The Relayer Album. 1979 Hamilton Street
Priority: 3
2/22/25 (new entry)
A listing of obscure 60's, 70's, and 80s prog, psych, jazz fusion, electronic, and hard rock albums that remain largely unknown (generally due to a lack of a reissue).
Priority: 1
I never added this prior thinking the Rockin' Beat reissue was legit. But apparently not and it's never been rectified.
2/22/25 (new entry)
Kjol were a Swiss based jazz rock quartet, lead by renowned saxophonist Brigeen Doran, and her brother Dave on drums. That would be her image on the front cover. Kjol is a Swedish word for "skirt", so it appears this is how the band wanted to announce their feminine leanings. Whether it was an inside joke, or a sincere defiant statement, it's safe to say the moniker hasn't aged well in these politically correct times.
Musically, Kjol are playing a mid 70s styled jazz rock, as one might hear on the German MPS label during this era. Other than the somewhat trite funky opener, the remainder is long form, sax driven, heavy fusion with some fine guitar and keyboard leads. A good one for the genre, and a new addition for my Kraut Fusion list!
Priority: 3
2/21/25 (new entry)
Much more edgy and interesting than their 1980 debut. There's almost a bit of "Kraut Fusion" here (think Real Ax Band), combined with the more obvious electric viola driven Jean-Luc Ponty styling. Rare that a jazz rock album from 1985 has any personality at all, much less surpassing one from a better era. Nice album here.
Priority: 3
Their Inner City debut Lost Angeles was reissued on CD by Rhombus (the label this LP is on). Strange.
2/21/25 (new entry)
Despite the surreal cover art, Metamorfosis do not belong to the Spanish progressive rock revival of the late 1970s. Rather, this is a homage to Chick Corea's Return to Forever, or perhaps even fellow countrymen Iceberg. Minus the insane chops that is. No matter, as the melodic content is high, and the compositions are well written. Had this been a private American album from 1982, fusion enthusiasts would be hollering about it everywhere. And so yes, recommended indeed.
Priority: 2
2/21/25 (new entry)
Coming from Las Vegas, Nevada, Sod are one of many horn rock albums from the late 60s and early 70s to have emerged onto the scene. There are some really great tracks on this one, especially 'Too Loose to Get Tight' parts 1 and 2, 'Things I Wanna Say', and 'Makin' It'. As is often the case with the genre, the random dabbling in blues and soul pop drag down the immense potential classic this could have been. Oh well... still one not to miss if coming across in a rummage sale.
You'll often see the name stylized as the acronym SOD, but best I can tell, especially considering the album cover, the band name is Sod - defined as "the surface of the ground, with the grass growing on it."
Priority: 3
2/21/25 (new entry)
For whatever reason I never added Chango to the CDRWL. The Akarma issue is considered unauthorized by the band (though Discogs hasn't mentioned it) and that still hasn't been rectified.
Priority: 1
2/21/25 (new entry)
***Reissued by ProgAOR Jun 2024
I didn't get a chance to feature this fine hard rock / AOR album. The CD doesn't include either track from their excellent 1973 single, but does have three other bonus tracks.
Priority: 3
7/1/24 (new entry / complete)