Ole G. Nilssen, Norway ***REISSUED***

Ole G. Nilssen - World of Dreams. 1976 Apollo 

***Reissued by Norske Album Classics 2022 

Future Solaris member Nilssen put out this one incredibly obscure album before he himself disappeared into the ether. I've had this one on a curiosity list for well over 10 years, and finally in 2009 I had a chance to hear it, due to a good friend of this site. So was it worth the effort? Rarely is the answer yes in these cases, and World of Dreams is no exception, but this is a mighty fine album for certain. Light years better than the subpar Solaris Misty Morning album. At its core, World of Dreams is a soft rock vocal album. But there are long sections dedicated to instrumentals, and its these sections that are clearly progressive rock influenced, with 1970s era instrumentation. Like a lot of soft rock, the songwriting is better than average, and Nilssen possesses a fine voice, and so the combination is highly appealing, even if not consistent. One I'm glad I finally heard. 

Priority: none

3/24/10 (new entry); 5/4/22 (complete)

St. Helena, Norway ***REISSUED***

St. Helena - Hello Friend 1974 (1992 Colours) 

***Reissued by Norske Album Classics in Mar 2022

St. Helena play a very complex progressive sound akin to the UK scene at the time. Matches closest with the band Gracious! on their debut. I also hear parallels to another classic Norway band, Junipher Greene, especially from their Friendship album. Unfortunately the album is under 25 minutes, but it's time well spent. Only an archive LP exists, from the late great Colours label. Would be nice to pair this with the archival Hades album, that is also under 25 minutes. 

Priority: 3

5/19/10; 5/4/22 (complete)

Blow Out, Norway ***REISSUED***

Blow Out. 1977 Compendium 

***Reissued by Norske Album Classics May 2022

An excellent example of the late 70's all-things fusion era. Typical with no surprises, but superbly executed and is worth seeking out. Highlights include some fuzz bass and exquisite electric lead guitar.

Priority: 3

6/17/10 (new entry); 5/4/22 (complete)