The Secret Vinyl Conspiracy

SPIN IT HARD

2009-07-11T03:23:00.000-07:00

Hi there people!

One new message in 9 months (!!) to let you know about that new blog I launched a month ago : SPIN IT HARD.
Expect nothing new but delicious tracks from my personal vinyl collection and pictures of delicious sleeves.
Not so different than what you found here basically...

Please come pay me a visit and drop a little message, I'd be THAT glad to see you there.

Cheers & beers !

//////////END.OF.TRANSMISSION//////////

2008-10-16T04:15:00.000-07:00

As many of you may have guessed, time has come to put an end to the Secret Vinyl Conspiracy. I basically don't have time anymore to post new music. I'm pretty sad about this, and I hope in a near future I'll be able to launch a new blog I'll have enough time to dedicate to.

As the ultimate post, I thought about posting a white vinyl (I love them white!).

No need to introduce NEBULA, neither to talk about their blend of Stoner.

If you're the amazingly beautiful lady on the cover, if you or one of your friends know her, once saw her, heard of her, whatever... please get in touch! I want to know that girl! Please!

Please enjoy those last three tracks I post on this blog.

I had a lot of fun doing this and hope to share music again, as soon as I have time again, 'cause plenty of new LPs arrived lately and some more are about show up pretty soon.

Thank you for all your questions, support and much appreciated congrats, hope to be back soon.

CHEERS!

In need of the king Riff!

2008-08-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

I was wondering today what would my people expect when visiting the Secret Vinyl Conspiracy?

I thought about great covers. I thought about good music. And I thought about that tasty smoking vinyl sound of course.
So I started thinking about one great cover. Tons came to my mind.

And then I started thinking about some phat riffage. And it all SUDDENLY came clear : FU MANCHU's "Godzilla"!

This 10" released on Frank Kozik's Man's Ruin Record label (did I ever tell you I was a Man's Ruin completist?) is one great slab of see-thru plastic.

As everybody know it, "Godzilla" is a BLUE ÖYSTER CULT cover, but the 2 other cuts are pure FU MANCHU at their best, so you know what to expect : hellrising groove and some of the heaviest riffs.

I really like that record and would never trade it for any other guitar-driven craze.

I have to mention that Mr Homme contributes some additional percussion, that it was recorded at Rancho de la Luna and that EARTHLINGS?' geniuses Drake & Catching engineered this baby.

Smoking!

ENJOY the ride!

45s

2008-08-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

JESUS FUC#ING CHRIST!
I can finally find time to post some new music!
The wait is over...

Though I can't rip vinyl anymore (I guess I need a new hi-fi system), I can post some of the 45s I ripped back then... All of my 45s are ripped, so I don't need to get them out of there sleeves.

I give you one of my favorite Noise bands ever : KEPONE and it's a shame the band split (did they really? Can't find any official info on this BTW).

I love KEPONE 'cuz it's truly groovy, yet mean as hell, intricate, loud and dirty. Did you know Michael Bishop (bass & vocals) was also known as Beefcake the Mighty when he was part of GWAR?

I hope you'll enjoy those 2 new songs I post in weeks. If not, I'll do my best for the next one's a winner...

ENJOY!

Back

2008-08-10T10:04:00.001-07:00

There goes my new message in weeks!

I just got my internet connection back 2 days ago, so I can post again on the SVC.

I got back from NYC with a shit load of great memories and a bunch of great LPs (Zappa, Joplin, Omnibus, Bandit, Mama Lion and some others).

I'll post music soon, but for the moment I can't rip vinyl anymore. Still have some little things to fix.

Here's my vinyl wall (upgraded and improved on a daily basis). Some new LPs to be added in a coupla weeks, and even more music to post. I'll keep you posted brothers.

Take good care and speak soon!

Riding the city

2008-07-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Let's go to the city and buy LPs!

A little update, folks

2008-07-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

I'm settled in this new apartment. Still have to build up shelves for the CDs. No pic to post right now, but I promise I'll post one soon.
No music for the moment as my internet connection still needs to be installed (should be done by the end of this month).
I'll be in the NYC next week, to see some friends and buy a bunch of LPs. I'll bring back some more tunes for your delighted ears.
More news to come!

Take good care y'all and speak soon.

Moving

2008-06-20T13:03:00.001-07:00

I'm about to move to my new apartment. Still have plenty of LPs and CDs that are not packed yet and I can't find more boxes... Will surely have to come back a day after to pick up the rest.
I won't be able to post any music in the coming days.
I fear the next music post won't happen before July... Sorry for that. I do my best to get some fresh stuff as soon as possible. Cheers!

When classical music hits Psych Heavy Rock

2008-06-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

Inventive Rock and technical musicianship all gathered on one record (please do not pay attention to what the band recorded afterwhile).

This is Prog Rock in one of its most demonstrative forms. Tons of variations and pinnacles, when dark Folk and heavy riffage walk together, all in a very classical music frame.

FRUUPP wasn't very popular in spite of relentless touring (with KING CRIMSON among others) and the record sales never quite satisfied Pye's Dawn label.
The band unfortunately called it quits after 4 albums and hundreds of shows.

Please ENJOY "Graveyard Epistle", you might need to buy the record right away. But note it's a $100 investment. At least. I don't like the cover though. But the music itself is pure delight.

FRUUPP "Future Legends" - 1973 - UK - Dawn DNLS 3053

I've been stolen my wallet

2008-06-01T07:39:00.001-07:00

A motherfucker stole my wallet yesterday night and I can tell you i'ts a pain in the ass. Credit card, ID, driving licence... He almost owns me the motherfucker.

Anyways, have you ever heard about the model who wanted to become a star and hopefully did?

Marc Bolan and its T-Rex monster created a very special kind of music, something he was the very only one to write and perform.

With this album, Bolan crafted his unimitable guitar sound and production, and established his unstoppable tunes and melodies. He stuck to his early Folk/Hippy Music orientation, added a huge amount of distorted guitars and some good dirty Rock'n'Roll to the recipe.

We all miss him dearly and the guy is one of my favorite Rock Icons.

I give you "Jewel" and I'm sure you'll ENJOY!

T-REX "s/t" - 1970 - UK - Fly HIFLY 2

More British Classic Rock!

2008-05-20T10:15:00.001-07:00

Freshly departed from PROCOL HARUM, Bobby Harrison & Ray Royer founded FREEDOM, a Heavy Blues infected Psych Rock combo, that toured with BLACK SABBATH among others.

FREEDOM never reached great success and is often seen as a middle-of-the-pack band.

Sure it's not as inventive and catchy as other British bands of the era, but FREEDOM still delivers some great tunes and good Heavy Rock tracks that really deserve a listen.

This is the American press on Cotillion and is somehow easier to find (and cheaper also!) then the original UK press.

Go check Toe Grabber on the player and let me know what you think.

ENJOY!

FREEDOM "Through The Years" - 1971 - UK - Cotillion SD 9048 (US press)

The Electric Elves

2008-05-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

Before he sang for BLACK SABBATH (among other bands), Ronnie James Dio ran a band called ELF, and they released their debut in 1972, a Classic Rock milestone. But the band needs no introduction, does it?

I found this original US press a coupla years ago, with a 3D lookalike cover. I don't know if it's a repress or any limited edition, as I've only seen it once, and subsenquently bought it.

I've seen some original copies sell for over $60 here in France, I wonder what it's worth in the US.

Please give a listen to Never More on the player, and enjoy.
This truly is a must-have, filled with hard boogie Rock anthems and the inimitable voice of Dio, the man that invented the sign of the devil (yes he's the first guy who threw the horns back in the 70's).

ENJOY!

ELF "s/t" - 1972 - USA - Epic KE 31789

Music to smoke to

2008-05-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

ASH RA TEMPEL is one of the Krautrock leaders, mainly because of their debut LP (highly valuable and pretty hard to find in great condition).

"Discover Cosmic" is a French only release that consists of two ASH RA TEMPEL LPs : "Inventions for Electric Guitar" and "Seven Up" with the late Timothy Leary.

"Inventions..." is a Manuel Göttsching album only, as ASH RA TEMPEL broke up weeks earlier. This LP is about monolithic cosmic riffage and various guitar effects. Aerial et hypnotic, perfect soundtrack if you've been having a bad day and are out of pot. You don't need much if you have this.

"Seven Up" is a Timothy Leary/ASH RA TEMPEL collaboration, recorded in Switzerland with a lot of LSD and other drugs. Blues, experimentation and effects galore for a very peculiar album. Tracks are all mixed in together with bizarre noise and moog keys.

Downtown and Power Drive are the two first tracks of this album and I hope you'll like them.

ENJOY!

ASH RA TEMPEL "Discover Cosmic" - 1975 - Germany - Ohr 940.117/18 (French only)

Stop! Look! Listen!

2008-05-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

From Dortmund, Germany comes EPITAPH and its second offering "Stop Look And Listen", by far its greatest achievement.

The band went on to common Hard Rock in the 80's and thus will not be discussed here.

But this one is tasty as hell!

You get some kind of Rural almost Folk intros that merge into some smart Heavy Rock, laid-back, cool but solid.

The 5 cuts here are sharp and precise, floating between false Hippy Rock and crude Hard Rock.

This German press doesn't come up very often, so I advise anybody to catch it while they can. You won't buy it for the cover (ain't that shit ugly?). You'll have to spend at leat 40€/50€ for this one, but I tell you it's worth the price!

I give you the title track, cut #5 : Stop Look And Listen.

Enjoy!

EPITAPH "Stop Look And Listen" - 1972 - Germany - Polydor 2371 274

What if Jim's French shallow grave was a hoax?

2008-04-27T02:23:00.000-07:00

You all know I'm a huge DOORS fan, been a fan for near 20 years and will still be in the next decades.
The feeling I had when I listened to this album for the first time was : "Fuck! This Jim Morrison rip-off actually has something special".
And any DOORS fan have to play this one.

Back in '74 (Jim was dead for 3 years already), PHANTOM'S DIVINE COMEDY was promoted as Jim Morrison's new band by the management itself.

This Psych horror-themed album capitalizes on heavy organ, Morrison-like vocals, Heavy Rock riffage and subtle jazz touches here and there.

It's hard to listen to this record without thinking about original DOORS songs, but once you think about PHANTOM'S DIVINE COMEDY as a real band, they might sound soulful, original and inventive.
"Part 2" never saw the light of day and I'm not even sure the band had any material for another LP.
$50 is a decent price for an original US copy. Most US copies you find in Europe are Export copies with a cut corner or a punch hole in the upper right side of the cover.

"Tales From A Wizard", the album's opener, seems to be a call to the Lizard King to rise from the dead. Judge by yourself.

ENJOY!

PHANTOM'S DIVINE COMEDY "Part 1" - 1974 - USA - Capitol ST-11313

Sunday's face-melting guitar action

2008-04-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

Randy California died in 1997, trying to save his son from drowning.
This guy was a highly talented guitar player, as you can hear on his debut LP.
Sure you know him thanks to the part he played in the band SPIRIT (though I don't like SPIRIT that much) and his other solo albums don't compare to this one.

On Downer, he's acompanied by Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding (credited as Henry Manchovitz and Clit McTorius).

I can only advise anybody to check this one as it's truly enjoyable from start to finish with 2 BEATLES covers and a heavy load of screaming wha-wha guitars.

A must-have? I think so!!
Please note there are 2 different covers existing. I've been told that the one you see (the one I own) is supposedly the original one (with no inscription below the picture), but if you have more info on that, please let me know!

ENJOY!

RANDY CALIFORNIA "Kaptain Kopter And The (Fabulous) Twirly Birds" - 1972 - USA - Epic E31755

Debe Ser Un Camello

2008-04-06T07:48:00.001-07:00

I discovered Uncle Frank with "Hot Rats" and its awesome "ultra-violet in infra-red" photograph cover, and I got to admit it's been a real slap on my face, right at first listen.
Everything on this record is delectable.
Maybe the 'easiest' entry to the ZAPPA's discography, "Hot Rats" is also an unbeatable milestone in modern music.

Anyone would expect me to select Willie The Pimp (what a song!!!) for the player, but I went for It Must Be A Camel, the sixth and last cut of this unbelievable album.

I'm sure you will ENJOY!

FRANK ZAPPA "Hot Rats" - 1969 - USA - Bizarre RS6356

For your listening pleasure...

2008-04-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

... KHAN!

Steve Hillage and Dave Stewart united for a one-LP only Prog Rock outfit (with Nick Greenwood from the CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN).

Man what an incredible record! Ambitious, meditative at times, heavy and beautifully orchestrated.

Hillage's guitar work is stunning and Stewart's visceral organ parts are strong and intoxicating.

If you're into the Canterbury scene, this is truly a must-have, though you'll have to pay $100 to get a mint copy...

I had to play the record twice to decide what track to add to the player. You can't be disappointed.

ENJOY!

KHAN "Space Shanty" - 1972 - UK - Deram SDL-R11

Going back to what I do best

2008-04-03T09:42:00.001-07:00

Non-existing comments on recent posts made me think about going back to our cherished vintage Rock.

So here we go with YESTERDAY AND TODAY from Frisco and their debut album, released in 1976 on London Records.

Energic and hard hittin' with hardly any soft songs (one per side, cause we all need to rest for a minute or two and go to the kitchen to bring back another round of beers).

I'm amazed by the double bass drum as it was pretty rare at the time to be that assaulted all the way.
The slaying riffs are groovin' like hell and the energy is communicative.
I don't like the voice though, a bit too weak for this excellent Rock'n'Roll record.

ENJOY!

YESTERDAY AND TODAY "s/t" - 1976 - USA - London PS677

The Fuggy Grooves [originally titled Fuggy & Groovy] sessions unleashed

2008-03-27T04:12:00.000-07:00

Third and final mix, focusing on the Krautrock scene, mixed up with sci-fi movie extracts and other horror classics. My personal favorite.

The tracks :

JANE "Moving" (from their "Here We Are" album)
BIRTH CONTROL "Hoodoo Man" (from their "Hoodoo Man" album)
BRAINTICKET "Brainticket (part 2)" (from their "Cottonwoodhill" album)
NEU! "Negativland" (from their s/t album)
AMON DÜÜL II "Dehypnotized Toothpaste"+"A Short Stop At The Transylvanian Brain Surgery" (from their "Tanz Der Lemminge" album)
GURU GURU "Ooga Booga" (from their "Känguru" album)

GET IT HERE!

This is all about British vintage Rock!

I'm not completely satisfied with this one, something's missing, but I still don't know exactly what.

Tracklist :

NUTZ "Poor Man" (from their s/t album)
BUDGIE "Nude Disintegrating PArachutist Woman" (from their s/t album)
PALADIN "Fill Up Your Heart" (from their s/t album)
URIAH HEEP "Gypsy" (from their "Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble" album)
HORSE "The Sacrifice" (from their s/t album)
INCREDIBLE HOG "Warning" (from their "Volume 1" album)
MAY BLITZ "8 Mad Grim Nits (from their "2nd Of May" album)
DIRTY TRICKS "The High Life" (from their s/t album)

GET IT HERE!

This is the first of those 3 podcasts.

I used American bands only and some 70's movie extracts. As I did for the STONEFREAK series, I used effects and sometimes reshaped the songs to make sure this podcast is fully enjoyable (depending on the listener). This is clearly dedicated to NYC, I definitely love the city.

This is vinyl only as you may guess and the tracklist goes like this

ARMAGEDDON "Buzzard" (from their s/t album)
GRANICUS "You're In America" (from their s/t album)
YESTERDAY'S CHILDREN "She's Easy" (from their s/t album)
SIR LORD BALTIMORE "Master Headache" (from their "Kingdom Come" album)
BLUE CHEER "Magnolia Caboose Babyfinger" (from their "Outsideinside" album)
TINHOUSE "Personal Gain" (from their s/t album)
BANG "Come With Me"(from their s/t album)
JAMUL "All You Have Left Is Me" (from their s/t album)

GET IT HERE!

Btw, if you like what you hear, please leave comments, that'd be well appreciated!

ENJOY!

Switzerland's sickest act is back from the grave

2008-03-27T03:27:00.000-07:00

The cult Swiss combo's return in 2006 kicked major ass, because the band has been buried deep in 1992 (remember this worthless record called "Vanity/Nemesis"?) and there was no sign of any comeback.

With "Monotheist", the band reinvents itself, being more frightening and desperate as it used to be in its glory days.
This is modern Metal, with a dedicated hateful and misanthropic attitude.

Monolithic riffage, haunting cries, and booming rhythm section.
The album goes through different parts, some are quiet and kinda mellow, but they're all dark as hell and massively oppressive.

Definitely not an album that is easy to listen to or easy to fully appreciate. It would take you time to get into the intricate and compulsive music of the new improved CELTIC FROST.
The gatefold cover (different visual from the CD version) and inner sleeves are beautifully designed and fucking sick.
The very first press on black vinyl is limited (heavy! - 1,000 copies?) and is quite hard to come across.

Try the opener Progeny.

ENJOY!

CELTIC FROST "Monotheist" - 2006 - Switzerland - Century Media 77500-1

Athens, OH Trashers

2008-03-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

No doubt you will rush to this one once you'll have played Vengeance Will Be Mine and Limb From Limb on the player.

First off, the awesome John Baizley (of BARONESS fame) cover alone should make you wanna have it.
Then the relentless dual-guitar attack!
This is vintage Heavy Metal and NWOBHM as if there were no tomorrow, all hell breaks loose : intensity, enthousiasm and bad-ass riffage all along.

Spits of Black Metal on this revived Bay Area Trash cadaver, high-pitched Vs. haunted growls, lightspeed bass-drum abomination : one of 2007's greatest releases!

The 'ice blue' vinyl is limited to 400 copies and now sold out, a regular black version can be ordered from the HyperRealist records website.

EJNJOY!

SKELETONWITCH "Beyond The Permafrost" - 2007 - USA - Hyperrealist HR017

Easter at a tremendous speed

2008-03-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

What a a great way to celebrate Easter!
The mighty and unstoppable SLAYER, reigning over the Metal scene for more than 2 decades.

I'm not sure I have to write anything about the band as you surely all know about the beast and have surely seen SLAYER live at least a couple of times.

I love all of their albums, but "South Of Heaven" (along with "Reign In Blood" and "Seasons In The Abyss") stands as an absolute classic, a true must-have, an LP it's impossible not to own on vinyl.

Go play Ghosts Of War, and praise the Lord.
SLAYER rules!

ENJOY!

SLAYER "South Of Heaven" - 1988 - USA - London LONLP63 (UK press)

Folklore & Mythology for Pagan Viking Metal!

2008-03-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

For those familiar with the Scandinavian extreme Metal scene, ENSLAVED might need no introduction.
ENSLAVED is the essence of Viking Metal, drenched in Nordic mythology and local folklore.

As you may hear, the music has evolved a lot and now has a progressive, atmospheric feel (check "Monumension").
The epic and heroic aspects of their music is still effective and strong but the whole has been slowed down, enriched and textured.

"Isa" and "Ruun" are, to me, their most successful LPs with majestics part, brutal breaks and efficient musicianship.

Please listen to Fusion Of Sense And Earth which is, in my opinion, one of the greatest cuts out of "Ruun".

ENJOY!

ENSLAVED "Ruun" - 2006 - Norway - Back On Black BOBV050LP

Egyptian nihilism

2008-03-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

NILE is unquestionably one of those few leaders in the Death Metal genre, always pushing the boundaries and adding more 'extreme' into extreme Metal.

The middle-eastern and showed egyptian references (both musically and graphically) has always been a trademark and has brought NILE a very special cult following.

With "Annihilation Of The Wicked", NILE has unleashed its most ambitious, heaviest, and most massive yet detailed and clear sounding release to date.

For those who never heard anything about NILE, expect some crushing bass-drum, lightspeed riffs, inhuman demonic gutturals and, of course, egyptian imagery made music.

The vinyl version has an etched D side and is available on black vinyl or awesome grey marble. Check it out below, while playing the title track, Annihilation Of The Wicked (+Spawn Of Uamenti, the intro).

ENJOY!

NILE "Annihilation Of The Wicked" - 2005 - USA - Relapse RR6630-1

The Stockholm Syndrome

2008-03-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

GRAND MAGUS started as a Doom/Stoner band and shared stages with SPIRITUAL BEGGARS (singer J.B. now sings in the band), CATHEDRAL, ORANGE GOBLIN or ROADSAW.

The "Wolf's Return" opus is more into Metal, and more exactly into the NWOBHM to be absolutely accurate. JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN among numerous others come to mind at first listen.

Sure there's a traditional Heavy Metal basis to this album, but they still follow the Doom path they've been walking down since their beginning.

In my opinion, "Wolf's Return" is their most solid album, intricate and powerful with strong lead vocals and crushing riffage.

Is the band still active? I don't know.

ENJOY!

GRAND MAGUS "Wolf's Return" - 2005 - Sweden - Rise Above RISELP60

Open your books PAGE 99

2008-03-13T03:11:00.000-07:00

PAGENINETYNINE from Virginia, shaped a new form of screamy, edgy, desperate and dark Hardcore, though they define their music as Punk Rock.

This is dark and ugly, mean and harmful. Urgency is tangible throughout the 5 tracks of "Document #7". At the same time, this is all very exciting and fresh.

You really need to give them a try, it's an all-new vibrant rock'n'roll circus.

It's the second press on lavender marble vinyl (a beauty!) which is limited to 550 copies. I'm sure other copies are still available, and there's a total of 4 different pressings, so you might get your own!

ENJOY!

PG.99 "Document #7" - 2002 - USA - Magic Bullet #24

Some brutality on a rainy Sunday

2008-03-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

ANODYNE originated in Boston before moving to New York to design this filthy blend of rocking Hardcore with Sludge aspects and crushing blast beats.

ANODYNE originally included Ayal Naor who quickly left the band to found 27.
"The Outer Dark" is ANODYNE's debut now reduced to a three-piece, after a short period of line-up changes and some 45s (including a split single with KEELHAUL).

ANODYNE plays some pummeling noisy Hardcore, and I can only advise anybody to give them a listen.

Go find the whole side A of this awesome grey marbled vinyl in the player, I'm sure you'll love what you hear.

ENJOY!

ANODYNE "The Outer Dark" - 2001 - USA - Escape Artist EA14.1

An OCEAN of tumult

2008-03-06T12:35:00.001-08:00

OCEAN (not to be confused with The OCEAN) is from PORTLAND and offers a thundering debut that clocks in 80+ minutes (including a CURE cover that is only on vinyl!).
Bad news come from this ocean of tumult and distorted guitars, drenched in resonating bass lines and monolithic wall of drums.

Out on Important Rec. in the US in 2005, this has been re-released on vinyl through the British Rocket rec, with a slightly different cover.

Musically, OCEAN plays Doom, metallic Post Rock ala PELICAN and ISIS... with balls, guts and rage, no rest for the wicked, we're all doomed and here the soundtrack of our last days on this rotten planet Earth. Lovely!
I forgot to tell you about the beautiful splatter discs and the metallic embossed cover...

The Fall is a 24+ minute cut of depressed riffage and apocalyptic laments.

ENJOY!

OCEAN "Here Where Nothing Grows" - USA - 2007 - Rocket Recordings Launch 027 (European repress)

Here comes sickness

2008-03-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

STARKWEATHER is a defining act. Many Hardcore bands fed on this monster of brutality because of its harmful sonic aggression. STARKWEATHER takes no prisoner, it slays, rapes and kills with no mercy.

Based in Philly, PA, STARKWEATHER (taking their name from a 50's serial killer) pioneered the 'Metal Core' scene at the beginning of the 90's, releasing a bunch of convincing 45s.

The dose of violence they inject in their compositions is lethal, using a thick sound production (courtesy of P. Remillard) that boasts their massive riffage machinery, the angular rhythm section and the sick, sick, sick vocals.

I read here and there about the 'cinematic flow' and the visual aspect their music manages to create in the listener's mind, and I can only agree, even if I can hardly explain it with my own words. It's a complete experience, made of sounds and visions, a complex world and an endless extreme sonic assault. To be heard to be believed. "Croatan" is their latest release and I can only wish their new effort will come out soon.

I give you the complete side A, to make sure you don't pass this one.

ENJOY!

STARKWEATHER "Croatoan" - 2005 - USA - Hypertension Hype002

Black suits, blacks shirts and red ties

2008-03-02T03:53:00.001-08:00

"Mono" is ICARUS LINE's debut, originally released through Crank! Records, and re-released with the help of BuddyHead.

ICARUS LINE stands at a crossing between bands such as AT THE DRIVE-IN, BLACK FLAG, 80's MATCHBOX B-LINE DISASTER, REFUSED, The BRONX and The BLOOD BROTHERS. This is the Punk roots of Hardcore with a dirty sense of Rock'n'Roll.

It's a solid LP with unexpected changes, inventive riffage, scorched-out but melodic vocals and a real attitude.
I heard somewhere the LP version was kinda hard to come across (I saw it once at a record fair and bought it!). Check the picture below (I hoped it was better quality though), it's a beautiful marbled/smokey brown slab of vinyl and some very fine tasting music. Find it!

ENJOY!

ICARUS LINE "Mono" - 2001 - USA - BuddyHead BH005

From New York City

2008-02-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

The PSYCHIC PARAMOUNT is the new shaped LADDIO BOLOCKO, that cult and visceral arty noise band.

Their first album, "Gamelan Into The Mink Supernatural" is an incredible dose of insanity and depravity made music. Harsh and vicious, uncomfortable and aggressive, disturbed and unhealthy. Somehow unnatural. I love this.

If you never got introduced to the sick music of this band, you really miss something.

The band is currently recording material for their sophomore release and I can't wait to listen to it.

Echoh Air ends side 1 and it will blow your speakers out. Turn it up, this is truly essential.

ENJOY!

PSYCHIC PARAMOUNT "Gamelan Into The Mink Supernatural" - 2005 - USA - No Quarter NOQ007LP

Why did people ignore this one?

2008-02-24T08:55:00.003-08:00

DRIVE LIKE JEHU hails from San Diego, CA and designed the 'emo' scene back in 1991 with their first self titled album.
With '92 "Yank Crime", the band sharpens its tremendous guitar work and frenzied vocals, getting more intense and complex at the same time.

Noisy and arty hardcore that you have to hear to believe, as its sounded completetely fresh to my ears when I first came onto the band in 1997.

I picked Luau, my favorite song out of this album, and I hope you'll like it too.

ENJOY!

DRIVE LIKE JEHU "Yank Crime" - 1994 - USA - Cargo/Headhunter 037

Last Swedish band before we move on

2008-02-24T02:35:00.000-08:00

The SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES is a very peculiar stuff Sweden gave us. I can tell these guys are real music lovers as "Behind The Music" is filled with different influences, obvious references and incredibly catchy clichés.
Whatever genre you think the band is, it's not, it's completely impossible to pigeonhole The SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES.

I can only advise anybody to give them a listen, as any of their releases utterly deserves one.

The second part of this album is acoustic mainly, so electric rock lovers should focus on the first record, but sides 3 & 4 are worth a listen I promise!

ENJOY!

The SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES "Behind The Music" - 2001 - Sweden - Stickman PSYCHOBABBLE 031

Another Swedish gem

2008-02-24T02:12:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post this great album earlier this week, but my widget Box decided not to work. Sorry for the delay posting new music, but this time I think the bullet-proof player I found will last forever!

MAMMOTH VOLUME is a clever Stoner band, adding some kind of arty Prog roots in the making of this, their second album, "Noara Dance", Matador being the opening song. Thanks to a very demonstrative handful of demos, the band earned its signing on the New York-based label The Music Cartel (now defunct).

I'm sure you'll hear similarities with The QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE (who doesn't?) in riffs and song structures on this song, but MAMMOTH VOLUME has its own personality.

ENJOY!

MAMMOTH VOLUME "Noara Dance" - 2000 - Sweden - The Music Cartel TMC 35LP

One of the strongest Stoner tracks EVER

2008-02-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

Who couldn't agree? Who could dare saying this one isn't HOT?

LOWRIDER raised from the ashes of the all-instrumental BEEF, and after a first split album with NEBULA (you gotta own this one too brothers, this smoking slab of plastic is awesome!), LOWRIDER finally released "Ode To Io", a true masterpiece if you're into groovy riffs, smashing riffs, endless riffs and catchy riffs.

This four-piece, in one album, managed to give the Stoner scene a new taste.
When I discovered LOWRIDER I just couldn't stop playing this album over and over again.

Caravan is the opening track, and it beats anything you're into. Caravan is an universal track that speaks to anybody. Kneel and worship!

Why do these guy ever called it quits???? Peder, if you ever come here, please answer my call : may LOWRIDER give us another round of tracks! Please! Aren't new tracks ready for use?

ENJOY!

LOWRIDER "Ode To Io" - 2000 - Sweden - People Like You PRISON 996-1

Swedes rock hard!

2008-02-17T07:05:00.000-08:00

DOZER could easily be seen as the hardest working Stoner band in the Swedish business. Not only the band as a whole, but the members themselves...

Splits with DEMON CLEANER and UNIDA set the band as valuable newcomers, and DOZER released their two first albums on Man's Ruin Records, "In The Tail Of A Comet" (2000) and "Madre De Dios" (2001).

Released in 2003, "Call It Conspiracy" is their strongest release (imho), with powerful songs and an awesome groove.

Feelgood Formula is by far my favorite cut, rock solid and grooving as hell! Play it now and tell me what you think.

ENJOY!

DOZER "Call It Conspiracy" - 2003 - Sweden - Molten Universe MOLTEN 019

Stoner Metal from Sweden

2008-02-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

BOOGIEMAN is one of those bands that overdosed on 80's Heavy Metal and found its way with KYUSS.

The Swedish Rock'n'Roll and Stoner scenes brought us some very important bands (I just realized I didn't post LOWRIDER so far..., what the fuck?).
BOOGIEMAN has a strong 'Hair Metal' approach
and will please 80's Metal rockers, with catchy refrains, singalongs, and solid song structures.
The band never released any other LP nor 10", and I really don't know if they're still active.

Satisfaction ain't no STONES' cover, and may give you a great idea of what is to expect with this record.

ENJOY!

BOOGIEMAN "Triple Six Blues" - 2003 - Sweden - People Like You PRISON 061-1

Heading for more of the Bristol monster

2008-02-10T07:34:00.000-08:00

The HEADS is a Bristol-based monster that fed on late 60's Psychedelic Rock and Acid garage, chew it with some heavily distorted riffage, to spit a mix of efficient modern Acid Rock, that you can call Stoner if you like.

This band deserves much more success than it gets. Mastermind Simon Price is a very talented guy (so is his music), that you can feel in those powerful and somehow visionary tracks.

"Under Sided" is a tasteful slice of Psychedelia that is not to miss if you're into epic, progressive and noisy Stoner songs, drenched in vintage Rock'n'Roll.

ENJOY!

The HEADS "Under Sided" - 2002 - UK - Sweet Nothing SNLP011

Demons at play

2008-02-10T03:01:00.000-08:00

Here comes a 3-way split today called "In, Demons In", a tribute to the 70's UK scene.

It starts with The HEADS and their HAWKWIND cover (the track I picked for the player), a 13+minute slice of fuzzed out Acid Psych (this is 107kbs to make sure you have the full song). A gem that will blow your speakers out, and blow your mind away.

Then we have PLASTIC CRIMEWAVE SOUND doing a EDGAR BROUGHTON BAND cover, Why Can't Somebody Love Me. Once again, this is some stoned psychedelia, designed to be played loud.

LILLYDAMWHITE and their PINK FAIRIES cover, Uncle Harry's Last Freakout, is the quietest part of the trip, less effects, same rocking affair.

ENJOY!

The HEADS / LILLYDAMWHITE / PLASTIC CRIMEWAVE SOUND "In, Demons In" - 2005 - UK - Rocket Launch022

Southern Comfort

2008-02-07T07:00:00.001-08:00

RAGING SLAB's sixth studio album, "The Dealer", sounds to me like their most Southern Boogie dedicated album, clearly influenced by the likes of BLACK OAK ARKANSAS (they cover When Electricity Came to Arkansas), LYNYRD SKYNYRD or ZZ TOP.

Alike many other RAGING SLAB LPs, expect some strong slide-guitar, solid musicianship, great tunes and a emphasized Southern feel.

Flap Your Boogie Flap is one of my favorite tracks out of this album that is worth checking!

ENJOY!

RAGING SLAB "The Dealer" - 2001 -USA - Cargo CAR 029

On celebrating more than 10,000 visits!

2008-02-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

Gee! Who would have thought this blog would have attracted so much visitors!?
Thank you all so much!

To celebrate this little success, I thought you'd love to hear some BARONESS (one of the greatest things that happened to the heavy scene those last 3 years).

I really love this band, their powerful blend of heaviness, their great musicianship, their obvious
sense of melody and the sharp "Prog" feel they manage to throw in the mix.

This, their second ep (and its righteous title : "Second") shapes the sound to come with the "Red Album" (soon to be released on vinyl, come back soon...!).

I like this one better than their first ep ("First") and I give you Vision, the last of the 3 tracks. Did I tell you the B side was etched? Rush on this one!

ENJOY!

BARONESS "Second" - 2005 - USA - Hyperrealist HR010

#1 anniversary

2008-01-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

That's it, the first Secret Vinyl Conspiracy anniversary (a coupla days late...).

Your comments helped a lot.

Your support help a lot too.

Thanks to my blogger friends (my pals @ the Sludge Swamp, mr. A from Wine, Women and Song, the Devil Dick and his must-see blog, Jen @ EyeEatMusic, all the newcomers and the other blog comrades) and thanks to you all, readers.

You're 100+ visitors a day from every single part of the world (yeah, I use Google Analytics - I'm not sure they need any promo, but still... - and you should too...), and it's a real pleasure to post new songs as soon as I can, no matter the time it takes.

I can see you're all getting used (and appreciating it!) to the new musical dimension I'm taking with the site. I promise they'll be some more great stuff in the coming days, weeks, months, years... Some other strong releases to come.

Come back soon for more rocking records. Records you'll have to own on vinyl.

Cause you deserve vinyl.

Take good care of yourself and come back for more!

The second and heavier half of the Jersey Devils

2008-01-27T10:09:00.001-08:00

The time has come to unleash the monster that is SOLACE's debut : "Further".

When I discovered this record, I've first been attracted by the cover. This 'monster mass' really has something appealing.
Then the music.

SOLACE is a very specific band among the Stoner community, on the verge of being part of the Doom scene but with a deadly sense of groove.

SOLACE is also about its singer. A high-pitched voice that is easily recognizable, chanting and screaming on the same verse, adding soul and dimension to the music.

SOLACE is above all about guitars. Heavy guitars. Constently howling. Hostile. Sometimes they turn out gentle for you to rest for awhile and breathe in, before they get belligerent again and go for the throat.
A classic!

Black Unholy Ground (credited as Black Unholy on the gatefold cover) actually is a classic in my book.

ENJOY!

SOLACE "Further" - USA - 2000 - People Like You PRISON 991-1

The first half of the Jersey Devils

2008-01-27T07:54:00.000-08:00

Jim Hogan and wife Regina Satana have their debut, "Neanderthal Speedway", released on Man's Ruin Records in 1999.
After some personal changes and a split ep with SOLACE ("Jersey Devils"), they strike back in 2002 (now on Meteorcity) with "Driven", a relentless riff-based Stoner rush.

Groove and Soul show up all the way, and Punk Rock also appear on Stab Yor Back. And, look at this cover, ain't it proper ass-kickin'?

What the fuck did happen to the band? If you Jim Hogan ever happen to read this, please let me know what's going on with SOLARIZED!?

World Without End is the last track of this brilliant rocking and grooving album.

ENJOY!

SOLARIZED "Driven" - 2002 - USA - People Like You PRISON 987-1

As if New Jersey had the richest compost for Stoner bands

2008-01-27T06:33:00.000-08:00

Ed Mundell is one of my favorite "modern" guitar players. This guy has a very personal feel that I'm completely fond of.

Being MONSTER MAGNET's lead guitarist, he also found time, back in the beginning of the 90's, to give birth to ATOMIC BITCHWAX, his 70's infused fuzzed out Hard Rock project.
"Spit Blood" is the last ATOMIC BITCHWAX album Ed plays on, as the band was growing and touring, and this couldn't fit Ed's agenda.

"Spit Blood" opens with a cover song, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, and then moves to all new asskicking material.

Liquor Queen and Get Your Gear are tracks 2 and 3.

There's a black vinyl version and a supposedly limited clear red (or is it pink?) version. I thought you'd love to see how does the clear red one look like...

ENJOY!

ATOMIC BITCHWAX "Spit Blood" - USA - 2002 - People Like You PRISON 997-1

More guitars than common people can bear

2008-01-27T05:56:00.000-08:00

GALLERY OF MITES is a one-shot band. GALLERY OF MITES consists of MONSTER MAGNET band members (and ex-band members) and good friends (including Stu Gollin from HALFWAY TO GONE, Duane Hutter from BLACK NASA and, last but not least, Tommy Southard from the mighty SOLACE) that come together, get high, have fun, jam a lot and come up with a record.

Expect a guitar overload on each single track.

Expect some good rocking tunes and great leads all the way.

It's funny how this album makes me think about Iggy Pop and James Williamson "Kill City", maybe because of the first song Exploded View that you can check on the player, as well as Headless Body, Topless Bar, the first two songs of this incredibly addictive record.

ENJOY!

GALLERY OF MITES "Bugs On A Bluefish" - 2003 - USA - People Like You PRISON 985-1

A DEA schedule III drug in the United States

2008-01-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

BABY WOODROSE and ON TRIAL are label mates, have members in common and both love 60's Psychedelia, even though they both have their own sensibility and musical approach.
It's hard to review a band without mentioning the other...

"Money For Soul" is my favorite BABY WOODROSE album (I don't know their october '07 release), a classy and spicy mix of Soul, Garage and Punk.
A lot of bands come to mind listening to this album, still BABY WOODROSE (a seed you can extract LSA from) manage to catch your attention and make you play this record again. And again...

I give you Honeydripper and (the MONSTER MAGNET-like) Volcano, the tracks that open and close, if you wanna know what's in between, you'll have to get your ass down to the nearest record store.

Enjoy!

BABY WOODROSE "Money For Soul" - Denmark - 2003 - Bad Afro AFROLP-018

Danish and paying homage too!

2008-01-26T07:51:00.000-08:00

ON TRIAL are Acid/Garage/Psych freaks and their blend of Psyched Stoner has always pleased me.
The guys decided to release a covers-only record to pay homage to the bands they owe their sound to.

Unfortunately the vinyl version is a mere 6 songs EP (THIRD BARDO, PENTAGRAM, LOVE, The ROLLING STONES and The 13th FLOOR ELEVATORS), whereas the CD also contains some BLUE CHEER, PINK FLOYD, STOOGES & MC5 covers.
But, the CD is not a see-through yellow-stained slab of wax...

Also, the cover is derived from the famous 13th FLOOR ELEVATORS/QUICKSILVER MESSENGER SERVICE Family Dog concert poster (designed by Stanley Mouse and Anton Kelley).

Please check Be Forwarned (PENTAGRAM) and Signed D.C. (Arthur Lee's LOVE) on the player and leave comments!

ENJOY!

ON TRIAL "Head EP" - 2001 - Germany - Cargo Records CAR033

This is the side B label (the yellow stains are hardly noticeable unfortunately)

Aussies paying their tribute to the KYUSS King

2008-01-26T06:50:00.000-08:00

You know I'd have loved to post anything this week but I was on a sort of training period for my new landed job.
No day-off for me during the coming weeks but 2 afternoons a week, so I'll try and post some new music whenever I can.

Another Stoner selection today with WRENCH's "Oscillator Blues".
Those guys played too much KYUSS (can anybody play too much KYUSS actually? Not sure at all) and other related desert-rock combos.

It doesn't sound fresh and new to say the least, but the overall impression is fairly positive, with all worn-out Stoner riffs and UK psychedelia touches here and there.

Try Aloha Mama and Headlight on the player, and make up your own mind...

ENJOY!

WRENCH "Oscillator Blues" - 2001 - Australia - Beard Of Stars LPBOS019

Th' Snake!

2008-01-20T07:47:00.000-08:00

If I had to list the potential heirs to the OBSESSED's legacy, I would think about GOATSNAKE right away (Guy Pinhas and Greg Rogers are ex-OBSESSED members by the way). Greg Anderson (SUNNO))), THORR'S HAMMER and other Drone/Doom projects) is also already trying to define his low frequency guitar tone.

There's some BLACK SABBATH in every riff and some Ozzy Osbourne in Pete Stahl's voice, but the band manages to have its own identity, thanks to obvious production skills and musical talent.
Some KYUSS reminiscence too and a sort of 80's Heavy Metal attitude.
Because of Pete Stahl, some songs here and there could easily be EARTHLINGS? originals...

Mower and Dog Catcher both open side B and are available on the player.

The Man's Ruin vinyl release is an awesome gatefold housing a brown marbled record. Don't forget the mazing Kozik artwork.

ENJOY!

GOATSNAKE "I" - 1999 - USA - Man's Ruin MR174

All Hail Scott "Wino" Weinrich!

2008-01-20T03:06:00.001-08:00

This guy needs no introduction, neither do all the bands he contributed to.
Nothing compares to what this man brought to the Doom & Stoner scene. And his guitar sound pattern is absolutely unique.

Should I add anything about the Wino icon? He is one of those guys I'd really like to meet.

SPIRIT CARAVAN is my favorite band of his, because of the goddamn groovy riffs, and that genuine Stoner vibe that you can almost touch.

I give you the whole side A of this beautiful clear yellow marbled 10" released on People Like You Records.
I guess it's long out of print and nearly impossible to find but this one is a basics in any Stoner/Doom record collection.

ENJOY!

SPIRIT CARAVAN "Dreamwheel" - 2000 - USA - People Like You Prison 994-1

Here comes a Sludge hammer

2008-01-19T08:41:00.000-08:00

I finally have time to post a new message on this little blog. I'm sorry not to be able to post anything during the week, and you know I'd have loved to...

No SOLACE today (be patient...) but the heavy weight Sludge combo called BONGZILLA, with their debut ep freshly released on vinyl on Modus Operandi (Germany).

What to expect from a band with a bandname like this? Yes it's down-tuned heavy Sludge, dedicated to the weed only. BONGZILLA is designed to be experienced with a fat one. "Methods For Attaining Extreme Altitudes" : everything is in the title.

Modus Operandi did a really great job with this vinyl release. A beautiful 180g clear green record and a limited screen printed ziplock (limited to 250 copies - all sold out in a couple of weeks) : awesome!

BONGZILLA is now on a break but Muleboy (guitar/vocals) has founded a new band called AQUILONIAN (I didn't check them so far) that I heard was worth checking...

High Like A Dog is the cut I picked for the player.

ENJOY!

BONGZILLA "Methods For Attaining Extreme Altitudes" - USA - 2007 - Modus Operandi

Bombastic High-Energy Rock'n'fuck'n'Roll

2008-01-13T09:41:00.001-08:00

I wanted to introduce you to this gem that goes by the name of "Free and Easy", the Brooklyn-based BAD WIZARD's debut album.

What a blast I had when I first spinned this one!

Ballsy retro Rock'n'Roll with overflowing over-the-top guitar licks and leads, rawking vocals and a thundering rhythm section. Don't pass this one, this is truly magic.
You know how much I love 70's Rock'n'Roll, do you? These guys cherish Rock'n'Roll and deliver like no one else.

BAD WIZARD's later albums sound sedated compared to this explosive one that clocks in less than 30 minutes.

I give you Endless Lady and Keep high / Stay Low, the two last tracks from side A.

I'm not sure this beautiful purple vinyl is easy to find (I don't remember seeing a copy on any record fair) but what I know is that you have to spend your money on this winner, you won't regret it I promise.

ENJOY!

By the way, I'm afraid there won't be no post for a couple of days or so, but I'll be back with more music as soon as I can!

BAD WIZARD "Free And Easy" - 2001 - USA - Tee Pee/ Cargo Records CAR LP 042

Diggin further the QOTSA family tree

2008-01-13T07:07:00.000-08:00

Here we go with a special double feature on the bands the QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE couldn't be without.

MASTERS OF REALITY is Chris Goss' own band, first founded in 1981 (Chris Goss is the legendary producer of KYUSS).

The band included Ginger Baker in the beginning of the 90's.

Chris Goss took part in numerous Desert Sessions volumes and QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE albums (as a producer or guest musician).

This "Reality Show" is a live album recorded at the Viper Room with special guest Scott Weiland from STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and VELVET REVOLVER.

Look at the beautiful clear red vinyl while enjoying How High The Moon and The Blue Garden, the 2 first songs of this great live album.

MASTERS OF REALITY "Reality Show" - 2002 - USA - Cargo Records CAR LP 040

The EARTHLINGS? and the QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE are sort of twins. Two bands that've been so closely linked through the years (even they sound radically different) since the first ever QOTSA album, recorded at the Rancho de la Luna, Fred Drake's own studio (Fred died of cancer in 2002).

The EARTHLINGS? is pretty hard to label and impossible to pigeonhole. As if a Krautrock band was playing some acoustic Stoner with weird electronic textures and stuff.

"Human Beans" is a beautiful triple 10" boxset released on Man's Ruin in 2000. Three beautiful white 10". Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and Mark Lanegan (among others) appear on this release.

ENJOY!

EARTHLINGS? "Human Beans" - 2000 - USA - Man's Ruin MR171 / MR172 / MR173

Bonus!

2008-01-12T08:31:00.000-08:00

Long time no post, sorry for that brothers, but I've just landed a new job (!!!!!) and I spent those last days to buy a car, and some new clothes... And some LPs too ;-)

After that UNIDA post, let's stay in the KYUSS family with the latest QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE offering : "Era Vulgaris". This is a beautiful triple 10" but, unfortunately, it's black vinyl.

I know Josh Homme loves colored ones, but we're not even granted a clear wax this time.

"Era Vulgaris" is a strange album. I've played it again and again and it took me a lot of time to really get into it. I have a problem with the first half of this album.

It really gets interesting with Misfit Love. There's too much strange sounds buzzing on the first half, and too much cheap gimmicks. The second half is more rocking, with sharper tracks and a more recognizable QOTSA's imprint.

This vinyl edition includes Running Joke as a bonus track, and I hope you actually never heard this one.

ENJOY!

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE "Era Vulgaris" - 2007 - USA - Ipecac IPC91

The Absolute HAMMER!

2008-01-08T06:22:00.001-08:00

Here's the record I couldn't live without.
I guess there's no need to talk about their lead singer and his pedigree...

UNIDA's sole LP really is the absolute hammer. Everything here is strong, groooooovy as hell, sharp as a knife, and tense. The sound production is booming and the band delivers the the goods like no other.

UNIDA recorded another album that never saw the light of day (I mean officially...). What a waste! I've been told it was incredibly expensive to have it released properly.

There's a track missing on the LP version ("Plastic") compared to the CD. The vinyl release is a joint-venture between Man's Ruin and Cargo Germany and is available in 2 different editions : splatter (Germany only) and clear (rest of the world).

Moreover, the picture inside the gatefold cover is colored (not a poor black&white print in a poor CD sleeve)...

I give you "If Only Two", my favorite track from Coping With The Urban Coyote, and one of the strongest monster tracks ever.

ENJOY!

UNIDA "Coping With The Urban Coyote" - 1999 - USA - Man's Ruin/Cargo Records CAR 03

Here are the clear and splatter vinyl versions :

One of my favorite 2007 albums

2008-01-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right. Heavy Deavy Skull Lover, the WARLOCKS' latest offering definitely is one of my favorite 2007 albums.

I discovered the band last year and rushed on their complete discography, but the intimate feel on this new album is simply addictive, and the compositions are just graceful and hypnotic.

"Zombie Like Lovers" is by far the most lively of the 8 cuts, with a typical Moe Tucker drumming style.

This is cathartic, stoned Indie Rock.

There's a pink-colored limited edition that is available through mailorder, directly from Tee Pee records. And the artwork is simply awesome. You know what you have to do...

ENJOY!

The WARLOCKS "Heavy Deavy Skull Lover" - 2007 - USA - Tee Pee TPE-082

The Psychedelic Pachyderm From D.C.

2008-01-06T06:11:00.000-08:00

I saw their soon-to-be-released album on the great blog Ongakubaka, and thought I could share a track from my favorite DEAD MEADOW album : Shivering Kings And Others.

When I first listened to the band, I thought they were english. Sure their sound is thick and heavy and the songs moves snail-pace, but they have a distinctive "Pop" (or is that Shoegaze?) tradition when it comes to the song structure.

Effects galore to give this album a smooth and comfortable sound.

Try "Good Moanin'" on the player, this is my favorite track : one cycling riff and a hell of a discreet arabic-sounding outro that gives me quite a thrill as often as I spin this LP...

Also know that DEAD MEADOW is to be featured (as well as OM among many others) on the documentary/movie "Such Hawks, Such Hounds" (click and get more info from their myspace page).

ENJOY!

DEAD MEADOW "Shivering King And Others" - 2003 - USA - Matador OLE 566-1

The mystic beast returns!

2008-01-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

What if PINK FLOYD's "Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun" was re-interpretated by SLEEP (Jerusalem era)? I guess it would sound a bit like this mystic Doom beast OM recently unearthed.

If you know the band, you certainly love it, and already own this slab of plastic. If you don't, give their albums a listen as soon as you can.
OM is SLEEP's other half (Matt Pike founded the mighty HIGH ON FIRE after the break-up of SLEEP). While HIGH ON FIRE kept the true Hard Rock tradition of SLEEP, Al Cisneros (bass) and Chris Hakius (drums) focused on the mystic, oriental, spiritual side of SLEEP.

Pilgrimage is produced by the legendary Steve Albini, so expect a thick, loud and heavy, yet clear sound (Albini styled!).

Bass Heavy riffs looming out of droning symphonies and buzzing around your head, with Al chanting his psalms : welcome to the new dawn of drugged-out acid-drenched Drone/Doom.

ENJOY!

OM "Pilgrimage" - 2007 - USA - Southern Lord SUNN86

Some Latin Heavy Psych

2008-01-04T05:43:00.000-08:00

LOS NATAS hails from Argentina and released its first album, Delmar, on the dearly missed Man's Ruin label, in 1998.

With Corsario Negro, the band teamed up with Billy Anderson and the guy really empowered the tracks, giving them a heavier dimension and a real fickleness. I have the feeling the guitars are gasping for air in an oppressive atmosphere, using pedal effects to breathe a little.

If you didn't check Corsario Negro because you got kinda bored with the NATAS' sound, know that it's a winner, with long instrumental "psych" parts, crushing heavy breaks and some ethereal parts that root out of smoky songs.

This 180g vinyl is still available from Beard Of Stars Rec. (Italy) so go grab your copy now!

I give you "2002" and "Planeta Solitario", the first 2 tracks of this brilliant album.

ENJOY!

LOS NATAS "Corsaio Negro" - 2002 - Argentina - Beard Of Stars BOSLP30

Gimme a TORCHE In Return

2008-01-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

If you still haven't bought your copy of this beautifully packaged atomic bomb, get your ass down to the nearest record store!

TORCHE's In Return is the band first EP since the self-titled debut. More focused and heavier, this EP will definitely burn your speakers and crush your ears.

I give you the full A-side of this absolutely gorgeously packaged 10" : "Warship", "In Return" and "Bring Me Home".

About the incredible packaging : you get a John Baizley (from BARONESS) designed gatefold jacket, a full color inner sleeve, and the companion CD hold in the die-cut cover. The vinyl comes in various editions, all are very limited (from 200 to 400 copies)! Need more information? Google TORCHE!

ENJOY!

TORCHE "In Return" - 2007 - USA - Robotic Empire ROB0068

Here is the full artwork

2008 : Something's Gotta give

2008-01-02T07:49:00.000-08:00

2008 is here and I really wish you all the best life can bring.

It's time to move on to "modern" heavy music...

I hope you enjoyed 2007 selection and hope you'll still be enjoying the upcoming numbers I'm about to post on this blog.

This will still be about vinyl.

Let's have the first message for 2008 with ABDULLAH's self-titled sophomore album.

This Ohio based two-headed hydra had its debut released on Rage Of Achilles (UK - later to become Code:breaker) that quickly sold-out (unfortunately only available on CD).

The band returned with a far better production, some new material and their very peculiar moody Doom/Stoner compositions.

"The Black Ones" (check the player!) as well as "The Path To Enlightment" are from their debut Snake Lore.

ABDULLAH is a very interesting mix of different styles : Goth Metal, MTV alternative kind of style, Doom and Stoner. They never go harsh and aggressive, always stay eerie and poetical.

I read today that their singer died in 2004, the guy commited suicide. I really like his voice.

The vinyl version (only available from People Like You Rec. - Germany) is beautiful (A/B is clear smokey and C/D is creamy grey), housed in a heavy cardboard gatefold cover. Oh, and look at the label on side A (also used on the CD but shitty quality).

ENJOY!

ABDULLAH "s/t" - 2000 - USA - People like You 999-1

CACTUS "s/t" - 1970

2007-12-30T03:12:00.001-08:00

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!!!

2007-12-26T06:35:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-12-24T15:04:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-21T05:48:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-20T05:55:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-18T06:22:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-17T02:45:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-11T04:58:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-10T05:05:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-08T04:20:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-07T04:32:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-06T05:10:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-04T06:32:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-02T05:25:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-30T04:56:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-28T06:34:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-27T05:45:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-22T02:27:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-21T03:17:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-12T05:22:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-09T06:11:00.001-08:00

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

2007-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-05T09:39:00.001-08:00

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

2007-11-05T06:47:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

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

2007-11-02T07:35:00.001-07:00

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

2007-11-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

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

2007-11-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

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