Ose ~ France

Adonia. 1978 Egg

UMR review

Priority: 2

1/29/10

Psynkopat ~ Sweden

Har Vi Någon Stil. 1978 Mistlur

Primarily heavy progressive fusion mixed with experimental bits and a dollop of humor. If that sounds familiar, then yes, Psynkopat are indeed influenced by Waka Jawaka era Frank Zappa. The highlight of the album is the instrumental work, which remarkably manages to stay focused, with some fiery guitar - again emulating Zappa at his best. The sophomoric goofball elements drag it down considerably though. Other Scandinavian references are Storm (Sweden) and Dr. Dopo Jam (Denmark).

Priority:3

1/28/10

Resan ~ Sweden

Resan. 1973 Epic

UMR review

Priority: 3

***Reissued on LP by Subliminal Sounds (2012)

1/27/10

News: Horrific Child's very rare album coming out on Finders Keepers!

Finders Keepers is a London based label that specializes in albums with cult like followings. Mostly in the psych / funk / avant garde realms. For us at the CD RWL, they are most known for their reissue of Jean Claude Vannier's excellent "L'Enfant Assassin des Mouches". And to date, the label has been flirting with what must be considered the ultimate figure of the "cult-like following": JP Massiera. We've covered many of his albums on these pages. And no album from the master has the reputation of his Horrific Child "L'Etrange Monsieur Whinster" opus.

Our description found on the original page: "Horrific Child - L'Etrange Mr. Whinster (France) 1976 Europa. Where would the music world be without Jean-Pierre Massiera? It certainly would be a more dull place without him. Everything he was involved with can only be described as obscure. And now he's the undisputed king of the 1970's Euro oddball chase. And of all the albums he did, Horrific Child remains his most sought after, and arguably most eccentric release ever. The musical realization of a psychotronic B-Movie classic. If this were a movie, it would be on at 3:00 in the morning, on your cities' last standing UHF local station. "L'Etrange Mr. Whinster" defines Massiera's niche in life. Insanely great cover is begging for a Japanese mini-LP release."

The label says: "Part rock album, part experimental album, part imaginary horror soundtrack, L'étrange Monsieur Whinster is a psychedelic pop audio show, flowing naturally from one surprising sequence to the next. Horrific Child was the creation of one Jean-Pierre Massiera, also the composer behind the Les Maledictus Sound project from 1968. Les Maledictus Sound were an inventive, high-brow concoction of lounge-style instrumental mod big band music, with heavy brass, plucky bass and fuzz guitar. Horrific Child is certainly the logical stylistic next step from that record, evidence of the composer's having survived several years beyond the psychedelic era."

It looks like it's coming out on both CD and LP. Rarely do I take the LP reissue option, but I might in this case. Or both. It appears it will have two bonus tracks as well.

Syncrisis ~ Germany

Reflections In Musical Power. 1981 private
Sunny Crisis. 1982 Inside.

Syncrisis were led by guitarist Titus Köstler-Philipp, and his superior technical playing on Sunny Crisis is featured throughout. Similar to other German fusion bands at this time like Lindwurm, but with more emphasis on the smoking guitar. I also hear some of the same type of sounds as on the Red album (1983 UK - also featured on these pages), which may be the first time I've ever said that. With the technical, and fast, playing on the guitar, one can't help but to compare Sunny Crisis to Al Di Meola's best work like Elegant Gypsy or Casino. 

The debut Reflections in Musical Power isn't quite as successful. Here Syncrisis trades in on some jazz fusion cliches like swapping guitar/keys solos, breezy tropical themes and the requisite tedious drum solo. Would be nice to see both of these on the same CD. 

Priority: 2

1/26/10

El Trio (Lapouble / Lew / Cevasco) ~ Argentina

Todo En Su Medida y Armoniosamente. 1974 Music Hall

UMR review

Priority: 2

***Reissued on LP by Vampi Soul (2021)

1/25/10 (new entry)

Virgin's Dream ~ Germany

Sophisty. 1980 ELM Music

A few years ago, I received a package from Rolf Trenkler, former leader of Virgin's Dream. It contained a CD compiled from unreleased demos called The X-Tapes and dated primarily from 1972 (and I reviewed it for Gnosis). But there was no mention of this Sophisty album (maybe because he wasn't on it)! In fact, I see no similar members between the two albums. A similar thing happened with the band Moira, and yet there was a tie-in, just not on album. So this certainly could be the same band. The Krautrock-Musikzirkus website lists them together (as does Discogs) as a band from Essen. But the history provided is strictly from The X-Tapes era. In any case, I never knew of its existence until a good friend of this site recently provided me with a CDR burn. Virgin's Dream, on Sophisty at least, are very much a product of the late 70s and early 80s German fusion scene. Perhaps a bit more tropical, and funky, than most. Comparisons to Michael Borner's Sun or some of Syncrises' work wouldn't be out of line. As usual, the guitar work is exemplary, a trademark of the time and place.

UMR review

Priority: 3

1/24/10

Vildkaktus ~ Sweden

Tidsmaskinen. 1970 MNW
Vindarnas Vagar. 1971 Polydor
Natten. 1973 Ljudspår

The first two albums are like a Swedish Crosby Stills and Nash, especially around CSN's debut. Which means some jazzy sections, that adds flavor to an otherwise bland dish. Also some peppy Yes-like progressions circa Time and a Word. Lyrics in Swedish add an exotic vibe (for us English speakers anyway). Nice album cover on Vindarnas Vagar. A couple of swell albums here. I haven't heard Natten, but gather it's similar.

Priority: none

***Vindarnas Vagar reissued on LP by Polydor (2017)

1/23/10

Seedog ~ Germany

We Hope to See You... 1974 Delta-Acustic

UMR review

Priority: 2

1/21/10 (new entry)

Alain Renaud ~ France

Alain Renaud. 1975 Disjuncta
Out of Time. 1976 Disjuncta

Alain Renaud played on some of the early Heldon albums, and his sound on these albums (especially the debut) is somewhat similar. The first album features long drifting cosmic pieces of electronics and guitar. Not as menacing or as immediate as Pinhas' works. I've had the first Renaud album since the mid 1980s, so I have a sentimental soft spot for it. Out of Time is a completely different affair. Here, Renaud mixes instrumental rock fusion with some vocal oriented tracks that have me coiling in despair. There is one longish electronic piece similar to the debut, that's quite nice. A reissue of the first, with a couple of bonus tracks taken from the second and some of his single work (like Triptyque) would be ideal.

Priority: 3

1/20/10

Ocean ~ USA

Sunrise. 1982 Ocean Sound Recordings

UMR review

Priority: 2

1/18/10 (new entry)

News: Long Hair reissues Dzyan's debut PLUS an archival SWF recording

Long Hair has done it again. The French/German label continues its roll, and reissues the much sought after debut by Dzyan. There was a reissue back in 1999 on the Rock Fever label out of Germany. I wasn't ever entirely sure if it was legit or not, but there was just enough evidence to presume it was, so I never included it in the Wish List. Not sure if Long Hair addresses the situation on this reissue, but nonetheless the Rock Fever issue is long OOP, and this will most certainly represent the definitive issue. I plan on buying it again anyway. It doesn't appear it will contain bonus tracks.

Even more exciting, at least for me, is the announcement of a 1972 SWF Session titled "Mandala-SWF Session 1972", and according to the label most closely resembles the debut album - which is probably my favorite of the 3, though this would put me square in the minority (I like them all in any case).

Long Hair says "Dzyan recorded 3 albums between 1972 and 1974. Each album they released was quiet different. After the release of the first album the line-up changed and Eddy Marron was the new guitarist. The SWF-session reminds a lot to their first album. Dzyan played a slightly jazzy form of progressive rock with flashes of Zappa's Hot Rats and even some VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR saxophone- fronted diversions. These radio studio recordings are even more rock oriented then the first album recordings. There are five titles. 4 new compositions and a longer (11:00 minutes) and different version of probably the best title from the first album "Dragon Song". Steels Electric/Daddy Groove is a 15 minutes suite, very inventive and with great guitar playing by Eddy Marron. ZAZ has a great ethnic feel produced by fine Zaz (Turkish stringed instrument) also played by Eddy Marron and oriented rock rhythm patterns. Finally "Resurrection" was part of a one hour suite, Dzyan sadly never recorded. This recordings are among the best ever recordings at the SWF session studio. Remastered from the original master tape. Fine booklet with a cover painting by Helmut Wenske (never used before on a cover), band story, photos. A definitely must have! "

Napalis ~ Netherlands

Napalis. 1976 Negram

Another interesting band on the Dutch Negram label (Finch, Crypto). Napalis are a pretty standard European fusion band with all the usual trappings (sax, electric piano, guitar). However, the sell point here is the ferocious pace and ripping guitar solos, a purposely more edgy sound than is typically heard from the era. One of the better albums in the mid 1970s fusion genre. Cool cover artwork too.

Priority: 3

1/17/10

Malon / Juan Carlos Caceres ~ Argentina

Rebellion. 1971 Philips (France)

Malón / Juan Carlos Caceres - El Camino Dale Negro. 1972 Philips (multiple countries, cover shown is from Spain)

Essentially at its core, El Camino Dale Negro is a Latin pop album in the grand Tropicalia tradition as would be more commonly found in Brazil during this period. Like Os Mutantes, Malon will on occasion conjure up the freaky underground with flipped guitar, echoed flute, droning organ and frenzied vocals. Elements of Los Jaivas, Bwana, Modulo 1000, and Santana all pop up here and there, for no other reason than to disturb your Corona advertised beach bliss. For this, we are grateful.

Haven't heard Rebellion yet but will get to it soon enough.

Priority: none

1/16/10

Galie ~ Mexico ***REISSUED***

Galie. 1986 private

Heavily influenced by Snowgoose era Camel, with flute and acoustic guitar in the center of the instrumental parade. Gotic's Escenes is another obvious reference. A bit slicker than their 1981 debut (lovingly reissued in a beautiful black clapboard case). Perhaps a bit too lightweight overall. A fine, if non-essential, release.

Priority: none

***Turns out this was reissued as part of a 4xCD box set from 1994 called Los Primeros 15 Años, that includes Galie's first 4 albums in full. Just learned that today (6/11/24).

1/15/10 (new entry); 1994 (complete)

Gerardo Batiz ~ Mexico

Gerardo Batiz - Arlequin. 1982 Pentagrama

Very nice, mellow, electric progressive rock album. The wordless female vocals, approaching Zeuhl at times, defines this mature work. Piano and bass drive the music forward, and the contents are highly melodic. At times I'm reminded of some of the "lite Zeuhl" bands coming out of France in the 1980s like Foehn or Musique Noise. I even hear some Joe Jackson, and that's meant as a compliment. For me, it's better than all the aforementioned bands, and comes recommended. Very obscure release.

Priority: 2

1/14/10

Kha - Ym ~ France

10 "GMT. 1979 FLVM

Another one of those quirky DIY late 70s French albums. This one is based on primitive tinny digital keyboards, with real drums and a lot of imagination. Not really like any other album, closest might be to those Frenchies who veered towards the New Wave like Lievaux - Transfo or an instrumental SuperFreego maybe. 

Priority: 3

1/12/10

Iris ~ France

Litanies. 1972 Sonopresse Connection

Major label French pop/psych/le progressif. With cool organs, blistering fuzz, and Carnaby Street harmony vocals, Iris fools absolutely no one in trying to make the Hit Parade. But, this being French and all, it still sounds delicious, and references to other like minded crossover acts such as Alice's Arretez Le Monde, MOTUS, and Atoll's Musiciens-Magiciens would not be entirely out of line. Beautiful lilac cover art.

Priority: 3

1/11/10

Heaven ~ USA

Heaven. 1969 W/W Records

Underground horn rock / psych album with delicious fuzz leads and cool roller rink organ sounds. Nice trumpet and trombone horn charts. Also some standard blues psych tunes as well. Interesting cacophonous freak out ending. This Nebraska band is not to be confused with the brass rock group from England.

Priority: 3

1/10/10

Leticia Garcia ~ Brazil

Magamaquiaverica em Canturbano. 1984 private.

Very interesting release that is a smorgasbord of styles. Samba, Canterbury, Zeuhl, Chamber, Jazz, RIO, etc... Female vocals (anguished, narrated, softly sung), woodwinds, horns, piano, bass and drums. References include Julverne, Cos, Henry Cow, Noa, Gerardo Batiz, Bandhada, Noetra and others. One of a kind, that's for sure.

Priority: none

1/9/10

Eik ~ Iceland

Speglun. 1975 private

This has to be the darnedest album I've ever heard. The first three tracks are.... abominable. I mean, it's worse than you can imagine. It's patterned after the USA's mid 70s funk and disco movements. One can only imagine a bunch of pasty uptight white guys from Iceland trying to pull this off. A complete embarrassment for all involved. Track 4 is a soft instrumental folk piece, followed by a pretty decent hard rock meets progressive long track 5 that closes the side is pretty good fashion. This leads to side 2, which is frickin' brilliant. Not just good - but seriously great! Some of the best symphonic progressive rock from Scandinavia, and better than most of their second, and highly recommended, album Hrislan og Straumurinn (which was reissued on CD in 1995). I'm not sure I can think of another album that is this much Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Priority: 2

1/7/10

Deja Vu ~ Germany

Cosmic Zack. 1977 private

UMR review

Priority: 3

1/6/10

News: Esoteric Jan & Feb 2010 releases

From Vicky Powell:

"
Cave of Clear Light -3Cd Pye and Dawn anthology with fab artwork. This was originally going to be a project by Mark for Universal in the same series as legend of A Mind, Spirit of Joy etc and is to the same standard with the usual clamshell box.

PFM-2 CD anthology-River of Life (Manticore Years) with some unreleased—track listing etc on website and also on Amazon

Pekka Pojhola-The Mathematicians Air Display
Pekka Pojhola-B The Magpie
Wigwam-Nuclear Nightclub
Wigwam-The Lucky Golden Stripes and Starpose
Jackson heights-The Fifth Avenue Bus
Jackson heights-Ragamuffins Fool
Jackson heights-Bump N Grind

Feb titles as follows

Crazy World of Arthur Brown—needs no introduction, fab remastered reissue(2CD) with a whole Cd of bonus material and a Phil Smee extravaganza on the artwork

Hawkwind –Sonic Attack (atomhenge) 2CD with wealth of bonus material
Arthur Brown and Kingdom Come-Galactic Zoo Dossier—plus bonus material.
Ken Hensley-Proud Words on a Dusty Shelf
Ken Hensley-Eager to Please
Hawkwind-(Atomhenge) Alien 4
Ramases-Glass Top Coffin
Wigwam-Fairyport
Wigwam-Being
Wigwam-Live Music from the Twilight Zone"

Site news: UME featuring great CD reissues of the past

On our sister site, we're featuring great CD reissues that have already been done. While on this site we discuss albums that still could use a CD, I thought it would be appropriate to call out the great reissues of the past. And truth be told, the best albums are already on CD! Not ALL of them (as is quite evident from this site alone, much less elsewhere), but a great majority are. We're also featuring great progressive rock albums from the modern era as well.

It's a work in progress, and there are literally thousands of albums to choose from, so it should give us a lot of material to cover the next few years at the very least!

Canzoniere Del Lazio ~ Italy

Spirito Bono. 1975 Intingo
Morra 1978. 1978 Intingo

***Spirito Bono reissued by Arnoldo Mondadori Editore Spa in Jan 2019

Morra 1978 is a very fine fusion effort, taking the reins of the prior Miradas (reissued back in 1994 on Mercury) and running it into another dimension. Violin and saxophone are the main solo instruments, with percussion and female vocals continuing to play a large role in their sound. (This entry remains open since it's the last not to be on CD).

Spirito Bono is worth seeking out as well. It's a bit more experimental folk than the last two, but a very interesting listen.

Priority: 3

***Morra 1978 reissued on LP by parent label Intigo in 2020.

1/5/10 (new entry)

BIB Set ~ Sweden

It Wasn't Meant to Happen. 1969 Ton I Ton

BIB (Björn Ingvar Björnson) Set's sole album is a moody and heavy progressive rock set, with loads of fat Hammond organ. Slight blues influence, especially in the affected vocals and quite a bit of jazzy sequences including a couple of lifted parts from famous jazz sessions. A nice surprise this one especially given the early date. Thanks to reader Alberto for the heads up!

Priority: 3

1/4/10

Abrial Stratageme Group ~ France

Mannderly. 1977 Sonopress

Imagine Ange as a hard rock group, or a French Blue Oyster Cult, and you have a pretty good idea of what we're dealing with here. Also reminds me of the Rictus album that's also in this list, though this one is much more professionally done. Vocals are in French and have that psychotic touch that I find highly fascinating. Very heavy guitar sound for the early date. A couple of ballads, and one 8 minute progger round out the contents. Interesting album!

Priority: 3

1/3/10

Autumn Breeze ~ Sweden

Hostbris. 1979 O Records.

I probably shouldn't like this album as much as I do. It's very amateurish, but there's a magnetic charm about it. Comparable to other female vocal lead symphonic bands coming out of Germany during this time like Werwolf, Rebekka, Eden and Credemus. The Swedish language adds points too (I love the language in song). This would be a good choice for Transubstans.

Priority: 2

The band has released this on CD-R and as a download. Neither count as fully reissued by the CDRWL standards, but they are obviously 100% legit at least.

1/2/10

BullAngus ~ USA

BullAngus. 1971 Mercury

Free For All. 1972 Mercury

UMR reviews

Priority: 2 (for the debut)

1/1/10 (new entry)

News: More info on the Dear Mr. Time - Grandfather reissue

We first mentioned this reissue on November 1. Now its shaping up to be a great reissue. Label Wooden Hill states the following:

"First-ever official reissue of Essex-based band Dear Mr. Time's highly-regarded and much sought-after psych/prog concept album Grandfather. Heavily influenced by the Moody Blues and early King Crimson, Grandfather was recorded in mid-1970 and issued by the tiny Square Records in February 1971, but was only pressed in a total quantity of 1000 copies. This definitive release is taken from the original master tapes, and adds five superb home demos recorded around the same time as the album by guitarist and chief songwriter Chris Baker. It tells the group's story for the first time, and includes many previously unpublished photographs."