Agitation Free - Malesch (1972)

Malesch (Germany 1972)
Album Length: 40.03
Genre: Ethnic
Release Info: 1992 CD Reissue SPALAX 14250

The debut album by Agitation Free followed a somewhat different path than your average Krautrock band, veering unexpectedly toward the Middle East, specifically Egypt, in search of atmosphere and material. Underneath the dueling guitars and spacy synth work, desert rhythms and taped sounds of dusky cities percolate, adding depth and spice to the otherwise smooth, Teutonic grooves. It's a tribute to the apparent sincerity of the band that the use of these motifs does not sound at all contrived, instead integrating quite well. The delicate, intricate percussion that concludes "Ala Tul," for instance, sounds as lively as anything by Steve Reich from around the same period. Tapes of street songs emerge surprisingly and effectively toward the end of the otherwise stately march "Khan El Khalili," providing a bridge to the Terry Riley-ish organ trills that begin the title track. "Malesch," like many of the tracks, spins off into a leisurely stroll, sounding unexpectedly close to some Grateful Dead jams. Even when it picks up pace, there's an unhurried quality that fits in nicely with the Saharan undertones of the album. Malesch is a solid, even inspired recording that stands somewhat apart from the usual clichés of the genre. Fans of German progressive rock from this period will certainly want to hear and enjoy it. (Review by Brian Olewnick)

Lutz Ulbrich, guitars, zither, Hammond; Jörg Schwenke, guitar; Michael Hoenig, synthesizer, electronic devices, steel guitar; Michael Günther, bass, tapes; Burghard Rausch, drums, marimbaphone, vocals; with Uli Popp, percussion; Peter Michael Hamel, Hammond

Tracklist:

1. You Play for Us Today — 6:08
2. Sahara City — 7:42
3. Ala Tul — 4:50
4. Pulse — 4:43
5. Khan el Khalili — 8:10
6. Malesch — 8:10
7. Rücksturz — 2:09

Agitation Free - Malesch (1972)

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)

V.A. - Maiden Voyage - A Wide Selection Of Grooves From Norway '66-'76 (2002)

‘Maiden Voyage’ is an entertaining collection of 14 rare grooves that were played on the Norwegian scene between 1966 and 1976. This historically important and utterly grooving compilation tracks the developments on the funk, fusion, R’n’B and soundtrack scenes that previously had only been available on obscure and out-of-print 7”/12” vinyl singles and 8 track tapes. Respected DJ Lasarus has done a tremendous job in various archives, libraries and in dusty attics, digging up old and forgotten gems that now are given new life on the ‘Maiden Voyage’ sampler. Highlights include Karin Krog’s rendition of the title track, Difference’s acid-tinged space psychedelia, the Bendik Singers’ Afrotid and Arne Nordheim’s take on psycho-jazz on the track Solar Plexus. (listento.no)

1. Sven Libaek And His Orchestra - Misty Canyon
2. Karin Krog - Maiden Voyage
3. The Playmates - Leaving For Love
4. Egil Monn Iversen / Inger Lise Rypdal - Heaven And Hell
5. Difference - Outside
6. Kjell Karlsen's Orkester - La, La, La
7. RAIN - Whine And Wail
8. Bendik Singers - Arfotid
9. Frode Thingnæs - Wheels
10. We-Be Karlsen - If You Could
11. Good News - Konklusjon
12. Little Earl Wilson And The Sapphires - I Can't Believe It
13. Karin Krog/Public Enemies - Watermelon Man
14. Arne Nordheim - Solar Plexus

Maiden Voyage A Wide Selection Of Grooves From Norway '66 - '76

Saturnalia - Magical Love (1973)

A thoroughly competent slice of mystical West Coast influenced progressive psychedelia with an occult edge, some excellent female vocals and searing lead guitar work.
Thank you Ade Hawkins and Richard Houghton for your comments!

Saturnalia was a rock group produced by Yardbirds legend Keith Relf.
With a man named Adrian Hawkins and woman named simply Aletta heading up the vocal duties, their sound was assorted and fascinating combination of psychedelic rock. I preferred what they sounded like with Hawkins at the helm; Aletta’s voice was off key and irritating for the most part. The music in total bordered on pre-prog-rock with a strong leaning towards hard rock, albeit a different slant than what was available in that era. I am sure some folks would consider this as weird music, I prefer to say they were making music that was original and off the beaten path, which for me personally is very appealing.
Besides the tripped out artwork on both sides of the LP, a booklet is included that tells the story of the band with an outline of each individual personality including their astrological sign a full explanation of all the elements, fire and water and such. It is all very much what 1969 was all about. Old hippies (and new) will love this album! It seems there is always so much more to talk about besides the music when I receive an album with so much color and character. This is what collectors live for so snag it up before they disappear.

reviewed by Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck at progressiveworld.net

Adrian Hawkins - Vocals
Aletta - Vocals
Rod Roach - Guitar
Richard Houghton - Bass guitar
Tom Crompton - Drums

Tracklist:

1. Magical Love
2. She Brings Peace
3. And I Have Loved You
4. Winchester Town
5. Traitor
6 .Soul Song
7. Princess And The Peasant Boy
8. Dreaming
9. Step Out Of Line

Saturnalia - Magical Love (1973)

Various Artists - Turkish Freakout: Psych-Folk Singles 1969-1980 (2010)

Turkey is often referred to as the meeting point between East and West, a statement verified by this selection of choice Turkish grooves. The western rock, psych, funk and jazz influences that began to be incorporated into traditional Turkish sounds during the late 60s and 70s can be heard here, as the Anadolu pop sound of Turkeyma balanced these new elements with the complex sounds and rhythms developed over many years. All tracks are referenced from their original 7 inch releases, painstakingly tracked down from various sources in and around Istanbul. The marriage of these styles is original, captivating and bound to freak you out.

1. Okay Temiz - Dokuz Sekiz
2. Kardaslar - Cokertme
3. Cem Karaka - Uryan Geldim
4. Apaslar - Gilgamis
5. Beyaz Kelebekler - Esmerim
6. Alpay - Seni Dileniyorum
7. Erkin Koray - Sevdigim
8. Ajda Pekkan - Kaderimin Oyunu
9. Sevil & Ayla - Bebek
10. Baris Manco - Hal Hal
11. Rifat Oncel - Dosta Bizden Selam Olsun
12. Ersen - Cakmagicak
13. Onder Bali - Karni Buyuk Koca Dunya
14. Alpay - Ah! Berelim
15. Erkin Koray - Estarabim
16. Ajda Pekkan - Iciyorum
17. Arif Sag - Osman Ehlivan
18. Ersen - Gunese Don Cicegim

Various Artists - Turkish Freakout: Psych-Folk Singles 1969-1980 (2010)

Various Artists - Cloud Cuckooland (2010)

Accompanying the marvelous LP from Sam Spence, Finders Keepers drop a twenty track compilation peering into the pre-1974 archives of one of Germany's longest running Krautrock independents, Kuckuck. During this period, the label was in its prog heyday, helmed by the forward thinking Eckart Rahn, whose release policy covered the early Kosmiche and Krautrock that he loved. One of his most successful moves was to sign releases from American ex-pat Sam Spence who also brought over his Moog synthesizer from the US. Sam provides a clutch of tracks for 'Cloud Cuckooland', next to far-out trips from like minded and progressive figures such as Ernst Schultz, Sonny Hennig, IhreKinder, Dueter Nicht and Lied Des Teufels. The Ernst Schultz tracks are some of the best here, from the choice collage of 'Paranoia Picknick' mixing musique concrete and unidentified early electronics, to his funked up rocker 'XY' while Spence's tracks are suitably zany and the oddities like Armageddon's Hendrix workut on 'Oh Man' hit a savoury spot. Recommended! (boomkat.com)

1. Antiteater - Opening
2. Ihre Kinder - Stunden
3. Out Of Focus - See How A White Negro Flies
4. Sam Spence - Waterworld
5. Ernst Schultz - Paranoia Picknick
6. Sonny Hennig - 1000 Tips Zum Überleben
7. Ernst Schultz - 10 Finger Blind
8. Ihre Kinder - Komm Zu Dir
9. Deuter - Der Turm
10. Sam Spence - Ringo
11. Antiteater - Memorn (Der Amerikanische Soldat)
12. Armegeeddon - Oh Man
13. Sam Spence - World As One
14. Deuter - Night Rain
15. Ernst Schultz - XY
16. Lied Des Teufels - Nichts
17. Antiteater - Intermezzo
18. Out Of Focus - Blue Sunday Morning
19. Ihre Kinder - The Dice
20. Antiteater - Trauer (La Mandragola)

Various Artists - Cloud Cuckooland (2010)

Lumbee - Overdose (1970)

Sought after late '60's heavy acid rock gem that features a cover featuring young kids sucking on hookahs ! The original album came with a drug dealing game. The album stands up well alongside albums such as Blue Cheers later recordings, Grand Funk, Damnation etc. Hard, heavy and wholesome.

Personnel incl: CAROL FITZGERALD vcls, WILLIE FRENCH LOWERY lead gtr, vcls, FORRIS FULFORD drms, vcls, RONALD SEIGER bs, BOBBY PAUL bs, RICKEY VANNOY gtr, vcls

Tracklist:

1. Tone Deaf
2. Veronica High
3. People Get Ready
4. You Gotta Be Stoned
5. Tone Deaf Jam
6. Streets of Gold
7. Whole World Is Down on Me
8. Whole World Is Sunny Upside Down

Lumbee - Overdose (1970)

The Illusion - The Illusion (1969)

An Italian - U.S. band, based in Long Island, New York, who played heavy rock with some psychedelic influence. The band were formed as The Five Illusions by the lead singer John Vinci as a senior in high school in 1964 (thanks John Vinci for leaving a comment). They enjoyed some minor chart success, and their albums were produced by the famous Jeff Barry. Good album and some cool guitar work.

John Vinci - vocals
Richie Cerniglia - lead guitar
Mike Maniscalco - rhythm guitar, keyboards
Chuck Adler - bass
Mike (Sylvester) Ricciardella - drums, percussion

Tracklist:

1. Did You See Her Eyes
2. Talkin' Sweet Talkin' Soul
3. Just Imagine
4. Run Run Run-Willy Gee
5. I Love You Yes I Do
6. Alone
7. Charlena
8. Why Tell Me Why-The Real Thing
9. You Made Me What I Am

The Illusion

Various Artists - Shifting Sands: 20 Treasures From The Heyday Of Underground Folk (2010)

Under the influence of LSD, by the late 1960s the sands were fast shifting for acoustic music. This new compilation showcases twenty of the best tracks to have emerged from the underground folk revolution, taking in artists from Britain and America, as well as further-flung locations such as Norway, Eire and Canada, and touching on genres including jazz, country and psychedelia. The set comes complete with a full booklet featuring rare pictures and information about each artist, making it truly essential for all strange folk enthusiasts. (Sunbeam Records)

Tracklist:

1. Fresh Maggots - Dole Song
2. Rick Hayward - Can't See Any Signs
3. Lazy Farmer - Turtle Dove
4. Moonkyte - Way Out Hermit
5. Maryanne - The Water Is Wide
6. COB - Summer's Night
7. Jaki Whitren - A Little Bit Extra, Please
8. Roger Rodier - My Spirit's Calling
9. Loudest Whisper - Cold Winds Blow
10. Gordon Jackson - My Ship, My Star
11. Mark Fry - Song For Wilde
12. Meic Stevens - Dim Ond Heddiw Ddoe Ac Fory
13. G.F. Fitz-Gerald - Country Mouse
14. Oriental Sunshine - Visions
15. Justine - See Saw
16. Wizz Jones - When I Cease To Care
17. Dawnwind - Canticle
18. Gary Farr - I See You
19. Lily & Maria - Morning Glory Morning
20. Synanthesia - Shifting Sands

Various Artists - Shifting Sands: 20 Treasures From The Heyday Of Underground Folk (2010)

Beauregard Ajax - Deaf Priscilla (1968)

Beauregard Ajax - Deaf Priscilla (1968)

Southern California's Beauregard Ajax recorded Deaf Priscilla in late 1967 and early 1968, with legendary Del-Fi Records founder, Bob Keane producing, but the record was shelved when the group disbanded. Decades later a vinyl pressing was issued, and in 2006 Shadoks Music released it on CD for the first time, with four bonus tracks. As was the case for countless aspiring American rock collectives, the British Invasion from a few years earlier heavily influenced the five-piece (the singer even picked up an accent along the way), but as this was psychedelic age, the songs are augmented with slightly fuzzed-out blues licks. The actual tunes possess pleasing melodies, resulting in an overall light psych sound. Lyrically, the tone is usually pretty heavy, though, with such darker subject matters as loneliness, depression, failed relationships, and boredom. The group shows a whimsical side on "Kaleidoscope," and the bubblegummy "Happy Brontosaurus," but they are at their best when embracing the melancholic aspects of day-to-day life on such numbers as "Loneliness Is a Sometime Thing," "Goodbye Again," and "Blue Violins." One of the best and more bizarre tracks, "Deaf Priscilla," is the mysterious tale of a horrific domestic dispute, which the protagonist can partly ignore due to loss of one of her senses. (All Music Guide)

Why would I give this flashback from the 60's such a high rating? Because I was the drummer! I found the album released by Shadoks while searching my old band's name on the internet. I was surprised to hear that tapes of our group somehow circulated in Europe for a number of years before Shadoks got hold of them. No one in the band is getting any royalties, but it was nice to see the work we did with producer Bob Keane (Ritchie Valens, Bobby Fuller Four,etc.)finding an audience after 38 years! (C. Leo Hartshorn)

Thanks Leo Hartshorn for your comment!

Beauregard Ajax - Deaf Priscilla (1968)

The Unspoken Word - The Unspoken Word (1970)

Here comes the second album by this largely unknown group from Long Island, New York. After their outstanding debut that could be described as folk rock with a psychedelic edge, the 2nd record is definitively more rock/blues orientated. Nevertheless, this rare album contains eleven very enjoyable tracks with fine instrumentation and excellent lead vocals. (acidvisions.com)

The Unspoken Word are:

Zenya Stashuk: lead guitar, rhythm guitar & vocals
Dede Puma: vocals
Greg Buis: bass & vocals
Les Singer: drums
Angus MacMaster: keyboards

Tracklist:

1. Pillow
2. Sleeping Prophet
3. Put Me Down
4. Personal Manager
5. Reincarnation
6. Sleepy Mountain Ecstasy
7. I Don't Need No Music
8. Little Song
9. Healthy, Wealthy & Wise
10. Around And Around
11. Morning

The Unspoken Word - The Unspoken Word (1970)

Magic Carpet - Magic Carpet (1972)

Superb re-issue of classic UK mystical psychedelic folk album originally released on Mushroom Records in 1972. Dreamy Eastern atmospheres with beautiful delicate female vocals sit alongside some excellent eastern sounding instrumentals.This re-issue contains a 20 minute bonus track. This is a worthy addition to any UK psyche collection.

Line-up: Clem Alford / sitar, esraj, tamboura - Alisha Sufit / vocals, guitars - Jim Moyes / guitars - Keshav Sathe / Indian tabla, percussion

Tracklist

1. The magic carpet
2. The phoenix
3. Black cat
4. Alans Christmas Card
5. Harvest Song
6. Do you hear the words
7. Father Time
8. La La
9. Peace Song
10. Take Away kesh
11. High Street
12. The Dream
13. Raga

Magic Carpet - Magic Carpet (1972)

V.A. - 1970's Algerian Proto-Rai Underground (2008)

This is Rai Music from Algeria as you've not heard it before. In the early 1970's, a new group of singers and musicians were operating on the northwest coast and what they pioneered was a sound that eventually reached worldwide status by the end of the decade, however their names are relatively unknown to this day outside Algeria. This crucial and defining period of the development of Rai is criminally ignored and overlooked by Algerian music historians and Raï's fans. Due to censorship and government controlled music diffusion, this scene and lyrical style was forced underground and banned from broadcasts yet slowly built a small following around the seaside cabarets of Wahran (Oran). The early 1970's witnessed the rise of artists such as Groupe El Azhar ("The Flowers" group) and Messaoud Bellemou, who can comfortably be considered the godfather of the modern Raï's sound. His group, L'Orchestre Bellemou, rewrote a heritage of centuries by using modern instruments and especially the trumpet which became, during the 1970's, the backbone of the Wahrani genre. Reinterpreting the gasba melodies on trumpet, Bellemou backed singers such as Boutaiba Sghir & Sheikh Benfissa who carried on the lyrical tradition of their forefathers singing about daily preoccupations and problems as well as love affairs, alcohol, or simply owning an automobile! Toward the late 1970's, Cheb Zergui brought a newer ingredient: an electric guitar with a wah wah pedal. Thankfully, the late 1960's saw the development of vinyl pressing in Algeria. This new industry allowed many small artists including the Wahrani "scene" to record and release singles documenting their repertoire. This compilation is a selection of the Proto Raï's scene's vinyl 45s. Insert contains photos of the musicians and text written by the man who compiled it, Hicham Chadly. (Sublime Frequencies)

Released by Sublime Frequencies, a small world music label run by members of the experimental post-punk outfit the Sun City Girls, ALGERIAN PROTO-RAI UNDERGROUND documents the birth of Western- influenced Algerian popular music. The rai style pioneered by artists like Messaoud Bellemou and Groupe El Azhar, blended Arabic melodies with Western rock instrumentation, making for a hard-edged, near-psychedelic sound that ought to surprise and intrigue fans of more traditional Algerian music.Spin (p.93) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "The style's candid lyricism remains...the singers' frustrated heartsickness is unmistakable -- particularly on Boutaiba Sghir's aching standout 'Malgre Tout.'" (Dusty Groove)

1970's Algerian Proto-Rai Underground