Various Artists - The Mood Mosaic - The Hascish Party (1997)

The Mood Mosaic, Volumes 1 to 12, present different aspects of 60's and 70's soul jazz, jazz funk, jazz groove and just plain old psychedelic freakout but groovy, tripped out but accessible, and the weird but fun.

This compilation from Italy, the first in a long-running series, presents a collection of easy listening, jazz, and film soundtrack cuts that have a loungeish edge to them. Although it doesn't flow like a good compilation should, it offers up enough intriguing oddities to satisfy lounge cultists. Subtitled "The Hascisch Party," this disc divides its time between psychedelic instrumentals drenched in all sorts of trippy sonic effects and subtler, Latin-styled tracks with a jazz feel to them.
In the psychedelic arena, the best moments include "Pygar's Persecution/The Black Queen's Beads," a rare cut by Bob Crewe from the Barbarella soundtrack that pits easy listening horn arrangements against some wild fuzz-guitar solos, and "En Melody," a Serge Gainsbourg instrumental built on a duel between slashing electric guitar leads and some funky, serpentine basslines.
In the easy listening corner, the top picks are "Lamento," a breezy Nelson Riddle instrumental that layers breezy strings and light horns over a gentle Latin beat, and George Shearing's easy-jazz instrumental version of "Aquarius," which recreates the song's melody via jazzy piano and vibes against a thick backdrop of Brazilian-styled percussion. Unfortunately, the two extremes never really blend together and this makes for some abrupt shifts in tone that make Mood Mosaic: The Hascisch Party a difficult listening experience.
There are also a few lesser cuts that could have been bypassed; the most annoying is Luis Enriquez's bizarre version of "Mas Que Nada," which veers back and forth between a straight rendition of the song and what sounds like drunken gibberish. Despite this problem, most of the cuts on this disc are entertaining and almost all of them are tough to come by. In the end, Mood Mosaic: The Hascisch Party is not an ideal pick for the lounge novice, but offers more than enough rarities to please the seasoned veteran.

Tracklist:

1 Bob Crewe - Pygar's Persecution/The Black Queen's Beads (4:30)
2 Klaus Doldinger - Sitar Beat (1:52)
3 Serge Gainsbourg - En Melody (3:27)
4 Michel Legrand - Marins, Amis, Amant Ou Maris (2:36)
5 Nelson Riddle - Lamento (3:00)
6 Marian Mc Parland - Love For Sale (4:00)
7 Gabor Szabo - Sophisticated Wheels (5:05)
8 Phil Moore III - Batucada (2:30)
9 Luis Enriquez - Mas Que Nada (2:30)
10 George Garvarenz - Hascisch Party (2:58)
11 Shocking Blue - Ackta Raga (3:10)
12 Claude Denjean - Kiss This (3:00)
13 George Shearing - Aquarius (3:25)

Various Artists - The Mood Mosaic - The Hascish Party (1997)

Rock Shop - Mr. Lee's Swingin' Affair Presents (1968)

Listen to 'Soap Suds And Cream':



Personnel:
ALAN CLARK vcls, ld gtr, bs,organ A
JOHN DALBECK gtr A
PAT EDWARDS bs A
PETE STEVENS drms A

ALBUM:
1(A) MR. LEE'S "SWING 'N AFFAIR" PRESENTS THE ROCK SHOP (Lee-Mo) 1968 R3

NB: (1) pirated on vinyl and CD. Reissued legitimately on vinyl and CD (Bacchus Archives BA 1115) 1997.

45:
1 Is That Your Halo?/State Of Your Mind (Rowena 853) May 1967

From Monterey, California. A very rare album of fuzz guitar-led blues and pop rock. It has a very funny cover depicting the group as the next Beatles and hairdresser-cum-rock promoter "Mr. Lee" as God!

According to Tony Sanchez in the liner notes to Fuzz, Flaykes, And Shakes, Vol. 4 (LP & CD), the above 45, both sides of which appear on the comp, is by a different band to the one who recorded the LP - can anyone confirm this? Is That Your Halo is an intensely menacing punker that rumbles into Yardbirds' rave-up territory at the bridge where incendiary leads battle with rasping harmonica; State Of Your Mind is an almost equally powerful acid-punker - truly a double-whammy of a 45.

(Vernon Joynson/Clark Faville/Max Waller/Alec Palao/Matt Moses/Nick Kontogouris)

1. Soap Suds And Cream
2. Stop
3. Leaving Just Isn't Fair
4. Yes, I Love You
5. Bad Case Of Booze (Pete's Theme)
6. Goodbye Sunshine
7. Why Not Three Or Four
8. Lay It On The Line
9. Mediocre Blues
10. It's Hurting Me
11. Looky, Looky, Look
12. I Can't Go On

Rock Shop - Mr. Lee's Swingin' Affair Presents (1968)

Various Artists - Turkish Freakout 2: Psych-Folk 1970-1978 (2011)

Last summer, indie label Bouzouki Joe brought you a choice selection of some of the finest rare Turkish funk and psych-rock grooves, painstakingly unearthed direct from the source in Istanbul. The result: you freaked out (in a good way). With that in mind, we present the second installment of Turkish Freak Out!, featuring another batch of classic tracks from the Golden Age of Turkish music. With spiritual guidance from Mister Jason, this compilation, comprised entirely of original 7 recordings from Turkey's most creative and experimental artists, is guaranteed to deliver another five-star freak-out. (amazon.com)

1. Afet Serenay - Yarim Gitti Cesmeye
2. Kerem Guney - Aglayi Aglayi
3. Gokben - Eninde Sonunda
4. Baris Manco - Estergon Kalesi
5. Gülcan Opel - Bari Bari
6. Sevil And Ayla – Irgat
7. Kamuran Akkor - Kim Ne Derse Desin
8. Afet Serenay - Maden Dagi
9. Edip Akbayram - Mehmet Emmi
10. Baris Manco – Mozart
11. Cem Karaca & Mogollar - Obur Dunya
12. Özel Türkbas - Ozel’s Dance Routine
13. Perihan - Nerden Nereye
14. Sakir Oner Gunhan - Ben Bu Yaralara Nerden Dus Oldem
15. Gülcan Opel – Tamammi
16. Sirin - Sevgili Golgem
17. Kenan - Viens Dans Ma Vie

Various Artists - Turkish Freakout 2: Psych-Folk 1970-1978 (2011)

V.A. - Those Shocking Shaking Days: Indonesian Hard, Psychedelic, Progressive Rock and Funk 1970-1978 (2011)

The progressive music scenes in 1970s Indonesia were largely underground as a result of strict censorship imposed by the dictator Suharto. Those who performed music marked by relentless fuzz, over the top, politically charged lyrics, strong rhythms and a cranky low-fidelity were truly rebellious. And the resulting output has been largely outside of the confines of this island nation unheard or ignored. Indonesia, based in large part on the restrictions imposed by Suharto, is better known for the coffee it exports than the music it creates. This situation hasn't been remedied by the rough-hewn Indonesian bootlegs that dotted the psychedelic landscape over the past five years. Thanks now to the tireless and expensive research of Canadian hip hop producer and Southeast Asian music specialist Jason Moss Connoy - and the trust that Indonesian rock legend Benny Soebardja placed in Now-Again Records as he traversed his homeland's islands securing the rights necessary for us to offer you this anthology - we feel like we can, in good spirits and conscience, shine the light on some of the most impressive organizations to offer their take on the psychedelic and progressive rock and funk sounds during the early shocking, shaking days of Suharto's regime. (amazon.com)

Tracklist:

1. Panbers – Haai
2. Brims, The – Anti Gandja
3. Rollies – Bad News
4. Super Kid – People
5. Shark Move – Evil War
6. Golden Wing – Hear Me
7. Aka – Do What You Like
8. Ivo's Group – That Shocking Shaking Day
9. Ariesta Birawa Group – Didunia Yang Lain
10. Terenchem – Jeritan Cinta
11. Benny Soebardja And Lizard – Candle Light
12. Koes Plus – Mobil Tua
13. Gang Of Harry Roesli, The – Don't Talk About Freedom
14. Black Brothers – Saman Doye
15. Aka – Shake Me
16. Rasela – Pemain Bola
17. Freedom Of Rhapsodia – Freedom
18. Rhythm Kings – The Promise
19. Duo Kribo – Uang
20. Murry – Pantun Lama

V.A. - Those Shocking Shaking Days: Indonesian Hard, Psychedelic, Progressive Rock and Funk 1970-1978 (2011)

Gordon Wasson - Mushroom Ceremony Of The Mazatec Indians Of Mexico (1957)

Folkways Records FR 8975, this is a US pressing of the impossible to find "Mushroom Ceremony Of the Mazatec Indians Of Mexico". This recording, made by Gordon Wasson in 1956, attempts to chronicle a religious ceremony involving the ingestation of psychedelic mushrooms by Indians who are attempting to communicate with the Divine Spirit. Lots of wild, hallucinatory chanting and the like, which might even appeal to fans of phonetic sound poems or dadaist utterings. Another unusual historical document that only Folkways would have released. The originals came out in 1957 with a blue cover and this press has the tan cover from 1966. "HERE IS A SHAMANIC PERFORMANCE COMPLETE. DR WASSON, A PIONEER IN THE STUDY OF THE ROLE OF MUSHROOMS IN RELIGIOUS RITUAL, GIVES US A TRANSCRIPTION OF AN AUTHENTIC "CONSULTATION" OF THE SACRED MUSHROOM, IN SOUND. THE OCCASION WAS THE ILLNESS OF A YOUTH. THE MUSHROOM, THROUGH THE MOUTH OF MARIA SABINA, A FEMALE SHAMAN, DECREED THAT THE BOY MUST DIE. HE HEARD THE BAD NEWS AND DIED DAYS LATER. DR. WASSON TAPED THE ENTIRE VELADA. DR. WASSON IS ABLE TO PROVE THAT THE WORDS AND UNDOUBTEDLY THE CHANT ARE PRE-CORTES, GOING BACK FOR MANY CENTURIES. NOTHING LIKE THIS RECORD HAS BEEN DONE FOR THE NEW WORLD; IT IS RIVALED IN THE OLD WORLD ONLY BY THE VEDIC CHANTS OF INDIA". Recorded by V. P. & R. G. Wasson in Huautla de Jiménez, in the Mazatec Mountains in the northern corner of the State of Oaxaca, July 21, 1956


1. Chjon Nka
2. Chjon Nka Catsin
3. Santo...nana
4. Papa Papai
5. Na Ai - Ni Tso
6. Santo...Ji nai...na
7. Jan Jesu Cristo
8. Ji Nai
9. San Pedro
10. Soso Soso
11. Name of Plants
12. Pedro Martinez
13. Don't Be Concerned, Old One
14. Birds
15. Humming, etc.
16. Soft Singing
17. Finale

R. Gordon Wasson - Maria Sabina And Her Mushroom Velada (Ethno-mycological studies)

Tirogo - Float (1977)

Originally released in Nigeria, 1977. "Tirogo is another great sample of lost African psychedelic music. It was recorded in Nigeria in 1977 and originally released on EMI, same as the great album BLO - Chapter One. This Nigerian rock-psych band Tirogo is similar to bands such as Ofege, BLO, Founders 15, Doves, and Aktion. Great African songs covered with wild guitar solos, spooky organ, great beats and strong vocals. 4 guys on the cover / 6 were actually in the band looking pretty young. It is getting harder and harder to find lost African bands since there is a big rave in the International music scene to hunt for good material. With the massive help of collectors and Now Again Records in the USA, who actually went to Nigeria to sign the boys, we are able to present this amazing album to you. It will suit the same music lovers who like Amanaz, The Witch, Question Mark and BLO." (fusetronsound.com)

Tracklist:

1. Float
2. Devil's Gonna Get You
3. Ajufo
4. Tirogo
5. Gypsy Girl
6. Let's Feed the Nation

Tirogo - Float (1977)

Arthur - In Search Of (1968)

ARTHUR 'In Search Of' LP (Switzerland, RD, Catalogue #RD 13)

Mega-rare early recordings (45 rpm single, unreleased tracks and 1-sided Two:Dot label demo LP release) circa 1968-69 of acid folk/psychedelic music by Arthur (later signed to Tumbleweed Records and at that point recording as Arthur Gee.)

'Long awaited release of this psychedelic/acid folk masterpiece from the North. Arthur started his career in Toronto, Canada as folkie in the mid '60s. In 1969 he went to Colorado and recorded a 1-sided demo LP that surfaced some years ago in collector's circles. It was on Two:Dot, the same label that Hendrickson Roadhouse was on. Only a handful of demo copies were released and sent out to major labels to get a record deal. This happened only later after he signed with Tumbleweed Records and released two albums as Arthur Gee. This first ever official release includes his complete demo LP, unreleased sessions and his mega rare 45 rpm both from before the LP and recorded in Canada. The music can be described as a mixture of Perry Leopold, William C. Beeley and early Pink Floyd (his 45 rpm) which is pure magic. Pressed on heavy audiophile vinyl, ultra heavy old style cardboard sleeve and an insert with a bio witten by Arthur.'

'Dark, damaged acoustic strum folk in Perry Leopold style but a bit stronger vocally. Missed notes, stream of consciousness lyricism, and obsessions with mystic and biblical imagery. Saddened reports on the lost state of the planet. A great loner mini-LP, although you really can feel too much.'
~Acid Archives/RM

'The last track is a killer deep guilt-trip on level with Perry Leopold.'
~Acid Archives/PL


Tracks on this LP are as follows:

* Armstrong Tourist Resthome
* Tea Gardens
* Sunspots
* Dimensions/Plain Talk
* Tea Gardens
* Plain Talk
* Warm Traitor's Breath
* Armstrong Tourist Resthome
* Miller Tragedy
* Untitled
* Confessions

Arthur - In Search Of (1968)

Artwork

Special thanks to Opa-Loka from Lost-in-Tyme who ripped the album and donated it to this blog!

Dave Pike - The Doors Of Perception (1966)

Dave Pike is a jazz vibes player who has made a selected number of fine jazz albums in the 1960's and 1970's. One of these is "Doors Of Perception" and features Lee Konitz, Eddie Daniels, Don Friedman & Chuck Israel.

The Doors of Perception, recorded by Dave Pike and his group, is one of the oddest records in his rather exotic -- and utterly hip -- discography. Produced by Herbie Mann and featuring a cast of all-stars including Lee Konitz, Eddie Daniels, Don Friedman, Chuck Israel, and Arnie Wise, this is the Pike version of an acid experiment. On this 1970 release (recorded perhaps as early as 1966), Mann gets all crazy with sound effects like echo chamber, piped-in applause from a make-believe audience, thunderstorms, the dancefloor of a crowded discotheque, a Leslie speaker recorded on overload on warbling audio tape, perhaps even the sound of a live date. Though only 27 minutes long, the impression of this disc will stay with listeners long after the record ends. It begins with a storm -- literally -- on "Free Improvisation": thunder, rain, the whole deal. Both Konitz and Daniels blow almost freely, with Pike improvising around them. However, the rhythm section keeps it all focused and in some kind of strange groove, and it works -- and it's only three minutes long. Things move quickly to a burning boogaloo jam on "The Drifter," with all the aforementioned effects (aside from the thunder) put into play. The heavy R&B vamp and Israel's electric bass kick it before Daniels solos and then Pike gets in the pocket and grooves. At just over seven minutes, it's the second longest cut and worth the price of admission. With its fuzzed-out bassline unlike anything heard before Miles Davis and Michael Henderson, the title cut walks a tightrope between Jazz for the Jet Set and West Coast-style cocktail jazz, as underscored by the heavily reverbed vibes and Friedman's hip piano work. "Ballad," on the other hand, is relatively straight, sweet, soft, and tender, but again features those spacy vibes. The whole joint gets taken out the door with "Anticipation," a hard bop number with great alto work from Konitz (albeit sounding a little warped by shifting primitive stereo effects) and Daniels that alternates between the latter's down-and-dirty blowing and the former's elegant phrasing. The rhythm section just dazzles, with Friedman doing some of his best work in both comping and soloing here. He's deep into the groove laid down by Wise and Israel -- the latter of whom walks that line and gets good wood on his upright. When Pike enters with his bright vibes, the whole thing moves off into jazz via the Jetsons! While The Doors of Perception may not be every Pike fan's cup of what have you, it will certainly appeal to those who dug his sides for the German MPS label in the early '70s. The bottom line: there is so little of his work available on CD in America anyway that this one -- particularly as a budget release -- is well worth plunking down the cash for. (AMG review by Thom Jurek)

1. Free Improvisation
2. The Drifter
3. The Doors Of Perception
4. Ballad
5. Anticipation

Dave Pike - The Doors Of Perception (1966)