Gilmour / guitars, vocals

- Nick Mason / drums

- Roger Waters / bass, vocals

- Richard Wright / keyboards, vocals

1. "One of These Days" – 7:02

* Spoken line: Mason

2. "A Pillow of Winds" – 5:10

* Lead vocals: Gilmour

3. "Fearless" – 6:08

* Lead vocals: Gilmour

4. " San Tropez – 3:43

* Lead vocals: Waters

5. "Seamus" – 2:15

* Lead vocals: Gilmour

6. " Echoes – 23:31

* Lead vocals: Gilmour and Wright

Links In Comments