CACTUS "s/t" - 1970

CACTUS needs no introduction, does it?

This supergroup failed to sell a lot of records and never reached real success.

This debut is some pure outstanding Hard Boogie Blues Rock.
For those who don't know, CACTUS is Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice from VANILLA FUDGE, Rusty Day from TED NUGENT's AMBOY DUKES and Jim McCarty from MITCH RYDER'S DETROIT WHEELS.

Their debut is a winner, from the hard-hitting version of "Parchment Farm", to the thundering closer "Feel So Good", this truly is a must-have.

I decided to post this one because of the similarities with the GRANICUS' cover. And, as a Sunday message, I had to post a heavily Blues-influenced record.

"Oleo" in the player will surely enlighten your sunday.

ENJOY!

CACTUS "s/t" - 1970 - USA - Atco 503052 (French press)

GRANICUS "s/t" - 1973 - #100 post!!!

This was supposed to be my christmas message but unfortunately I didn’t find enough time to post any song lately…

What we have here is one of the best ever Heavy Rock album of all time. Period.
This band is so much better than anything else you know of the era, you might never want to play any other record once you own this one.

GRANICUS is simply the greatest US incarnation of a Heavy Rock band, well... typically the kind of band you’d love to be in :
• the singer has one the greatest voices I know, and honestly a lot of records suffer from weak vocal lines, but Woody Leffel just smokes!
• The lead guitar is strong, raging and inventive, so is the rhythm guitar. You can tell the 2 guys are cool by the way they play their instruments...
• The multi-layered rhythm section is rock-solid and groovy at the same time. Something you need to listen to believe.

The 8 songs here are absolute killers! It can’t get any better than this. This record is one of the greatest examples of how a Rock record should sound like. If you don’t know GRANICUS, you don’t know Rock music. Too bad the record hardly sold when released and the band called it quits very quickly. This is a true waste, but I guess the band was ahead of its time and people were not ready for them.

Because it’s Christmas time, and because this record is an absolute must-have, you’re granted 3 songs from this bomb.
“You’re In America”, the opener, is the track I played endlessly when I first discovered the LP. “Bad Talk” is pure head-on Rock’n’Roll, banging and grooving, and “Paradise”, the last number here, is intense, frenzy and emotionally outstanding.

The other numbers are all utterly incredible and must-listens. Sure you’ll have to pay $100+ for an original US copy, but FUCK it’s worth several thousands!

ENJOY!

GRANICUS “s/t” – 1973 – USA – RCA APL1-0321

A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I would have loved to post a message today and add some good music for Christmas time but my nefew just gave me no time to do so.

I can only post that picture of a LP ornament that should be found in every Christmas tree all around the world.

Have a great Christmas celebration with your friends and family.

Party hard, drink and smoke too much. Smile and get high on happiness, it only happens once a year.

See you pretty soon with more record and more Rock!

John Hammond "s/t" - 1962

What about a "last-Sunday-before-Christmas'" Blues selection? This one goes out to my friend Nico, I'm sure you'll love this one...

John Hammond is a traditional solo Blues artist. This is his first ever release, 45 years ago on Vanguard.
On this self-titled LP, the guy goes into immortal classics (by Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry and so many others) with his own view and passion.

John Hammond plays honest and tries to stay true to the original songs he covers.
I really like the version he does of "Hoochie Coochie Man", so I decided to throw it in the player. No guitar this time, but the man, a mere harmonica and the spirit of the Blues!

ENJOY!

JOHN HAMMOND "s/t" - 1962 - USA - Vanguard VRS-9132 ('68 reissue)

BLOODROCK "2" - 1970

From Fort Worth, TX comes BLOODROCK with their second and gold selling effort : 2.

The band is linked to GRAND FUNK RAILROAD : Terry Knight is behind the two bands, as a manager and a spiritual adviser too. There are sound similarities that's for sure, but please remember GFR was a power-trio...

I've never been completely convinced by BLOODROCK's compositions, but their sound production is thick and massive, their songs are well-written and technically convincing.
I feel like the band lacks attitude to me. Sure they can play! but who cares? Know what I mean?

This second album is worth listening though (the 3 first BLOODROCK LPs are winners and you should own them), because of "Lucky In The Morning" (try the player!), "Cheater", "Dier Not A Lover" and, of course "D.O.A." (for Death On Arrival).

ENJOY!

BLOODROCK "2" - 1970 - USA - Capitol ST-491

STEAMHAMMER "Mountains" - 1970

Time has come to give you one of my favorite records from 1970 : Mountains by STEAMHAMMER.

This one is really amazing : British Blues Rock with a Prog attitude and an undecent groovy approach.

Martin Pugh's (later to form ARMAGEDDON with K. Relf and B. Caldwell) guitar work is rich, textured, varied and utterly beautiful. The vocals are soft and comforting when the rhythm section is tight and clear. The sound production is also very enjoyable.

About STEAMHAMMER, they started as a backing band for Freddie King, before they got signed to CBS and released two albums before Mountains.

All of the 8 cuts of this album are impressive, so I went for the title track. Smooth and strong at the same time. This is a work-of-art I promise!

Note that there should be a sticker on the front cover of this album, mine is missing.

ENJOY!

STEAMHAMMER "Mountains" - 1970 - UK - B&C CAS 1024

FELT "s/t" - 1971

Absolute must-have LP from Alabama. FELT released this debut on Nasco (9006) that is truly impossible to find in any condition (I've never seen a copy), so if you ever come across one, prepare to pay hundreds and hundreds of bucks. That said, Akarma did, once again, a great job with the reissue, so go get it!

FELT is truly a winner. All the numbers here are powerful and diverse with acid guitar work, hammond, great vocal lines and great well-written songs.

Myke Jackson (singer, guitarist, composer, frontman) was only 17 when this monster was recorded, I can't help thinking about what could have the band become.

I picked "World" out of the 6 tracks, try it and go buy your LP immediately!

ENJOY!

FELT "s/t" - 1971 - USA - Akarma AK127

The LITTER "Emerge" - 1969

I'm back!

Thanks for all your recent comments.

Emerge is the LITTER's third release.

The LITTER, out of Minneapolis, started as a Garage band in 1966.

With Emerge, they open up to Hard Rock, still heavily influenced by British bands such as The YARDBIRDS, The WHO...

Check it out as soon as you can, this is a really good album and a great addition to any Psych/Prog/Hard Rock collection.

Emerge is cheaper than the two other albums and you might pay $50/$80 for a US copy in mint condition.

ENJOY!

The LITTER "Emerge" - 1969 - USA - Probe CPLP 4504

PALADIN "s/t" - 1971

PALADIN is gifted.

Their debut is creative and eclectic. The guys happily fuse Jazz and Funk with Ethnic music, Prog and Psychedelic elements. A lot of bands of the era come to mind when listening to PALADIN : SANTANA & TRAFFIC mostly.

With wild energy all the way, honest and fresh Pop elements come to enrich the album even further.

Back in '71, this record was way ahead of its time because of this perfect mix of Latin/Cuban/Afro and Eastern influences.

Make sure you check this one!

Their second release a year later, Charge!, is somehow Heavier than their debut, with a Roger Dean cover.

ENJOY!

PALADIN "s/t" - 1971 - UK - Island ILPS 9150 (French press)

GINHOUSE "s/t" - 1971

I read somewhere that GINHOUSE's sole album was an ass-kicking Psych/ProgLP.

And when I saw a UK copy at a record fair, I traded it for some "real" ass-kicking LPs.

What we have here is a trio that has ideas, a few are good, but they can't make it.

They fail at any attempt of making good music.

This is my sensibility that speaks, some of you may think this is a Psych/Prog jewel, but, honestly, there are plenty of average Psych/Prog albums that sound so much better than this one!

Picking a song was very risky (please note that songs on the player are supposed to make you buy the reviewed LPs, this one is not!), try "I Cannot Understand" (the most interesting song here, well... the one that sounds like a decent song).

The little bonus that we have with this record is the gimmix cover.

This is fairly rare and sells for £60/80 on average.

GINHOUSE "s/t" - 1971 - UK - B&C CAS 1030

UFO "UFO 1" - 1970

Here comes the space Rock outfit that goes by the name of UFO, from the UK.

This is their debut, released in 1970 on the Beacon label (original UK copies rarely show up, and sell for £60/£80 in mint condition).

The guys are young (not even in their 20s) yet show a good sens of melody and some great musicianship. The 3 covers they throw in ("C'mon Everybody", "Melinda" & "Who Do You Love") perfectly suit their own material and the full length suffers no filler.

They will release a second album (Flying - recommended too!) before Michael Schenker, freshly departed from SCORPIONS, jumps in and gives the band a "Pop" direction (Phenomenon is the first album with Schenker).

This truly needs to be (re-)discovered for Heavy/Prog/Psych Rock lovers.

ENJOY!

UFO "UFO 1" - 1970 - UK - Nova 6.21426

MEMPHIS SLIM & WILLIE DIXON "The Blues Every Which Way" - 1960

Here comes the Sunday's Blues selection!

I'm not sure those two Blues behemoth need any introduction, do they?

They're friends and know each other well, you can actually hear it through this whole recording.

Slim handles the piano and Willie handles the bass, they both sing on their own songs.

Songs tend to get personal and intimate. Three beautiful instrumentals among 10 tracks of original material. Try "Shaky" in the player, it might make you think about spending a few bucks on this one...

To me, this is the perfect soundtrack for a rainy, windy and cold Sunday afternoon in december. You take refuge close to the fire in the chimney, pour yourself a glass of your favorite whiskey, light a cig and let Willie and Slim do the talking. Now you know how I spent this day...

ENJOY!

MEMPHIS SLIM & WILLIE DIXON "The Blues every Which Way" - 1960 - USA - Verve V6-3007

The DOORS "Strange Days" - 1967

Jim Morrison would be (is?) 64 today, so what better than today for having a DOORS post?

Released in october 1967 (40 years ago, no less), Strange Days probably is my favorite DOORS' album.

It's dark and gloomy, intense and deep, desperately beautiful and poetic, both lyrically and musically.

We can't see the band on the cover. Jim refused to have a band photo as a cover and Joel Brodsky came up with this photo of a group of jugglers and acrobats shot in New York City (150–158 East 36th Street). Elektra insisted on having the DOORS somewhere on the cover, so Joel added an early band pic (the back cover of the debut actually) and the title : Strange Days.

Musically, there's a little revolution in the DOORS's sound, because a bass guitar is occasionally added. Ray Manzarek's organ and presence give more space to Robbie Krieger's guitar work. Robbie's playing underlines Jim Morrison's vocals and poetry.

Apart from "Love Me Two Times", Moonlight Drive" and "People Are Strange", the music is darker and oppressive.

The band goes into intricate songs, and really defines his pre '70 sound pattern.

"Moonlight Drive" is one of the first songs Jim Morrison ever written. It was supposed to appear on the first album but didn't make it. It's one of my favorite DOORS' song.

ENJOY!

The DOORS "Strange Days" - 1967 - USA - Elektra EKS-74014

TEN YEARS AFTER "Cricklewood Green" - 1970

It’s hard to post a classic. It’s impossible to say something that hasn’t been said before, and picking a track is a hell of a test.
Saying that Cricklewood Green is TEN YEARS AFTER’s most revered album won’t get me nowhere. Neither will saying it’s their 5th LP.

Cricklewood Green is, in my opinion, the last great album TEN YEARS AFTER recorded, before turning their music into a more mainstream Pop direction. All titles are solid, the guitar magic is omnipresent (is Alvin Lee one of the 10 most talented guitarists ever?) and the whole band feels so comfortable with this album it gives the listener total satisfaction.

Vibrant, rocking, smooth, smart and efficient are words that come to mind experiencing this classic album.

“As The Sun Still Burns Away” is the last cut of Cricklewood Green. This is the one I picked because of its gloomy atmosphere and the subtle guitar work. I love the way Alvin Lee sings, caressing the tune. It also makes me think about the legendary “Fever” written by Cooley/Davenport.

The first UK issue of Cricklewood Green featured a black & white poster of Alvin Lee, and mint copies sell for £30 on average.

ENJOY!

TEN YEARS AFTER “Cricklewood Green” – 1970 – UK – Deram SML 1065

By the way, ain't that inside picture amazing?

STRAY DOG "s/t" - 1973

STRAY DOG hails from Texas. The three-piece is granted a recording agreement by Greg Lake himself. They fly to England to put their first effort to tape. Unfortunately, their original drummer (who later ended in BLOODROCK) stays in the US, so they recruit Leslie Sampson (who played in Noel Redding’s ROAD).

Their debut didn’t sold much (as did their second offering in 1974).

Produced by Greg Lake, this debut is very tasty, great guitar licks all the way, some kind of out-dated Prog elements here and there that give the all thing a peculiar feel. The singer (and guitar player) “Snuffy” has a great voice and a very pleasant way of singing. The two ballads give the listener some room in a traditional Hard Rock vein.
STRAY DOG’s debut is one of those unknown albums people should rush to as fast as they can.
Very affordable and a beautiful textured cover...

“Tramp (How It Is)”, the opener, only is worth buying this album...

ENJOY!

STRAY DOG "s/t" - 1973 - USA - Manticore MC66671

WARHORSE "s/t" - 1970

I remember buying the WARHORSE debut for a mere 2€ ($3). OK, this is not a UK copy but a French original. The cover is not in a great shape, neither is the record itself, but it's still enjoyable though...

Note that UK originals on the higly collectable Vertigo label sell for £100+ on average.

This is a great record, heavy organ led tracks, a strong voice, great guitar leads and great Hard Prog tunes.

WARHORSE (not to be confused with the 90's Doom band) could be described as a perfect mix between DEEP PURPLE (for the guitar sound - bass player Nick Simper was in DEEP PURPLE) and URIAH HEEP. Some would link WARHORSE to BLACK SABBATH, I don't.

Their second release (from 1971) is also warmly recommended, less proto-Metal, but still fully entertaining.

"Woman Of The Devil" is the song I picked (mainly for its title).

ENJOY!

WARHORSE "s/t" - 1970 - UK - Vertigo 6360 015

DUST "s/t" - 1971

Here comes DUST, out of New York, with their self-titled debut, released in 1971 on Kama Sutra, distributed by Buddhah.

You obviously know their drummer Marc Bell, 'cause the guy joined the famed Ramones as Marky Ramone...

What we have here is inspired Hard Rock with slight Psych/Prog elements here and there.
A very solid debut with rocking tracks and a couple of ballads.
Strong guitar work, great vocals, inventive bass lines (Kenny Aaronson played with Rick Derringer, Billy Idol, Bob Dylan (!), Joan Jett...), and genuine Punk drumming. Be sure to check this one as soon as you can.
In my book, the all-original US first press has a pink DUST logo, while some others say it's orange... If you know something about the genuine first pressing, please leave a comment. Anyways, it has the pink Kama Sutra label so check that first before buying the record.

"From a Dry Camel" opens side 2. It's the climax of this debut. Check it now!

ENJOY!

DUST "s/t" - 1971 - USA - Kama Sutra KSBS 2041

ARMAGEDDON "s/t" - 1975

Loud guitars, serious Hard Rock, must-have LP, awesome pedigrees.
ARMAGEDDON’s sole album is a real treat. I doubt there’s any other album of the era that sounds as convincing. Well, there’s some others actually, soon to be posted ;-)

ARMAGEDDON is a supergroup rocking on purpose. The band flourished on the ashes of CAPTAIN BEYOND (does this ring a bell, anyone?). Bobby Caldwell joined forces with Keith Relf (YARDBIRDS) + Martin Pugh & Louis Cennamo (STEAMHAMMER) and rushed into the studio to record this amazing record.
Some would say 1975 is no great year for Psych/Fuzz Hard Rock, well... play this one (loud!) and think twice.
Some say the band hails for England, for me it’s American.

“Buzzard” is one of the greatest (the greatest?) Heavy Rock cut out of the 70’s. And man, I mean it! “Silver Tightrope”, that maybe comes to soon in the record, is a beautiful Psych bitter ballad. “Paths and Planes and Future Gains” and “Last Stand Before” are some pure CAPTAIN BEYOND greatness. “Basking in the White of the Midnight Sun” is a frenzy 11+ minute long piece of Hard/Psych.
I try to only play the best, so check “Buzzard” on the player and worship the mighty ARMAGEDDON!

I can only advise anyone of you to own at least 2 copies of this record, you’ll burn one in a coupla months I promise.
An original US copy sells for $70 at least, and European vinyl freaks will have to pay €60 on average... But hey... This record is worth all of your other records.

ENJOY!

ARMAGEDDON “s/t” – 1975 – USA – A&M SP-4513

DARK "Round The Edges" - 1972

Time has come to unleash the rarest records of all time (50 copies were pressed back in '72), and a hell of a record : DARK "Round The Edges". It's simply impossible to find any original copy nowadays, so rush on the Akarma reissue (1.000 copies on a 180gr clear vinyl, housed in a beautiful heavy gatefold cover + a 6-page booklet with lyrics, photos...). Kissing Spell did also reissue this must-have, but it doesn't compare to the job Akarma did on this one.

Let's put in straight : this is a monster!
It took the band 2 years to come up with this LP (and some personal changes). The six tracks are stunning : the riffs are 100% efficient, the bass is booming as rarely heard, the drumming is excellent and the songs themselves are catchy.
The sound production is also impressive (knowing this has been recorded in 3 days with hardly any money).

Progressive at times, Rocking at others, HEAVY all the way!

I picked "Darkside", the opener, and for those who haven't heard any DARK song before, prepare to be blown away. Wait for the fuzzed-out guitar to detonate...

ENJOY!

DARK "Round The Edges" - 1972 - UK - Akarma AK007

BANG "s/t" - 1972

Jen from EyeEatMusic blog recently posted 3 BANG songs, so this post goes out to her, as I’ve read she’s fond of the band (and she leaves many comments on here too).

BANG is the American answer to BLACK SABBATH. Not that they sound like BLACK SABBATH or anything (even though they sound "a bit" like BLACK SABBATH). My saying is they fed on the monolithic riffs, massive structure and their singer had that special Ozzy-like kind of singing.

But, BANG is an American band, so they strictly don’t sound the same. They have an all-American way of Rocking and Rolling. And they’re not as heavy as B.S. was, not as Metal neither.

That said, this debut is solid gold, something you have to own by any means, if you’re into Heavy 70’s Rock. I could only advise anybody to also check their two other releases.


There you go with "Questions", side 2, track #3.


ENJOY!

BANG "s/t" - 1972 - USA - Capitol ST-11015

CATFISH "Get Down" - 1970

Let's have a short Blues interlude (you know I love it dontcha?) with this '70 LP called Get Down by CATFISH, their debut.

CATFISH never meant to reinvent the Blues or create something new, but the band is humble and has what it takes to play the blues.
"300 Pound Fat Mama" is dedicated and so is "Tradition" (let's face it, it sounds traditional doesn't it?), the song I picked for the player.

The cover may not strike you at first sight (not even at all) but don't judge a record by its cover, this is head-on Blues, no compromise, no bullshit. And the guy, Bob Hodge (later Catfish Hodge) he has a voice and knows how to use it. He surely ate gravel before singing and have a good sip of whisky.

ENJOY!

CATFISH "Get Down" - 1970 - USA - CBS 64006 (UK press)

BUDGIE "s/t" - 1971

Back again!
I've been celebrating one of my best friends' birthday this week end (he just turned 30) and got myself singing, drunk, "When the Music's Over" & "L.A. Woman" (I wasn't in the pitch really, but who cared back then? Who listened actually? It was 6 in the morning and the others had already felt asleep). And no one here wants to hear about this anyway...

So, here we go today with BUDGIE, the Metal band from Cardiff. Yes, they were Metal, and they influenced a shitload of Metal bands (METALLICA among others who covered "Breadfan" - for those few of you who don't know...).

Their debut is essential, an absolute must-have. As the back cover has it, "(...) they are a Rock band, a freaking good Rock band." I can only agree.

If you like heavy riffs, funky yet punishing bass lines and ballsy drums, then don't look further. I remember being kinda "disappointed" by this high-pitched, almost female vocals at the very beginning, but once you hear what the guy can do with his voice, you can only enjoy the whole thing even more!

I personally advise people to own BUDGIE's three first LPs (until Never Turn Your Back On A Friend), and make sure they pay a listen before going through the rest of their discography.

The original UK copies on the MCA red & pink label (MKPS 2018) are harder & harder to find, thus the price skyrockets (£80 on average).

"Guts" is the opener, a true classic...

ENJOY!

BUDGIE "s/t" - 1971 - UK - MCA MAPS 4959 (early 70's repress)

STRAY "Suicide" - 1971

STRAY today with their sophomore release : Suicide.
I can't tell if I like this one better than their self-titled debut...

STRAY's prolific career (the new line-up had a new record out last month) never gave the band the success it deserved. That said, their two earliest recordings are far better than the others (I'm not sure they should have released another album after Mudanzas in '73).

STRAY can be described as a Proto-Metal band with English & Irish Folk foundations. Progressive Hard Rock with R&B touches here and there.
I think Suicide is their greatest recording because of the special alchemy between Heavy Rock, their English roots, Prog moves and synth elements that boost the sound production.

Their first 2 albums are not easy to find on vinyl and tend to increase in value. 40€ for an original UK copy of Suicide seems to be a decent price.

Try "Jericho" on the player and get your own opinion about that great album.

ENJOY!

STRAY "Suicide" - 1971 - UK - Transatlantic TRA 233

NUTZ "s/t" - 1974

NUTZ, from Liverpool, released their greatest album in 1974 on A&M. Their debut is varied, going through Prog, Folk, Blues and Hard Rock.
I bought this one for the cover only, as I didn't know anything about the band back then.

Good musicianship and imagination unfortunately failed to get them a real following and the band remained a support-band for BUDGIE or even BLACK SABBATH.

Their other offerings are far-less interesting and convincing. Still, the A-side of this debut is, in my opinion, more interesting than the B-side, more rocking, more innovative.

"Ain't No Thanks To You" is the slide-guitar Blues cut of their first album and thought you might like to hear it.

ENJOY!

NUTZ "s/t" - 1974 - UK - A&M AMLS 68256

FUSE "s/t" - 1969

FUSE is known for including Rick Nielsen & Tom Petersson who later founded CHEAP TRICK.

These guys are young (from 17 to 21 years old) yet musically tight and interesting.
They sound fresh, fun and energetic.

Lots of different influences are partly recognizable across the 8 songs of this album, ranging from Northern Soul to Hard Rock. Sometimes sounding a bit "messy" (the late 60's hard rock production techniques sound dated and weak), this will make you bang your hand and move your feet.

"Show Me" sounds like a great introduction to this album.

ENJOY!

FUSE "s/t" - USA - 1969 - Epic BN 26502

DAMNATION "The Second Damnation" - 1970

Today's "killer LP" award goes to DAMNATION's second offering, released in 1970 on United Artists.

What strikes first is the amazing lead vocals. This guy rocks hard! Then the terrific groove and cheesy guitar sounds.
Solid songs, catchy tunes all the way. Want pounding rhythm sections? Want ballads? Want innovative Hard Rock? Rush on DAMNATION (initially known as the DAMNATION OF ADAM BLESSING), the Cleveland's forgotten sons.

Very affordable ($30 on average) & highly enjoyable (as well as their 2 other releases). The band renamed itself GLORY after their third album and had a record out, but I never had the chance to pay it a listen.

ENJOY!

DAMNATION "The Second Damnation" - 1970 - USA - United Artists UAS-6773

CORPUS "Creation A Child" - 1972

I’ve never come across an original US copy of this one. Privately pressed on Acorn in 1972 (Acorn 1001), this Psych Rock album is one of those crown jewels you have to spend a great amount of money to own. The record has recently been reissued by Akarma on both LP and CD and a bootleg from 1986 is also available. I bought the bootleg knowing I’d never have the opportunity to buy the original red-label Acorn press (later Acorn pressings have a green/pink label).

Musically, this Corpus-Christi, TX-based band offers a great dose of bar-rockers, some inspired idle ballads (Joy is really beautiful) and a couple of forgettable cuts.
The songs boast a soft and smooth guitar work, great vocals and a laid-back rhythm section.
Creation A Child is not an absolute must-have LP but it will please Psych Rock lovers.

“Marriage” is one my favorite tracks, along with the majestic “Joy”.

ENJOY!

CORPUS “Creation A child” – 1972 – US – Breeder RPR 007 (1986 bootleg from Austria)

JERUSALEM "s/t" - 1972

This one goes out to Mr Southard, guitar player for SOLACE, and the man behind the Devil's Music blog.

JERUSALEM is a British band whose both albums have been produced by Ian Gillan, but only their debut saw the light of day, in 1972.

What we have here is pure acid Hard Rock, with strong guitars, great leads, a solid bass/drums structure and some ball-crushing tracks. No filler, all killers!

JERUSALEM counts as a real rarity in the 70’s Hard Rock collectors market so expect to pay at least 150€ for a UK copy and 100€ for a German copy. If you don’t own this one, go buy it now!

Along with "Frustration" and "Primitive Man", "She Came Like A Bat From Hell" is one of my favorite tracks from this LP.

ENJOY!

JERUSALEM “s/t” – 1972 – UK – SDL 6

BRAINTICKET "Cottonwoodhill" - 1971

I thought the last 2 posts would have brought more comments... Hope this one will!
Today comes the Swiss/German/Italian/Belgian conglomerate known as BRAINTICKET and their debut : Cottonwoodhill.

This is pure hallucinogenic acid music. After 2 very groovy, almost soulful tracks, the band goes into their monster track : "Brainticket", a 25+ minute trip into the brain of a demented, heavily drug-addicted psycho. Music, feelings, noise, fears and needs all melt up into a gigantic wall of sound.
Considered as Krautrock, Cottonwoodhill is more of a vibrant psych trip you won't get out of as sane as you were before.
Possessed female vocals over an hypnotising repetitive riff, that's what it's all about, and it's a hell of a great trip!

The German press on Bellaphon is the more common press (even though copies are rarely offered), but know that the all-original Swiss press is on Hallelujah (it's a joint-venture release) and is even harder to find. The Bellaphon logo is on the front cover of the Swiss Hallelujah press (contradictory?).

ENJOY!

BRAINTICKET "Cottonwoodhill" - 1971 - Switzerland - Bellaphon BLPS 19019

ID "Where Are We Going" - 1976

This slab o'plastic is incredibly addictive...
New York's ID released this privately pressed LP in 1976, a visionnary "Space" Prog trippy concept album.

I first listened to this LP 3 months ago and it's my most recent score, I had to add this one to my ever growing LP collection because of the special feeling inside those 4 long tracks : the beautiful opener "Sunrise", the staggering two-parts "Where Are We Going", and the almost quieter and desperate "Solar Winds".
The production and sound are quite peculiar, kind of lo-fi, and the guitars can't sound more scorched and plaintive.
It will surely make you think about both Tony Hill's HIGH TIDE LPs, well... it does make me think about HIGH TIDE, mostly the guitars, because of those endless explosive solos.
The drumming is also very interesting.

Try "Where Are We Going (part 2)" on the player, ain't that trippy? Now run to your nearest record store and buy it, this is HUGE!

ENJOY!

ID "Where Are We Going" - 1976 - USA - Aura AR1000

HAWKWIND "In Search Of Space" - 1971

Today starts a short selection of trippy songs, and how better should it start with but with the Brits from HAWKWIND, huh?

Their sophomore release "In Search Of Space" is my favorite HAWKWIND album (is it because of the arrival of Lemmy Kilmister? dunno...).
Sure it's spacy, trippy, psyched out and incredibly entertaining, pushing the Moorcock sci-fi tales into a brand new musical definition and representation.

For me, this defining piece of plastic could be seen as the first step into Art-Rock & Shoegaze as well as, obviously, one great contribution to the Hard Rock Prog scene. Italian bands from the era also fed on this gem. Not to mention the actual Stoner scene that owes a lot to such an achievement from HAWKWIND.
Try "You Shouldn't Do That" on the player (cut in 2 equal parts to fit the player) and get high brothers!

Note that the value of the vinyl mostly depends on the "Hawkwind Log", the booklet issued with the LP, the key to the universe of the band. I added a picture of the inside cover (that can't still be unfolded!) with the booklet to let you know about this beauty.

ENJOY!



HAWKWIND "In Search Of Space" - 1971 - UK -United Artists UAG 29202 (French press)

BLACK PEARL "s/" - 1969

This is a top notch album! Heavy duty guitars all the way, a great vocalist, catchy tunes, fantastically groovy and soulful. Another all-time favorite of mine.

Picking a song was no easy thing to do, as all of the 9 songs on this LP are killers ("Crazy Chicken", "mr. Soul Satisfaction", "Forget It", and the mighty "Reach Up").

Check "White Devil" (I picked this one for its title...) on the player and get your kicks.
Their live album is also very recommended.
I don't come across this one very often, and mint copies are pretty hard to find. Expect to pay at least $30 for one enjoyable copy.

The only little thing I have to "complain" about is the somehow weak production that the songs don't deserve. A bigger guitar sound and more bass would have made this one an absolute killer!

ENJOY!

BLACK PEARL "s/t" - 1969 - USA - Atlantic 8220

HEAVY CRUISER "s/t" - 1972

I've been listening to this record a lot, but I still don't know what to think about it.
Neil Merryweather is the mastermind behind this unclassifiable LP.

HEAVY CRUISER is one of the numerous projects Neil Merryweather has been part of, and may also be the most unknown one. After this one, he went on to form MAMA LION with Lynn Carey who sings on some cuts on HEAVY CRUISER's debut.

This LP is a cauldron of boiling influences and experimentation. Classic late 50's Rock'n'Roll (check their bombastic covers of "C'mon Everybody" and "Louie, Louie") messes up with Folk ballads and Punk before Punk attitude.

"Miracles Of Pure Device", the last track, is really worth discovering, mostly for the second part of the song, some endless freaky keyboard dementia.

ENJOY!

HEAVY CRUISER "s/t" - 1972 - USA - Family Productions FPS 2706

THREE MAN ARMY "A Third Of A Lifetime" - 1971

Some people under-estimate this band, saying it's forgettable. I don't think so : they have some great tunes and a heavy load of great guitar works.

After the demise of GUN, the Gurvitz brothers (credited as Curtis on the US version) team up with ex-SPOOKY TOOTH drummer to give birth to THREE MAN ARMY. Actually, a great number of drummers are featured on this first album (Buddy Miles among others). Tony Newman from MAY BLITZ will join the band for their second release.

Pop tunes in a Progressive Hard Rock disguise would suit the band's sound well.
Again, great guitar work all the way, and some really tasty cuts.

"What's My Name" opens side 2 and I have to admit I didn't know which song to pick for the player. I think this one should make you wanna buy it.
The US version has the die-cut cover (see the bullet holes?) and is slightly cheaper than the UK one (originally released in the UK on Pegasus).

ENJOY!

THREE MAN ARMY "A Third Of A Lifetime" - 1971 - UK - Kama Sutra KSBS 2044 (US press)

The CORPORATION "s/t" - 1969

This is one of the first real collectable records I bought. I heard this one at a party and been struck.

This 6-piece offers a refreshing dose of Soul tainted Psych Rock, up-tempo and energetic. They kinda make me think about COLOSSEUM, thus they're Americans.

In a certain extend, they're not far away from the British Canterbury scene.

But the climax of this album is the side long "India", the Coletrane cover.

Songs being limited to 10Mb on the player, I had to cut it into two parts to make sure it fits and to give you the possibility to listen to that piece of music history.

Honestly, this track is fantastic. Buy your own copy!

ENJOY!

The CORPORATION "s/t" - 1969 - USA - Capitol ST 175

MAY BLITZ "s/t" - 1970

This is one of the top 10 records I couldn't live without. MAY BLITZ is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest bands our mother earth bore.

The short-lived, mighty MAY BLITZ released their debut on Vertigo, pushing the boundaries of Heavy Rock, inventing new ways, injecting more melodies a single tune can carry. Their music was heavy, loud, inspired and incredibly addictive.

Those three guys would change the face of British Rock for years to come.

How hard it is to select one song out of this unbeatable Heavy Rock maelstrom no one can compete with.
"Smoking The Day Away" opens the album and when you'll hear it for the first time (on vinyl!) I bet my ass you'll be crushed, will stomp your foot and bang your head, with eyes closed. The guitar part is nothing but astounding, breath-taking.
No more superlatives : buy it! An original UK copy in mint condition is a bit expensive (100/150€), but a German copy is affordable (40/70€). You won't regret your purchase, I promise.

ENJOY!

MAY BLITZ "s/t" - 1970 - UK - Vertigo 6360 007 (German press)

BOB SEGER "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" - 1968

Look at this beautiful cover!

I'm not a Seger specialist but I guess he's part of the American music only American people can enjoy (I'm mainly talking about what the guy did after the 70's).

Anyways, this debut, initially titled "Tales Of Lucy Blue" is a hell of a great album. Diverse and still focused on good rocking Soul and Blues influenced psychedelia.

From the opener to "Love Has To Be Loved", this first album is a really strong introduction to the post-summer of love Psych Rock scene.

"Black Eyed Girl" is the longest track, kind of Detroit sounding Garage Blues Rock.

ENJOY!

The BOB SEGER SYSTEM "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" - 1968 - USA - Capitol ST 172

BLUE CHEER "Vincebus Eruptum" - 1968

Guess what? I can rip vinyl again! I can't believe it took me so much time to realize a jack was unplugged...

When I first discovered "Vincebus Eruptum" I couldn't help playing it again and again and again. The wax almost melted on my turn table.

Is BLUE CHEER the first loudest band in the history of Rock'n'Roll? I leave it all to you, but for me this band sounds like the quintessence of pure over-amplified fuzzed-out phased-in loud screeching guitars.

The power trio from San-Francisco released its debut album in January 1968, and hit the charts with its badass version of Cochran's classic : "Summertime Blues".
Named after a very strong acid, BLUE CHEER boasts, on this first album, a non-existing raw, kinda weak production, a very simple guitar work (courtesy of Leigh Stephens), an overweight misled drumming, a booming bass and drugged out vocals.

“Second Time Around" is the last track of this über-important album that led the way to Heavy Metal bands some 10 years later. A true masterpiece that is worth $50 in mint condition.

ENJOY!

BLUE CHEER “Vincebus Eruptum” – 1968 – USA – Philips PHS 600-264

A FOOT IN COLDWATER "The Second Foot In Coldwater" - 1973

I don’t understand how some people love this band. I recently sold their ’77 “Breaking through” album, and the guy who bought it told me this band changed his life when he first discovered it... Well, what could I say? I rose the price up and made the deal! Still, 15 euros for a dead mint copy was a bargain...

Released in 1973, “The Second Foot In Coldwater” is AFIC’s second album. Those canadians are good musicians but they’re not much innovative and talented...
Some good parts here and there, some organ, some great guitars, a decent singer... They have that genuine “Texas shuffle” feeling I’m not very fond of.

Still, they’re some great cuts, such as "Coming Is Love", the first song of this second LP. And the cover is absolutely gorgeous...!

ENJOY!

A FOOT IN COLDWATER “The Second Foot In Coldwater” – Canada – 1973 – Daffodil SBA 16028

ACE FREHLEY "s/t" - 1978

Here comes a cheap one.
Ace Frehley's self-titled release is far better than the other records his KISS band mates put out.
You can still recognize the KISS sound, but Ace being the most talented musician of the band (does anybody disagree?), he brings us a great album.

OK, this is FM US rock and music can get so much better and more intricated, but this 9-track album is pretty entertaining with some good Rock'n'Roll songs and hardly any filler...

"Fractured Mirror" is a great instrumental (I like instrumental songs by the way), honest and emotional.

ENJOY!

ACE FREHLEY "s/t" - 1978 - USA - Casablanca NBLP 7121

ATOMIC ROOSTER "Death Walks Behind You" - 1970

I can't seem to fix that vinyl ripping system. I may have to uninstall & reinstall my sound card. I'm sorry I can't post many albums but checking my vinyl rips MP3 bank, I've discovered some gems I can post before it goes back to normal.

"Death Walks behind you" is ATOMIC ROOSTER's second Lp, released in 1970 and, to me, their greatest offering. Just listen to the first title-track and feel the beauty, the creepy, the doomy athmosphere of this seminal album.

The band didn't suffered the line-up changes after the first album, and ATOMIC ROOSTER is stronger than before, delivering rock solid song-writing, over-the-top musicianship and a spooky tone to the whole album. With this gloomy feeling, the band actually manages to bewitch the listener and take him to eerie and unforgettable soundscapes.

The organ-led heavy parts are absolute delights, the spirit of Vincent Crane(1945-1989) literally flies over the album.
Moreover, the inside gatefold cover is... DOOOOOOOOM!

ENJOY!

ATOMIC ROOSTER "Death Walks Behind You - 1970 - UK - B&C CAS1026

THE COMPLETE STONEFREAK SESSIONS!

OK guys, I have a problem ripping my LPs. I guess it comes from my amp, so I'll have to work it out. I wanted to post the BLUE CHEER's "Vincebus Eruptum" album, but I fear I'll have to post it later.

So I decided to post the entire STONEFREAK podcasts series I made for my pals at Disque Primeur.

The purpose of those initial podcasts was to mix various Stoner bands. I added some movies/TV shows extracts to the songs.

I also had fun reshaping/cutting/re-designing/re-mixing some of the tracks selected.

Here we go :





The first STONEFREAK volume (initially entitled Introducing the art of the stone to the nerds) was a complete "test" and it turned out to be the one people loved best. First issued in november 2006, it starts with that extract from the "Spinal Tap" movie, then it goes on with :
HERMANO "The Bottle" (from s/t)
THUMLOCK "Etherel Blue" (from Emerald Liquid Odyssey)
SIR HEDGEHOG "Bitchlord" (from s/t)
KARMA TO BURN "13" (from Wild Wonderful purgatory)
7ZUMA7 "One At A time (from Deep Inside)
NEBULA "Sun Creature" (from Sun Creature 10")
KYUSS "Asteroid" (from Sky Valley)
ACRIMONY "Herb" (from Hymns To The Stone)

Various extracts from movies and TV shows (the Doom Generation, Gladiator, David Letterman's Late Show...)
Download it here : http://rapidshare.com/files/63627941/StoneFreak.mp3.html



The second (and longest) volume :
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE "Regular John" (from s/t)
ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY "1/4 Mile" (from Constellation)
OPERATOR : GENERATOR "Equinox Planetarium" (from Polar Fleet)
BRANT BJORK "Let's Get Chinese Eyes" (from Jalamanta)
BEAVER "End Of A rope" (from Mobile)
SOLACE "Black Unholy Ground" (from Further)
ATOMIC BITCHWAX "Stork Theme"(from s/t)
SPIRITUAL BEGGARS "Blessed" (from Ad Astra)
BLACK NASA "El Segundo" (from s/t)

Various movie extracts once again (Night of the Hunter, Clerks, Spun...)
Download it here : http://rapidshare.com/files/63634144/StoneFreak-II.rar



The third (anti-war/anti-bush/anti-everything opus) opens in a KRISIUN (Brazilian extreme Death Metal) drum intro and goes on with :
PLUTONIUM ORANGE "Fruit Of Doom" (unsigned demo)
MYSTICK KREWE OF CLEARLIGHT "Electrode" (from s/t)
SPIRIT CARAVAN "Brainwashed" (from The Last Embrace)
ORANGE GOBLIN "Solarisphere" (from Time Travelling Blues)
DOZER "Feelgood Formula" (from Call It Conspiracy)
WE "Galactic Racetrack" (from Dinosauric Futurobic)
THE GLASSPACK "Mrs Satan" (from Powderkeg)
LOWRIDER "Caravan" (from Ode to Io)

Some genuine Bush bullshit throughout
Download it here : http://rapidshare.com/files/63645738/StoneFreak-III.mp3



Last but not least comes the fourth and last volume in the STONEFREAK series. This one is about sex with :
MONSTER MAGNET "Medicine" (from Spine Of God)
SOLARIZED "Nebula Mask" (from Neanderthal Speedway)
HANGNAIL "Side/Slide" (from Ten Days Before Summer)
HOEK "Inner State" (from the BIJOLA/HOEK split)
SPOILER "Electrifyin'" (from Mud 'n Glitter)
CORE "Sarah's Curious Accident" (from The Hustle Is On)
SATELLITE CIRCLE "Kick You Right Back" (from Way Beyond The Portal...)
UNIDA "If Only Two" (from Coping With The Urban Coyote)

The only movie I used extracts of is the French movie Bernie by A. Dupontel, an absolute must-see by the way.
Download it here : http://rapidshare.com/files/63649653/StoneFreak-IV.mp3

I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them. If you do, please leave comments...

There's another series I'm working on, the FUGGY & GROOVY sessions (vinyl only vintage rock). The third volume is about to be released via Disque Primeur's blog, prepare for some Krautrock craziness and other obscurities...

ENJOY!

BOOMERANG "s/t" - 1971

This is one my favorite records of the 70's era.

After the demise of VANILLA FUDGE, Mark Stein let some of his ex-fellows go with CACTUS and he concentrated on BOOMERANG which only released this self-titled album on RCA back in 1971.

What we have here is stunning guitar-driven Rock. Stein's organ & vocals add a psych touch to the album, with 2 tear-jerking tracks (one per side), 2 absolute crushers ("Juke It" & "The Peddler", first and last songs) and great, intense, straight cuts all the way.

The guitar player (Richard Ramirez - noted "Rameriz" on the back cover) is amazing with full blast, technique and sound. Knowing that this guy was 16 by the time of the recording... He played in a band called STRIKER and released one album in 1978 but I never heard it. If someone has it, I'd love to pay it a listen...

36 years after its release, this album sounds like it's still ahead of its time. Play this one loud and you'll know what I mean!

When you'll buy it (because you know you have to own this one), make sure it has the original see-through "Boomerang" sticker on the front cover. Expect to pay at least 50/60$ for a mint copy.

ENJOY!

BOOMERANG "s/t" - 1971 - USA - RCA LSP 4577

CAPTAIN BEEFHEART & His Magic Band "Trout Mask Replica" - 1969

This is no easy-listening. One could easily sum up this album to a magma of spoken-words over a dissonant cacophious breaks and fall starts.

Sure, there's hardly any "song" in here, but think about "Trout Mask Replica" as absolute freedom of speach : consider music as you know it, and consider this 28-song album as a global evolution for the music and the way to experience it.

Captain Beefheart and his companions assemble, destroy, reshape and grind all of the music canons, coming up with this astonishing groundbreaking masterpiece.

True experimentalism, "Trout Mask Replica" is intricated, violent, twirling, fascinating, abstract, pointless and disconcerting at the same time.

There's a lot of reissues for this one, always prefer the original Straight double LP (look for the Straight logo in the front top right corner) with the company inner sleeves.

ENJOY!

CAPTAIN BEEFHEART & His Magic Band "Trout Mask Replica" - 1969 - USA - Straight STS 1053

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD "Closer To Home" - 1970

OK, this ain't no rarity, but what a hell of an album!
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD has always been one of my favorite 70's Hard Rock band, and "Closer To Home" is a strong LP.

Released right after their "Grand Funk" opus in January of 1970, the band returns with 7 more potential hits in June.

The band has grown stronger than before and gives us some absolute killer tracks. Their musicianship is sharp, their sound is raw and chunky and the trio has an irresistible energy.

"Sin's A Good Man's Brother" opens side one and what follows is just purely delicious...

ENJOY!

GRAND FUNK RAIROAD "Closer To Home" - 1970 - USA - Capitol SKAO 471