T2 "It'll Work Out In Boomland" - 1970

Here comes a truly masterpiece, an unbeatable Prog monster and a rarity at the same time...

This guys were not in their twenties when they recorded their first album, and what a hell of an album!

4 terrific tracks ("Morning" is the B-side long track clocking in at 21+ minutes) of pure genius. Melodies are crystal, songs are jewels, going from calm "lullabies" to thundering Heavy storms. Nothing but genius. Period.

After the band called it quits, Keith Cross (ex-BULLDOG BREED - guitars) went on to form CROSS & ROSS (they released "Bored Civilians" on Decca SKL 5129 in 1972), a delightful mix of Acid Heavy Prog Folk (!) and another rare collector.

T2 reunited in the beginning of the 90's (without K. Cross) and released "Second Bite" which is worth payin a listen, but don't blame yourself if you don't.

"No More White Horses" closes the first side perfectly. This track is my favorite one, and listening to it, you'll understand why.

ENJOY!

T2 "It'll Work Out In Boomland" - 1970 - UK - Decca SKL 5050

FANNY ADAMS "s/t" - 1971

FANNY ADAMS is a British band that relocated to Australia, where they released their sole album on MCA.

It's a true gem and the guys were very talented. Doug Parkinson does a hell of a great job throughout the 8 tracks, with his inspired and soulful vocals, the guitar parts are original and relevant, as well as the rhythm section.

There are real rockers in here, a bit of Prog here and there, and again, talent all the way through!

I can't understand why people don't rush onto this album.If you're into 70's Heavy/Prog Rock, this is a must-have. Well, at least, it's a personal favorite and you know I have good taste...

Try "Mid Morning Madness" and you'll know what it's all about. Knowing that this track is slightly different from the rest of the record, because of the haunting riffage.

ENJOY!

FANNY ADAMS "s/t" - 1971 - Australia - KAPP KS 3644 (US press)

NITZINGER "One Foot in History" - 1973

A month after the first NITZINGER post on the Secret Vinyl Conspiracy, here comes the second LP, entitled "One Foot In History" released in 1973, still on Capitol.

Let's put it straight, this second Lp is less energetic. That said, the guitar work is as much elaborated as it was a year earlier, even slightly more interesting. Though, the other instruments are given more space and the rhythm section now has the space it deserves.
The tracks here are somehow stronger but less explosive.

Taste the band with this special double feature : "God Bless The Pervert" + "Earth Eater", the first two parts of the threefold track that closes side one.

If you have your Rock zooked, get your hands on the first album. If you want it plivy, then pick this one.

ENJOY!

NITZINGER "One Foot In History" - 1973 - USA - Capitol SMAS-11122

FRANK ZAPPA & The MOTHERS Of INVENTION "Absolutely Free" - 1967

"Absolutely Free" is the second album Frank released with the MOTHERS. This special blend of Jazz Rock and Zappa-extravaganza is a step forward experimentation.

Once again, this album is not the easiest way to discover the man's discography, still, play it a handful of times and you will learn to appreciate it.

This album was supposed to be released with a free libreto that had been censored prior to the release. Nevertheless, it was available through ZAPPA's own publishing company.

The gatefold cover is absolutely beautiful and is one one my fav ZAPPA's covers.

The track I chose is "The Duke Of Prunes", the second cut on the album. I love the voice, I love the soft guitars and love the humor, for sure.

ENJOY!

FRANK ZAPPA & The MOTHERS "Absolutely Free" - 1967 - USA - Verve V65013

AMON DÜÜL II "Phallus Dei" - 1969

I discovered AMON DÜÜL II in the beginning of this year, and I was amazed right away. Gathering information about the band, I realised that the band was more than just music. AMON DÜÜL II was a community, a state of mind.

"Phallus Dei", their first album, sets the standards of acid, drug-consumption induced psychedelic music. Setting the shape of Krautrock to come, these visionaries managed to create a completely new dimension in modern music.

"Kanaan" is one of my favorite AMON DÜÜL II songs, this song literally makes me sweat, can't even explain why.

More AMON DÜÜL II to come, I promise!

By the way, burn a candle for Elvis Presley.

ENJOY!

AMON DÜÜL II "Phallus Dei" - 1969 - Germany - Liberty LBS 83279 (french press)

The BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND "Keep On Moving" - 1969

Paul Butterfield kind of invented the acid Rock scene in 1966 with East West, his second album. With “Keep On Moving” in 1969, the Butterfield Blues Band gets into some horn-driven Blues and Jazz tracks.

Paul Butterfield is the last original member remaining and thus this album sounds “fresh”, far less guitars than before, and more Soul dominated songs.

Still, some cuts here are absolutely great whereas others are less interesting.
“No Amount Of Loving” is one of my favorite track of the album, so check it out now!

ENJOY!

The BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND “Keep On Moving” – 1969 – USA – Elektra P-8606E (Japan press)

The DOORS "s/t" - 1967

Considered by many as one of the greatest debut albums of all time, "The Doors" sets the standards for counterculture in 43 minutes.
Released in January 1967, this self-titled first foray into dark poetry and psychedelic acid Rock is impressive and tremendous.
Jim Morrison's haunting voice and poetry serve up the melodies whose hypnotic relentlessness reaches the apex on "The End", unequalled and eternal oedipal drama.
Prior to its release, Elektra censored some verses (on "Break On Through" : "she gets high" became "she gets..." and on "The End", by the end of the song, the word "Fuck" has been deleted many times). The first uncensored versions saw the light of day by the 80's.

We all know this album by heart : "Break On Through", "Light My fire" ('67 Summer of Love #1 hit), "Soul Kitchen", "The Crystal Ship", "I Looked At You", "20th Century Fox"... Let me tell you picking up a song was not a piece of cake as all the songs here are magical and ultimately brilliant.

Though "End Of The Night" may not be the most unforgettable song the DOORS have written, I think it sums up the atmosphere of this first album. The creepy organ, the discreet drumming and eerie guitar line are the perfect soundscape to Jim Morrison's beautiful poetrical verses. His fascination for the dreams and their meaning is revealed, as well as the idea of long deserted highways and, obviously, death being the end of the night. Discussing Jim's poetry is another story and would take too much time, so I let it to your own appreciation and understanding.

40 years after its release, this debut album is still a summit and amazingly unforgettable.

My LP you see above is a mono copy and the mix is somehow different than the stereo versions.

ENJOY!

The DOORS "s/t" - 1967 - USA - Elektra EKL 4007

PATTO "s/t" - 1970

An underrated band and underrated musicians : PATTO.
This is their first album released in 1970 on Vertigo.

This exquisite blend of Jazz Rock and Blues is one of the finest you can ever get to listen to.
Mike Patto’s voice is soulful and powerful, and has that little something that empowers the songs.
And what about that guitarist? Ollie Halsall handles the situation like no other : he’s got the groove when you need it, he delivers rock on demand, and keeps it hot all the time. I also have to mention the amazingly massive and creative rhythm section.

This album kills from its very beginning to “Sittin’ Back easy”, the last of the 8 tracks of this first album.

Check “Red Glow” on the player, get on your knees and worship.

ENJOY!

PATTO “s/t” – 1970 – UK – Vertigo 6360016

"FUGGY and GROOVY" strikes again!

Hello people!

The time has come to unleash the second part of the FUGGY & GROOVY series.

This second volume is about British Rock only. I hope you'll like it as much as the first session some week sago.

I'm already working on the third part of this series, which will only be dedicated to German Rock. Prepare for some weird experiments and noise mutilations...

You know how to deal with iTunes to play the podcast... click here : http://disqueprimeur.blogspot.com/2007/07/dp-podcast-31-fuggy-grooves-session-ii.html

Here we go with the playlist for this second session :

NUTZ "Poor Man" (from "s/t" - A&M)
BUDGIE "Nude Disintegrating Parachutist Woman" (from "s/t" - MCA)
PALADIN "Fill Up Your Heart" (from "s/t" - Island)
URIAH HEEP "Gyspy" (from "Very 'Eavy, Very 'Umble" - Vertigo)
HORSE "The Sacrifice" (from s/t" - RCA)
INCREDIBLE HOG "Warning" (from "s/t" - Dart)
MAY BLITZ "8 Mad Grim Nits" (from "The Second Of May" - Vertigo)
DIRTY TRICKS "High Life" (from "s/t" - Polydor)

ENJOY!

ALAMO "s/t" - 1971

Don't judge the album by its cover : this is no Southern Rock, and Alamo is from San Antonio, CA.

This debut album never had any follower but listening to it, I can't understand why...!?
A couple of ballads (one per side) and 6 scorching Rock tracks.

It's obvious the Texas feeling and some blues roots are evident on some tracks, but not enough to compare the band with POINT BLANK or CACTUS, they had a real identity, a real energy and real songs.

"Question Raised" is the last track on side one and one of the three suggested tracks of this white label promotional copy.

ENJOY!

ALAMO "s/t" - 1971 -USA - Atlantic SD 8279

BULL ANGUS "s/t" - 1971

This is the first album of the Hard Rock outfit that goes by the name of BULL ANGUS. Heavy riffing guitars, sharp bass lines and great vocals all the way.

Not unlike GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, the band has the ability to write great melodies and mix them with long explosive instrumental parts and amazing guitar leads.

This is definitely some 'A' grade American Rock.

No filler, just killers!

"Miss Casey" is the longest cut on the album and opens side B. The catchy tune, the guitar work and the keyboard sound will please you, I'm sure.

I don't know much about the band and their second album, but I promise : as soon as I put my hands on their second LP, I'll post a good slice of it...!

ENJOY!

BULL ANGUS "s/t" - 1971 - USA - Mercury SRM 1 619

MAGIC "s/t" - 1971

Here we go with the MAGIC second self-titled album (their debut has been sold for $700+ on Ebay...). Though they come from Miami, MAGIC sounds, in a way, like a west coast psychedelic band.

MAGIC feeds on Soul music, Folk, Country, Blues and Psych. Evident writing skills and soulful guitar work give the album a special feeling.
An efficient rhythm section, some brass here and there and the powerful lead vocals make this second LP a very tasty album with some refreshing tunes.
"Keep on Moving on" is the opening cut and the soft rocking soulful guitars, mellow bass section and smooth drum line make it a good introduction. There's no brass on this one...

ENJOY!

MAGIC "s/t" - 1971 - USA - Rare Earth R527L

The GROUNDHOGS "Who Will Save The World?" - 1972

For whatever reason, the GROUNDHOGS rarely appear on music blogs. What a waste!
Any of the 6 albums the GROUNDHOGS released between 1969 and 1972 (the rest is far less interesting) are absolutely undeniable.
With this one though, the GROUNDHOGS and their mastermind, Tony TS McPhee, add some progressive stuff into the recipe and put their blues roots aside.
"The Grey Maze", the last track on "Who Will Save The World" is a freaky guitar extended riff, that could drive someone crazy.
The comics cover (by Neal Adams) is particularly colorful and bright and would improve any collection.

ENJOY!

The GROUNDHOGS "Who Will Save The World?" - 1972 - UK - United Artists UA 29237)

NITZINGER "s/t" - 1972

The latest addition to my ever growing LP collection is the NITZINGER first album, released on Capitol in 1972.
This album is an absolute must-have for fans of hard-hitting guitar-driven 70's Hard Rock!
John Nitzinger also worked with BLOODROCK and wrote some great songs for the Texas-based outfit.

On this first album, the mighty guitarist offers kick-ass Rock'n'roll tracks, packed with a heavy load of screaming guitar leads, and even more guitar licks here and there. This is 70's Hard Rock at its best, with a special Texas feeling all the way.

The song I picked, "Hero of the War" (this song closes the album) makes me think of "No One Knows" by the awesome QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE.
It might not be the most hard rocking cut of this self-titled album, but it's a hell of a great track!

ENJOY!

NITZINGER "s/t" - 1972 - USA - Capitol SMAS-11091

Note: With this new song posted, we've just reach a 1-hour long playlist (available in the player). Hope you enjoy it!

NEU! "s/t" - 1972

The duo NEU! was formed in Düsseldorf, Germany, back in 1971. Michael Rother and Klaus Dinger freshly departed from KRAFTWERK gathered in the studio with CAN producer, and got those 6 tracks recorded in 4 days.

"Hallogallo" is the opening song, clocking in at 10+ minutes, this slice of Art/Prog Rock is a pure jewel. With this song, NEU! invented what we call "driving music". The guitar riffs and sliding notes crawl over the mechanical endless drumming to create an hypnotic almost robotic dance.

On other songs, the duo also gets into more experimental ways, adding electronics, jackhammer and other tone distortions into the mix.

Thanks to this unique blend of sounds, noises and aesthetics, this NEU! first self-titled album sets the band as a milestone in Krautrock but also on the then-new born electronica scene.

ENJOY!

NEU! "s/t" - 1972 - Germany - Brain 1004