Plamp ~ Switzerland

...Und Uberhaupt... 1978 private

Like many albums from Switzerland, Plamp's sole album is a private press that time forgot. The CD Reissue Wish List is full of such albums (Nautilus, Agamemnon, Schakta, Eloiteron, etc...). From the northeastern town of Chur, Plamp went boldly forward with their native German language. As for the music, it's a hodge podge of late 70s rock with jazz and classical accents highlighted by flute, violin, and sax. A bit too diverse for its own good, but plenty of nice fuzz leads and organ outbursts. Reference groups: Rumpel Stilz, Flaming Bess, Novalis, Sicher, Novaks Kapelle, and El Shalom.

Priority: 3

8/31/10

Marakesh ~ Netherlands

Marakesh. 1976 Mirasound

UMR review

Priority: 2

8/30/10 (new entry)

Herrgottsax ~ Germany

Siebold Seiergesichts Sündige Saxofone. 1981 Eigelstein.

Judging by the cover, the title name, and some of the cartoonish voices, one gets the impression this album was made for children. Maybe John Coltrane's kids, I dunno? Other than the aforementioned voices, this is mainly a superbly crafted Kraut fusion album in the Missus Beastly, Munju, and Mosaik style. Large ensemble featuring multiple saxophones, flutes, horns, guitar, bass, and drums. The compositions and playing are very tight, and some of the sections will have you raising your head repeatedly in amazement. There's some standard jazz noodling as well - but overall a very pleasant surprise and well worth seeking out. 

Priority: 3

8/29/10

Ginbae ~ Japan

Ginbae. 1976 Seaside

A very heavy album given the 1976 date. Basically a proto metal album with guitar riffs that wouldn't be out of place on a 70's era Judas Priest album. Five tracks with long amplified/phased guitar solos. Some typical Japanese balladry can be found in the vocal sections. Songs are perfunctory, and are merely excuses to launch the next jam session. 

Priority: 3

8/28/10

Epizootic ~ Sweden

Daybreak. 1976 Feji

UMR review 

***Reissued on LP by Long Hair (2020)

After careful evaluation it appears the CD reissue out there is similar to the first Elonkorjuu CD - same catalog number system (FID), from Germany, etc... Fairly certain it's a pirate. They also didn't mention it in the liner notes for the Long Hair LP reissue.

Priority: 2

8/26/10 (new entry)

Eric Delaunay ~ France

Antagonisme! 1980 Vogue

UMR review

Priority: 2

8/25/10 (new entry)

True Myth, Canada ***REISSUED***

True Myth. 1979 Warner Brothers.

***Reissued by Belle Antique Aug 2010

Much was made at the time of release that True Myth's sole album was the first ever all digital recording from Canada. I guess it's ironic, then, that the album remains unissued in digital format. This is obviously a big budget affair, complete with a thick gatefold cover, lengthy liner notes, and a brilliant production. Musically, even though it's from Canada, it has much in common with the US Midwest prog rock scene of the mid 1970s. Though not that much of a stretch since southern Ontario is an extension of the region. 1979 was a little late for an album like this, and there's the expected obvious commercial AOR moves that can be a bit cringe inducing. But the piano work here is stellar (recalling Italy's Festa Mobile actually). A good album that is generally panned by the progressive rock community. But I have a soft spot for this kind of stuff and recommend it to those who like groups such as Ethos, Styx and Sunblind Lion.

Priority: 2

12/14/09 (new entry); 8/25/10 (complete)

Coma ~ Denmark

Financial Tycoon. 1977 Genlyd
Amoc. 1980 Genlyd

Love and Madness - It's All the Same. 1986 Generation

Financial Tycoon is like a direct cross between two of Denmark's finest bands: Dr. Dopo Jam and Secret Oyster. From Dr. Dopo Jam they inherit the obvious Zappa influence, including humorous bits and complex composition style. From Secret Oyster they get the fusion tendencies and instrumental dexterity. Some splendid sax and ripping guitar solos really add spice to the album. I've heard some folks say Financial Tycoon is Canterbury influenced, but I can't say I do.

Not surprisingly, Amoc, released three years later is much more in the fuzak area, with plenty of soft sax and early digital synthesizer action. All is not a total loss, as there's still plenty of rough edged guitar moments and a couple of moodier electric piano driven pieces, with the highlight being the final title track. 

I have not heard the 3rd album to date.

Priority: 2

8/24/10

Alice ~ France

Alice - Arrêtez le Monde. 1972 Polydor

Alice were a French pop band experimenting with orchestrations and other trendy progressive ideas. In that way, they remind me of the Italian groups doing similar like Delirium's Dolce Acqua or The New Trolls Concerto Grosso No. 1. When Alice are strictly instrumental, they can be highly fascinating, and utilize a multitude of instruments (including mellotron). But they are pop singer-songwriters at heart, and those moments are pretty hard to stomach, unless you're a fan of said style.

Their debut album was reissued as far back as 1996.

Priority: none

8/22/10

Arakontis ~ Germany

Live at the Quasimodo. 1981 Blackbird

This live album is a fine Latin fusion with some nice guitar driven melody lines, and a fair amount of electric piano. Not atypical for the time and place, and another good example of the style. Not as fusion oriented as Rozz and less Latin influenced than To Be, but both albums provide guideposts of what you can expect from Arakontis. Arakontis also appear on a four group compilation album called Berlin Fusion that also features Chameleon, Changes, and Margo.

Priority: none

8/20/10

Bridges ~ Norway

Fakkeltog. 1980 Våkenatt

It was about 15 years ago or so, while leafing through an LP rarities catalog, that I first came across this Bridges title. The description basically stated that it was pre A-Ha, but you would never know it by the contents of the music. I didn't believe the catalog. I figured it was hype to get top dollar for an obvious rarity. Probably just another pop rock album that didn't sell well. Well the catalog writer was right and I was wrong. This really is something to pay attention to! And it's also filled with irony. A-ha, to many Americans at least, represents the epitome of mid 80s MTV video driven synth pop (I understand that their albums are deeper than that, but the perception remains). So how can it be that the very embodiment of 1980s slick pop, could put out an album in 1980 that sounds like it was from 1968? See, this Bridges album is heavily influenced by the classic Doors sound, right down to the Morrison baritone vocals. As well, most of the instrumentation is vintage including the Hammond organ. Talk about a change in direction! To me, the Doors are a quintessential American band, where the culture is a big part of the sound. So I do think it's hard to appreciate a band from Norway copying the style, even though it's extremely well done. I suppose it's similar to a band from Los Angeles singing in Italian and trying to replicate classic PFM. 

Priority: 3

8/20/10

Combo 8 ~ Sweden

Vibrationer. 1976 Levande Improviserad Musik

Inventive mix of fusion and horn rock. 1976 was a little late in the game for horns to be used in this context, which may explain the typical fusion moves that drag this down a bit. 

Priority: 3

8/19/10

News: Garden of Delights reissues Amphyrite

Released this month on Thors Hammer, GoD's sub-label dedicated to non German albums. Not a major priority for me personally, but an extremely rare album all the same and it makes its debut on CD. My blurb from the CDOWL below:

Amphyrite – s/t (France) 1973 private. Guitar blues rock trio. One guy solos on guitar while the others keep time (sort of). No vocals to get in the way. Or melody either. Sounds more American in its approach. Amber Soundroom did manage to reissue this on LP before going belly up.

Supply Demand and Curve ~ Ireland

Supply Demand & Curve. 1976 Mulligan

Supply Demand and Curve provide a vast array of sounds, like a sampler through contemporary Ireland. The primary progressive rock influence is Gentle Giant, especially their more jazzy moments. Even a few traditional instruments are employed. A good album, second to only Fruupp when talking 1970s Irish progressive rock.

Priority: 2

8/15/10

Pirana ~ Australia

Pirana. 1971 Harvest

UMR review

Pirana II. 1972 Harvest

Priority: 1

8/13/10 (new entry)

Manar, Iceland ***REISSUED***

Mánar. 1971 SG Records

***Reissued by Steinar 1992

Song oriented organ/guitar based rock, typical of the early 70s Scandinavian style. Sometimes recalls bands such as Junipher Greene and Thors Hammer, though Manar are a bit duller than that may imply. Nice flute work. Decent period piece and ranks ahead of other similar Icelandic bands such as Trubrot and Odmenn. 

---

There were two reissues prior to the CDRWL. Nothing to see here...

Priority: none

News: Esoteric to reissue The Dog That Bit People

Not long ago we announced Esoteric's October releases. They had mentioned a couple of more in the pipe, and today we learned the super rare The Dog That Bit People is being reissued. There is a prior legit reissue on the obscure Shoestring label, but those are long sold into collections and impossible to find now.

I never did feature this album separately, but it was in the Original List entry. Below is the excerpt:

The Dog That Bit People - s/t (England) 1971 Parlophone. Standard underground UK rock album, not that dissimilar from what you would find on the Dawn, Neon or Transatlantic labels during this era. Features a slightly down home folk feel combined with some nice organ/mellotron and a few good leads. Not overly progressive, but a well produced rock album all the same. Originals are very expensive. Reissued originally by the Shoestring label in 1994.

The always excellent Planet Mellotron website describes the album as such: "When organist Norman Haines left Locomotive to form The Norman Haines Band (subsequently producing the fab Den of Iniquity), bassist Michael Hincks and drummer Bob Lamb added two guitarist/vocalists and formed The Dog That Bit People. Their sole, eponymous album from '71 is the kind of stylistic mish-mash that usually gets labeled 'progressive' these days, despite having next to nothing in common with the brand leaders. OK, I suppose it's 'progressive' compared to the mainstream pop and rock of the day, but it's not a particularly adventurous album, opening badly with the overly gentle Goodbye Country, while halfway decent proto-prog like Cover Me In Roses is followed by the good-time country-rock of Someone, Somewhere. Closer Reptile Man is the most rocking thing here, with its distorted vocal, but it's a case of too little, too late.

Keith Millar plays Mellotron, with a string part towards the end of opener Goodbye Country, more of the same (endearingly out of tune) on Cover Me In Roses and (in tune this time) Walking. Overall, then, The Dog That Bit People isn't a hidden artifact from the era, just a rather ordinary album with a couple of good points, just scraping three stars, with some welcome Mellotron work."

Interesting to note that Esoteric also reissued their own Eclectic release of Locomotive.

It would seem that The Norman Haines Band won't be too far behind. I can only hope so!

News: Session to be reissued by Rocket Records in ONE WEEK!

Ay-yeee-yooo-yeeeee!!!!!!!!!!

You read it right boys and girls. The super rare Finnish album is coming out on CD from Rocket Records scheduled to be reissued August 18th!! And it's not just rare - but very good. We featured them here.

We're getting word that one US vendor might be able to carry these! Can't say who, but it does offer hope for us folks in the US.

More info here (in Finnish).

Session ~ Finland ***REISSUED***

Unikuva. 1974 EMI/Odeon

***Reissued by Rocket Records Aug 2010

UMR review

Priority: 1

8/3/09 (new entry); 8/10/10 (complete)

Clicker ~ USA

Clicker. 1973 Hemisphere

Private press prog album from Madison, Wisconsin. First couple of tracks are straight forward early 70's rock all the way, though they feature mellotron on the 2nd track. One of the rare places where I really think they used the instrument as a strings sampler rather than as moody accompaniment. This is followed by an atmospheric acoustic guitar driven instrumental. Then a Yes-like proggy piece, having that uniquely Midwestern approach (e.g. Starcastle or Albatross). Another rocker and a short quirky instrumental close out Side 1. Side 2 starts with an amalgamation of their prog and rock tendencies. This leads to the 16 minute closer. After a silly 2 minute introductory narrative, we are treated to a surprisingly great jazz rock instrumental, though there's an overlong and somewhat uninteresting guitar noodle solo section (with no other accompanying instruments). A nice album that grows on you. The good parts are really good.

They have a second album called Harde Har Har Har which I understand to be of much lesser interest (and which would seem obvious, I suppose, given the title of the album)

Priority: 3

8/10/10

Baracca e Burattini ~ Italy

Hinterland. 1981 Mama Barley

One of many Italian fusion albums from this period, influenced by the Cramps label groups such as Bella Band and late era Canzoniere Del Lazio. Also Perigeo should get a nod here. I also detect a slight Zeuhl underpinning, as noted by the chanted, wordless vocals. On the soft side of said genre, but definitely distinguishes this album from the pack. Band is named after a 1954 Italian film. Worth a few spins.

Priority: 3

8/9/10

News: Handgjort album to be reissued on Silence

I'm a little late to the party on this one, but just noticed this while researching another Swedish band on the excellent progg.se site.

Apparently there's a new vinyl only label called Psykofon, who it appears has done the impossible - obtained a license from Silence Records, a label notorious to keeping things close to the vest. As you will see in the blurb below, Psykofon take their vinyl very seriously, which is awesome. Once in awhile, I'll buy a well made LP reissue if the originals are impossibly rare (and Handgjort qualifies - otherwise I would pay for the original even if expensive, just not terribly so) and are also one of my favorite albums (not so much in this case I'm afraid).

It's also apparent from the below statement that Silence themselves will reissue the CD. If so, that will be the first reissue from them in many years. Perhaps we can see the first Flasket Brinner in our lifetime! As well as some others like Anna Själv Tredje, Kebnekaise's "Elefanten", etc...

"Handgjort

(Vinyl, Psykofon Records, OBJEKT 1)

(CD, Silence Records, SRSCD 3618)

Handgjort ("Handmade") recorded a legendary album in 1970 released by Silence Records. All covers were hand painted by the band members. The music is moody underground folk with eastern influences. The album sold very poorly and is a serious collectors item today. The original band members were: Marcus Brandelius aka Greg Fitzpatrick, esraj and vocals; Guy Öhrström, acoustic guitar; Stig Arne Karlsson, sitar; Theo Greyerz, tablas.

After over three years of preparation, Psykofon proudly presents Handgjort in an expanded reissue!

Exclusive replica, with handpainted covers by the band members once again! Original album remastered from the master tapes without digitalization! Bonus album recorded live at the festivals at Gärdet 1970 and 1971, all previously unreleased! 25 minutes of exclusive bonus material to the vinyl release. Strictly limited edition of 600 copies done with full cooperation of the band and Silence Records! 16 page booklet telling the complete uncensored story of Handgjort, featuring unique photos and lots of reproductions of original Handgjort hand painted covers!

We at Psykofon feel that this reissue is something very special. The mythical moody mystical cult vibe of the original recordings are well captured here with new original sleeve art by the band members, just like in 1970. This one is for real folks, and will surely blow everyone's mind! This edition is very true to the original in its feeling and the materials chosen for the issue. Featuring entire bonus LP with previously unreleased live material recorded at the Festivals at Gärdet in 1970 and 1971!! LP comes with comprehensive 16 page booklet telling the complete unheard story of this underground band. Handgjort is the first release from Psykofon Records.

New date for release: Tuesday 18 May 2010, 19.00 p.m., at Pet Sounds Bar, Skånegatan, Stockholm, Sweden.

Handgjort will perform live for the first time since 1971!!!

The release is a Psykofon and Silence coproduction.

Please contact us at:

psykofon@gmail.com "

We featured Handgjort last October.

Air ~ Germany

Teilweise Kacke... ...aber Stereo. 1973 Eigenbau

My review for Gnosis from 2006: "One of the most obscure albums from the vast Krautrock scene, Air’s sole album from 1973 has just recently surfaced to the collector’s market. It’s easy to see why. Translating more or less to “Partially Sh*t… …but in Stereo”, and featuring a plain white cover with “Air” in gothic lettering, one gets the impression this was made for fun and distributed to friends and club patrons. Musically it could be categorized as instrumental rock, not that distant from what one would find on a sound library album. That is, generic incidental music used for television and films. Maybe not 100% accurate, as these cuts do seem to be self-contained composed pieces, but similarities do exist, especially considering how simple the songs are. Organ is the featured instrument, and the tones are ancient, more akin to 1965 than 1973. It’s even older sounding than the organ used by Erlkoenig, if that’s possible. The organist doubles on flute, but the playing is more 18th century classical than Osanna. The electric guitar is primarily used only for rhythm and is lacking any kind of rock tone effects. And, of course, there is a drum solo to suffer through. The easy comparison would be the Roland Kovac New Set (another German sound library group), but misses their strong jazz background and creativity, and thus is far less interesting. In conclusion, Air is not a bad album at all, and does make for a nice curiosity."

Priority: none

8/8/10

Handgjort, Sweden ***REISSUED***

Handgjort - 1970 Silence

***Reissued by Silence / Psykofon Aug 2010

Almost all instrumental acoustic Eastern world music, similar to the Third Ear Band or Aktuala. More underground and primitive though, reminding me of Furekaaben. Years later, Embryo would produce a more professional variation of this sound on Reise (the non rock pieces that is).

Priority: none 

10/5/09 (new entry); 8/8/10 (complete)

Arpaderba ~ Italy

L'Aleph. 1981 Incontro

I first got a chance to hear this rarity while visiting a friend in Rome in 1994, and I noted it as one of the more interesting albums that I heard on the visit. It would be years later before I could even find reference to it, and I began to question the accuracy of my notes. Was this the right band name? Album? Finally, within the last few years, the album has resurfaced, and I've had a chance to hear it again.

Arpaderba are an instrumental medieval folk rock group lead by the former guitarist from Raccomandata Ricevuta Ritorno and Samadhi. Reminds me of somewhat of the bands coming out of Brittany during this time like Avel Nevez or an instrumental Malicorne. Very nicely played (especially the violin), with just a bit too much gloss in the production to have any major impact on the scene. Minimum Vital would later take a similar approach (though with Baroque as a blueprint) and apply much more firepower. Still a very worthy piece and a surprisingly different sound to come out of Italy.

Priority: 3

8/7/10

Tommy Broman ~ Sweden

Efter Midnatt. 1976 YTF

What we have here is nine strong instrumental compositions with Broman providing electric guitar leads (wonderfully affected with wah, fuzz, phasing, etc..), Bjorn J:Son Lindh on flute, and others on electric piano, congas, and whatever else was gathering dust at the studio. The 70s Swedish ensemble Lotus also comes to mind here. A very good album that few still seem to know about.

Priority: 3

8/6/10

La Confrerie des Fous ~ France

La Confrerie des Fous. 1978 Ballon Noir

UMR review

Priority: none

8/5/10 (new entry)

News: Esoteric's October releases

As mentioned before, I'm not very consistent with announcing Esoteric's reissues. For the most part, they release albums already on CD, and thus out of the scope of what I'm doing here. Many times these will be improvements on what was available prior, but maybe not enough for me to call out.

But October's batch caught my eye mainly for the first and third Out of Focus albums (Second, self-titled album, will come out in November). These were reissued by Ohrwaschl (Kuckuk) back in the early days of the CD reissue, and are barebones at best. They are also long OOP, and have been bootlegged in recent years. Just as Ohrwaschl's Nosferatu is now being tackled by Long Hair, I think Esoteric's reissues are going to represent a major upgrade.

Here's the full list:

"October's releases aren't totally finalised as we are waiting for some expected clearances that we would like to pop in there-- but at the moment are as follows

Machiavel-Mechanical Moonbeams
Machiavel-Jester
Out of Focus-Wake Up
Out of Focus-4 letter Monday afternoon (double)
Titus Groan-Titus Groan
Randy California-Kaptain Kopter and the Fabulous Twirlybirds "

News: Soleil Zeuhl to reissue first Strave album

According to a response from Alain on Progressive Ears, Soleil Zeuhl will be reissuing the first Strave album this Fall. He also said to look for other announcements, though no word if the other Strave's are also being reissued.

Great news!

We recently featured Strave in April.

Morning Sky ~ USA

Sea of Dreams. 1976 private

UMR review

Priority: 1

8/3/10 (new entry)