Pharoah Sanders - Thembi (1971)

Pharoah Sanders - Thembi (1971)

Pharoah Sanders became known to the jazz world in the late 60's as a member of John Coltrane's band and later a sometimes member of the Sun Ra ARchestra !
On Tembi Sanders utilizes a wide variety of instruments, including tenor, soprano, alto flute, fifes, the African bailophone, assorted small percussion, and even a cow horn. What makes this album for me so special is the use of the vibes and timbral-like sounds creates.  The song "Love" at times sounds like King Crimson meets Charles Mingus. Without question this is some far out Fusiony-Jazz but one of those albums after listening to makes you ask "what the heck just happened".  A rewarding album for those who have a certain degree of patience.....

Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman and the Theremin (1947 - 1950)

Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman and the Theremin (1947 - 1950)

 In the late 20's Russian scientist Leon Theremin invented this very early electronic instrument based on principles of wavelengths and electronmagnetic fields....an instrument named after himself called the Theremin.  The Theremin was basically a frequency oscillator capable of emanting tones by the simple interruption and manipulation of airwaves (resistance) over 2 antennae.   It really wasn't until the late 40's that it was used in the practice of making music which is what Hoffman and Harry Nevel exactly did for Capital Records in 1947.  "Music out of the moon (1947), Perfume Set To Music (1948) and Music For Peace Of Mind (1950)  are the 3 first albums (actually 78's) that used the Theremin along side orchestration played by  Leslie Baxter and Billy May.  The end result is a very trippy and strange yet addictive musical journey into the dark abyss of Leon Theremin. 

Osibisa - Heads (1972)

Osibisa - Heads (1972) 

  Osibisa was the brainchild of Ghana's Teddy Osei who decided to follow his dream and came to England to form and release a number of great African-psych-world music albums.  In his pursuit he turned the world into fans of this music and this and this band actually became fairly popular.  Osibisa mix African and Caribbean forms and wrap these around a rock-light fusion sound that makes their music original and hihgly captivating.  Wango Wango is some of the grooviest Arfrican-rock I have ever heard !  Their first 2 albums were simply amazing too, but it is HEADS that I has become their favourite of mine.

Eddie Fisher & The One Hundred Years (1970)

Eddie Fisher & The One Hundred Years (1970)

  Here is a pioneering album that will blow your mind...literally....  Eddie Fisher (no...not that Eddie Fisher!) released this gem of an album and in doing so back in 1970 ushered in the art of soul-jazz-psych foe the guitar.    "Eddie Fisher and the Next Hundred Years is a record of uncommon virtue and consummate skill" . Eddie previously had played and recorded with bluesmen Solomon Burke and Albert King and others but never hit the depth that this album achieves.  Musically this is funk fusion psychedlica-soul and an album this is absolutely precious from start to finish.   Fans of the Wah Wah Pedal and early 70's work of Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock will absolutely love this album.  A milestone album that you need to sit and listen to with the smell of incense burning !

The Beach Boys - Smile (1967)

The Beach Boys - Smile (1967) - 2011 Remastered 2 CD Box Set  Capital Records\
 
  For years I have only heard bootleg and partial samples and singles from perhaps the most famous unreleased album of all time !   Finally under the supervision of Brian Wilson the original master tapes have been carefully resurrected, spliced and assembled to finally reveal the hidden masterpiece in loving full dimension and high res MONO!    The end result is an album that just simply amazing.....this is an album you have to own !   Song by song we are teleported into the sandbox of a genius who was clearly on his way out when he stopped production on what was to be Wilson's finest moment....what a Vega-Table  !   Well...... finally we can all enjoy this album as it was basically going to be released in the best quality that i think we will ever get.   Brilliant,,,,,,,, 

Flamin Groovies - Teenage Head (1971)

Flamin Grooves - Teenage Head (1971)

  San Frans cult rockers, The Flamin Grooves were one of the most influential US bands to emerge from the 60's and spawn off the 70's with 2 ground breaking albums...Flamingo and Teenage Head !   The Groovies were the genius of Cyril Jordan (guitarist) and singer Roy Loney who belt out some real classics here.  I suppose you might peg these guys somewhere in the Rolling Stones meets The Stooges camp.  Their music is high energy and full of life.   Teenage Head will keep you toes wigglin........what a great album

Mike Oldfield - Earth Moving (1989)

Mike Oldfield - Earth Moving (HDCD - Remaster)

 Tubular Bells this is not..........but if you are looking for a great album of highly emotive songs that will stick with you for the rest of your live then why not take a plunge into these water ?   Earth Moving is like Mike's umpteenth album and has been really lost amongst his other great albums...in fact this album is often erroneously criticized as a weak album in his album discography.  In sharp contrast I have always loved this album and think that songs like "Holy", "See The Light" and Title Track "Earth Moving" are amongst some of his finest pieces.  

Spiteri (1973)

  Spiteri released sadly only one album in what was a very short lived music career ...but what an album they left behind. This album is just a fantastic psych album with some crazy Venezuelan-influenced rock and soul going on....somewhere of a cross of Santana meets Malo meet Almeda.  This album was recorded in London in 1973 and is sung in both English and Spanish.   Spiteri gained the support of artists such as Noel Redding, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Bob Marley, Steve Winwood and others back in the day.  The album has some great hand congo drums and a big underground rock vibe.  Lots of vocal harmonies, Latin rhythms, strings, psychy flute and searing guitars to top it all off.  The sound quality on this remastered version on Vampi soul records is excellent and I recommend this album to all early Santana and Malo fans.    The album is a lot of fun  and a real cooker !

The Who - Live At Leeds (1970)

The Who - Live At Leeds (1970) Deluxe Edition

  Ok so who didn't have this album in their vinyl collection ?   (for those who remember the vinyl daze).  Way back when this was THE live album and arguably The Who's finest moment captured at the height of their career.   Recorded Feb 14, 1970 at Leeds University this new mix which was supervised by Pete Townshend presents this album like it has never been heard before.  While the 1970 record offered a mere six selections this deluxe edition CD reissue presents the entire show with disc 2 presenting Tommy.  

Toy Matinee (1990)

Toy Matinee , 1990
 
Toy Matinee (1990)
Patrick Leonard - keyboards
Kevin Gilbert - vocals

Robin Trower - Bridge Of Sighs (1974)

Robin Trower - Bridge Of Sighs (1974)

 Now here is an album that you absolutely must hear before you are "Too Rolling Stoned" !  Bridge Of Sighs is a classic rock album that I have loved for a long time and still come back to as one of "The" great rock albums.  Robin Trower made a name for himself while in Procol Harum and as good as he was on albums like "Home" it is Bridge of Sighs where he really shines.  This album breathes BIG time with a certain patience (not unlike the Dark Side Of The Moon) with its bluesy rock vibes and echo effects and guitar phrasing.  Trower mixes Hendrix rock with blues and psychedelia which is sung thru the soulful vocals of James Dewar and Reg Isadore's bass (same guy that was on both David Gilmour and Peter Green). 

Radio Moscow - The Great Escape Of Leslie Magnafuzz (2011)

Radio Moscow - The Great Escape Of Leslie Magnafuzz (2011)

  Radio Moscow is the genius of guitarist/drummer/singer/songwriter Parker Griggs who clearly has been a HUGE fan of garage -psych his whole life.  Griggs along with fellow bandsman bassist Zach Anderson have recorded 2 huge Stonker albums in a row (Brain Cycles - 2009) and this little bit of psych mayhem.   For those who love heavy guitar psych workouts will kill for this album.  Some pretty crazy things goin on here.......fans of Hendrix will also have the check these guys out.  I still can't get over that a band like this still exists on the planet......you gotta love this music........Essential for the psych fans out there.......

The Parlor Mob - And You Were A Crow (2008)

The Parlor Mob - And You Were A Crow (2008)

  The Parlor Mob's "And You Were A Crow' will bring you right back to the 70's with Uriah, Zepp, Deep Purple and Captain Beyond.  Lead vocalist Mark Melicia has got one of those heavy 70's rock voices that fits the music to perfection......either you will love these guys or not.   Basically this is a guitar driven album with great heavy bass and drum interplay.  In many ways this album reminds me of Jack White's approach with its hard guitar driven riffs not unlike the White Stripes.  Fans of Led Zep will likely love this album too with its straight forward classic 70's rock vibes and imaging.  An excellent album that sounds good cranked up to 11 ! 

Eddie Henderson - Sunburst (1975)

Eddie Henderson - Sunburst (1975), Rare Groove Series - Blue Note

  My first introduction to Eddie Henderson came via Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi triple trilogy (Mwandishi, Crossings and Sextant) albums that I adore.  In 1975 after leaving Hancock, Henderson grabbed his fellow mates and together they assembled "Sunburst" ....and album that plays like the 4th album in the Mwandishi series to my ears with a bit of Miles Davis (for obvious reasons tossed in).   This album "Grooves" and really offers some great musicianship with some great trumpet and fluegelhorn from Eddie with some nice space keyboards from George Duke and some great drumming of Billy Hart and sex of Bennie Maupin!  

Wynton Kelly - Kelly Blue (1959)

Wynton Kelly - Kelly Blue (1959), Riverside Music, SACD

  Wynton Kelly was adored by Miles Davis and so many others as well.   Kelly Blue is one of his early solo albums and IMHO is a great recording.  This album showcases the piano work of Kelly with the assistance of Nat Adderley (cornet), Bobby Jasper (flute), Benny Golson (tenor sax) , Paul Chambers (bass) and Jimmy Cobb (Bass).   Of course Cobb and Chambers both were the rhythm section for Miles Davis.

Procol Harum (1967)

Procol Harum - S/T (1967)

  Here is the start of it all.......Procol Harum's debut album blossoming with their organ-drenched symphonia and the timeless vocals of Gary Brooker.   Procol had only been together a wee while before they hit success....in fact A Whiter Shade Of Pale went #1 and was the fastest selling single in the history of Decca Records.  But there is so much more to this album that "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" .   Conquistador and Cerdes are 2 of my favourite songs from the 60's.   What a stunning debut album.......absolutely essential listen ! 

Marc Moulin - The Placebo Years (1971 - 1974)

Marc Moulin - The Placebo Years (1971 - 1974), Blue Note Records

   Between 1971 and 1974 Jazz-Fusion Pioneers Placebo released 3 albums all of which are some of my favorite fusion bits ever !  Balek (attention! in Arabic) opens up this wonderful compilation marking one of the great fusion songs of all time.   I first hear Placebo back in the late 80's and followed Moulin solo too until his untimely death.  Fusion Prog fans will love Placebo and so too will jazz fans as they cover quite a wide territory...from influences of Soft Machine to that of the Temptations.  Without question Placebo should have received more notice than they have ..which remains only the DJ scratch groove crowd and ardent fusion lovers (like me!).  Heavy grooves and tons of great instrumental funk-soul-jazz. 

Byrds - Sweetheart Of The Rodeo (1968)

Byrds - Sweetheart Of The Rodeo (1968) Legacy Edition (2 CD Remaster)

  The Byrds 6th album would be the one to take them away from the psychedelic sounds into the country-psych tinged arena.  This transformation was enabled with the addition into their lineup of Country rock icon Gram Parsons who brought clearly a whole new dimension to this band.  The end result is a country-rock-psych album full of deep harmonies and great twangy songs.  IMHO this was the Byrds definitive statement musically  and an album I have not stopped playing since the day I discovered this. 

Kraftwerk - Computer World (1984)

Kraftwerk - Computer World (1984) - Remastered Kling Klang Remaster

Computer World was IMHO the last great Kraftwerk album and an album that followed me thru my life since the day it was released.   My friend Erik and I were huge Kraftwerk heads in highschool and Computer World was one of the sacred albums.    This remastered version kicks the pants out of the original CD and vinyl release and sounds ever fresher than the day i first heard this album.  All of the Kraftwerk remasters are to die for and absolutely essential.    Computer World was also a hugely influential album and is oft cited as THE album for fans of electonica.....even Coldplay borrowed it on "Talk" !   Everything seemed to click on this album for Kraftwerk ...just one of those albums that captured the band at the right moment. Absolutely essential album

Planet P - Pink World (1984)

Planet P Project - Pink World (1984)

  Hard to believe but Pink World was one of THE albums for me in high school....way back when.   My circle of friends introduced me to this band and album and I immediately gravitated to it.   For those who are not familiar with Planet P Project it really was a one-man show by Tony Carey (who earlier  played with Rainbow) .   On Pink World Carey teamed up with producer Peter Hauke to release an amazing album of pop and prog genres that for many has been compared to Pink Floyd's "The Wall".    . This album was originally released as a double album set (on pink vinyl) and is an ambitious concept album revolving around Artimus, a boy who doesn't speak, and a Cold War-inspired Armageddon story line.  Carey does all the instrument work (like Mike Oldfield of the past) on this album and like the first Planet P album relies heavily on electronic keyboards to tell the story.   

Helmet Of Gnats (2004) SACD Hybrid

Helmet Of Gnats (2004)

  The Helmet Of Gnats released this debut album in 2004 on SACD mixing fusion and progressive Rock somewhere in the Deep Purple meets Mahavishnu Orchestra meets King Crimson camp.

The Gnats were a 4 piece band with Mark Conese on the drums, Chris Fox on the Guitars, Matt Bocchino on keys and Wayne Zito on the bass.

If you like fusion music then this instrumental album will be a nice surprise. These guys mix great keyboard and guitar interplay with intricate bass and drums in support.

Sound wise this is an excellent SACD with a nice full wide sound offering crystal clear instrumental separation and some pretty groovy deep vibes. These guys were an excellent band !

Highly recommended to fans of instrumental rock fusion with some heavy progressive rock elements.

Moon Safari - Blomljud (2008)

Moon Safari - Blomljud (2008)

Blomljud (Swedish for "sound of flowers") was the second album released by this uniquely harmonic progressive 5 piece band Moon Safrari.  Sweden has produced some of my fav prog bands...Kaipa, Flower Kings, Anglagaard, Anekdoten etc....and now please add Moon Safari to this list.   Moon Safari blend pretty much everything into a very original sound....imagine the 70's symphonic stye of like Genesis with the neo prog keyboards and guitars of perhaps IQ and the alternative pop of maybe ELBOW or Coldplay and then blend in the vocal harmonies of maybe Yes and you have this band.   I love this album ...it is pure musical genius to me.  What really separates this band from the others is clearly the symphonic and harmonic aura of lead vocalist ....Simon Åkesson.  For those who remember Starcastle in many ways I think you can draw similarities minus the vocal copy of Jon Anderson.  But this album is as poppy as it is progressive and will appeal to fans of pop and prog at the same time...My daughter (12) came up into my music room  last night as I was playing this album and said "wow Daddy...these guys can really sing".    That says it all.....

Mahogany Frog - On Blue (2005)

Mahogany Frog - On Blue (2005)

  In 2005 I saw something that clearly was one of those times when "you had to be there"....it was a cool evening in Oshawa Ontario and there I was with my pal Simon at a local college haunt......a psych bar called "The Velvet Elvis"...and playing that evening on the way-undersized stage was Canada's progressive rock'sters "Mahogany Frog".  What a crazy evening ....the sofa was moved out onto the front lawn to make room for their equipment.....some local poetry reading.....household cat coming inside to greet the crowd, a house full of youngsters and a four piece band rocking the house with vintage keyboards, vintage bass and electric guitars, horns, great drumming and even an unplugged old dial telephone (which I answered during the concert....dont' ask).  On tap that evening was this album in review "On-Blue" which is simply awesome from start to finish.  High energy, heavy vibed classically driven synths and huge analog power instrumental songs...what else could you want.  A great album and a great band......hey these guys played prog'fest a few years back too........    

     

Talk Talk - It's My Life (1984)

Talk Talk - It's My Life (1984), 1997 Remastered Version

  The music of Mark Hollis has always had a special spot in my heart....A bit electronic....a bit psychy...a bit rock...and bit pop...and even a bit soul'ful.  For many 80's fans this album held the massive hit "It's My Life" which littered the airwaves and 80's compilations albums in the day, but is just so much more......Hollis' expressive lyrics and vocals over which Tim-Friese-Greene layers his symphonic and memorable electronic keyboard work.   The songs on this album are all great and the albums runs from start to end as a masterpiece should.      

Brandi Carlile - Give Up The Ghost (2009)

Brandi Carlile - Give Up The Ghost (2009)

  I had only heard one song from this acclaimed album when I picked this beauty up and almost had a mid-life crisis as I found myself buying and liking "New Country".....yikes....  However don't fret it kids,,,,,,this is not really "New Country" (phew !) and is as much rock and roll and it is country.   Brandi's vocals are strangely and beautifully rough as is her range.   The other striking feature of this album is the fit of her voice to that of the music.   "Give Up The Ghost" is an honest not overly produced album (which is surprising considering Rick Rubin was the producer) that blends country flavors with that of rock and pop genres.  Elton John makes a guest appearance as well and the end result is an excellent album that I have played a lot.

Herman's Hermits - retrospective SACD (2004)

Herman's Hermits - retrospective SACD, 2004 ABKCO Music & Records Inc.

  The music of Herman's Hermits is that of a lifetime.....and a band that never got the recognition they deserved....clearly were overlook by the British Invasionaries......The Kinks, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Animals etc.... But having said that this SACD compilation on ABKCO (the same Company who did the great Rolling Stones SACD remasters) is absolutely essential.  The sound on this SACD makes all the songs sound just so fresh and alive again.   
  There are sonic dimensions going on here that I have never heard before.....listen to the guitar strumming clarity on "Hold On" with it's very "beatle'esque harmonies, or the heavy foot tapping bass/drumming interplay on "I'm Henry The 8th".   Peter Noone never sounded so good and I would recommend this SACD to anyone who is a big fan of Herman's Hermits..........essential 

Richard & Linda Thompson - Shoot Out The Lights (1982)

Richard & Linda Thompson - Shoot Out The Lights, SACD 1982

  Shoot Out The Lights now some 30 years later on is just getting the recognition it deserves.   This was the sixth and final album by British husband-and-wife folk rock duo Richard and Linda Thompson and IMHO the best piece of work they ever did together.  Richard's guitar playing on this album along with his expressive voice coupled with the beautiful contrasting tones of Linda make this recording a stunning example of an album you must hear before you die !   In 2010 Rhino Handmade released 2 CD deluxe edition in ode this great album.    
  Hannibal's Hybrid SACD re-release is simply amazing with great instrument separation and excellent sound!  In particular the guitar comes out BIG time and if you crank this recording up you will swear Richard is playing in your house !  The title track "Shoot Out The Lights" is an amazing tune for sure with a crazy guitar solo in it that you wont forget.  I would highly recommend you hunt this one down

Dave Mason & Cass Elliot (1971)

Dave Mason & Mamma Cass Elliot , 1971 Rev-Ola Records

  You have to love the voice of Dave Mason....smooth, harmonic, clear and always emotive.  What make this album so special is the combo of Mason with Mama Cass. Make no mistake about this that this is one of Mason's finest albums and compares IMHO to his first solo album after departing Traffic.  As you would expect the album is full of great melodic songs layered over with tons of great harmonies.   Not much jamming going on here as per Mason's approach of straight forward and honest rich sounding music.The song "Sit and Wonder" is one of the great un-heard songs.     

Kaleidoscope - White Faced Lady (1970)

Kaleidoscope - White Faced Lady (1970)

  No to be confused with the US Psych band of the same name , UK Kaleidoscope was the genius of Peter Daltrey.   Kaleidoscope released 2 great psych-poop albums in the late 60's and this album was the 3rd that was sadly shelved and only saw the light of day some 20 years later.   Often this album has appeared on the market under the name Fairfield Parlour.   In many ways this album parallels Bee Gees epic "Odessa" with its concept album approach and deeply english -inspired songs. 
  White Faced Lady is a concept album told over 2 albums or 2 CD's and offers a nice wide range of themes and ideas making this a progressive rock lovers hidden treasure !

The Spacious Mind - Gentle Path Highway (2007)

The Spacious Mind - Gentle Path Highway (2007),  Countryman Records 

  Calling all space cadets........How about a trip down the Gentle Path Highway !   This Gi-normous album willl take you deep into the outer orbits of the furhest quazar known to mankind.  The Spacious Mind have been a fan favorite of mine for a long time now and a few years back I picked up this album and keep finding myself giving it a spin....I guess this means I like the album !    The Spacious Mind are David Johansson (drums, percussion), Henrik Oja (bass, guitar), Jens Unosson (keyboards), Thomas Brännström (guitar) and Niklas Viklund (guitar).  The band play organic prog space rock and are truely original in their music.  "Rider Of The Woodlands" is perhaps my favorite space rock soong of all time.....wow
 Absolutely essential album.

Strawberry Alarm Clock - Good Morning Starshine (1969)

Strawberry Alarm Clock - Good Morning Starshine (1969) 

 The Strawberry Alarm Clock will be forever remembered as the band that recorded the 1967 hit "Incense and Peppermints".........but they were so much more...........   The Good Morning Starshine LP failed to sell and the critics hated this album.     Yet I think they all got this one totally wrong to be honest.....this album is simply one of the great un`s.....  This album is a heavy mix of Hendrix-daze and acid psych with some flowerpower tossed in for good measure.   The harmonies are all there and many of the songs are really psychy numbers  with some great musicanship.   I love the organ on this album..kind of a mix of The Doors and The Beach Boys.      

  The title track "Good Morning Starshine"peaked at something like 87 at the time ...only to be later re-recorded by Oliver as a major hit....oh well....you can``t win em all i guess.....

Genesis - Calling All Stations (1997)

Genesis - Calling All Stations (1997) SACD

  I bet most of you are asking why I love this album so much......no Peter Gabriel...No Steve Hackett...no Phil........in fact likely the furthest they ever strayed away, but for some reason I just love this album !   I think Ray Wilson is a great singer and even though the critics hated this album I think it is some of the best work they did since their vintage years.   Spock`s Beard`s drummer Nick D`Virgilio guests appears on this album and does a great job for sure filling in nicely for Phil...in fact his drumming is better than anything Phil did on the later Genesis albums IMHO.
  I really think this album works on two levels...just one of those albums...on the surface is a poppy album, but on the other is a very deeply emotional album that has some great tunes on it.........
`Calling all stations......can anybody telll me.........``

Jimmy McGriff - Electric Funk (1969)

Jimmy McGriff - Electric Funk (1969), Rare Groove Series, 

  Hammond B-3 monster Jimmy McGriff`s 1969 masterpiece Electric Funk is one of the all time funk albums you need to hear !   In contrast to his other funk masterpiece `The Worm`, this album is more laid back but still groovy and worth of you pulling out the old suede suit .....
  Jimmy McGriff is just way too cool.....his grooves are amazing and this album is nothing short of stunning from start to finish.   The album is full of heavy organ riffs, deep grooves, heavy drum grooves, lite fuzz guitars, elastic bass, and some harmony horns to add color.  Overall just a killer album and one of the best jaxx-soul -funk albums you will ever hear.

Dave Pike - Manhattan Latin (1964)

Dave Pike - Manhattan Latin (1964)

  Vibraphonist guru Dave Pike will not be as immediately recognized as is Gary Burton but his music is not to be missed!   As the album cover says this album contains the "sensuous rhythms of Spanish Harlem".....and what an album cover eh !   Joining Pike on this album are a ton of jazz greats with the biggest name being a very young Chick Corea on the piano!  Imgine a loungie-psychedelic pop-jazz combination ....half great toe tapping elevator music and the other half psych-lounge and you pretty much have the album .   This may be one of the greatest albums to chill out to with a stiff martini and a girl on the Vibraphone.....snap you fingers and close your eyes..........

Orange Peel (1970)

Orange Peel - S/T , (1970) Bacillus Records

  Orange Peel along with FAUST and AMON DÜÜL led the heavy Prog rock movement in Germany during the early 70's.  No question this band were something special and although they only recorded this one album they left one beauty behind for us all to enjoy.   Slaughtered with tons of heavy organ, heavy guitar riffs , great drumming and excellent bass and vocals this album will keep you up all night!   
  Overall this album plays loud and 'eavy.....raw psychedelic rock at its finest.   Fans of Krautrock will kill for this album and i think all the Deep Purple heads out there would really like this album too....

Journey - Escape (1981)

Journey - Escape (1981) 22 Bit Remastered Version

  Who could ever forget Journey or their groundbreaking pop-rock masterpiee Escape from the early 80's.  My house had all the early Journey albums so I was not a stranger to them, but never really started to apprecite them until  bought this one on cassette at my local A&A Records store.  yup.....went to cassette on this one until my deck chewed up the tape !   (by the way do you remember the "Cass-singles" ? ).  Escape captured all the rock of Journey but marked a new direction for them with a stronger pop tinge.  "Don't Stop Believin" is still one of the best rock songs i think ever......high energy...fanstatic vocals and harmonies..great guitar , bass and drums and cool synths,,,,,,,,,

The Lovin' Spoonful - Daydream (1966)

The Lovin' Spoonful - Daydream (Kama Sutra - 1966)

  What a day for a daydream...........

   Yesterday I was reading a book on the Beatles and Paul McCartney said in 1967 that one of his favourite albums was "Daydream" by the Lovin' Spoonful.  Without a question "Daydream" is a totaly plunge into sunshine -power psych-pop the wany only The Lovin Spoonful could.  The album is nicely nestled in between country, blues, Swingin'-London and British (Beat) genres.  As the leader of the band, John Sebastian who was a veteran of the Greenwich Village folk scene along with pal Zal Yanovsky wrote and played on the great sunshine pop albums of the 60's !

Big Band Percussion - Ted Heath And His Music (1962)

Big Band Percussion - Ted Heath & His Music, Phase 4 Stereo, 1962 (Vinyl)

Ted Heath and his music on Phase 4.....wow........this album is way cool !   All the songs on this album buzz with a high energy 60s "bongo percussion" style and carry that unmistakable Phase 4 High Fidelity sound.  . There is a lot of variety in the way the songs are arranged to keep the percussion gimmick fresh throughout the album as well. 

Opeth - Heritage (2011)

Opeth - Heritage, 2011 Roadrunner Records (5.1 Mix)

  Heritage is Opeth`s 10th album and although I am not a big fan of their gueling and oft-tortured vocals that normally satiate their music,  it is on this album (like Damnation) where they push that aside and what is left over is a great album that should not be missed.    Fans of the Goth-Metal Opeth will likely not rant and rave about this album, but fans of Progressive Rock likely will !  I will say that drummer Martin Axenrot is simply one of the best drummers I have heard since PT`s Gavin Harrison.  The music on Heritage is inspired and marks a big shift in Opeth`s sound (again i think mostly cause the vocals are so different). 

   Also I love the heavy use of Mellotron on this album and in many ways it feels like a bit of Anglaggard meets Anekdoten meets Opeth...hmmmmmm.   I guess I should mention for those who have 5.1 play back capability that PT`s Steve Wilson mixed the 5.1 version of this album which does sound excellent on a good 5.1 capable stereo.         

NRBQ (1999)

NRBQ - NRBQ , 1999 Rounder Records

  Released on their 30th anniversary NRBQ`s album titled NRBQ (same as their first album that was released back in 1969) is another excellent album by this pop rock quartet.  As usual many of the track were written or co written by lead man Terry Adams with great musical contributions from Joey and Johnny Spampinato and percussionist Tom Ardolino.  For those less familiar with NRBQ you will find a band that cover a lot of ground and blend a lot of creative bits and pieces into their music.  They have been called the world`s greatest bar band at one time.    

Ween - White Pepper (2000)

Ween - White Pepper, 2000 Elektra Records

  White Pepper was Ween's 7th Studio album and their last one on Elecktra!  I am a big fan of Ween and would highly recommned this and other albums to those who like something a little different.  White Pepper is one of the great Ween album containing their strange whimsical approach to music while blending pop and prog and other elements into a clustered album that will take you a while to absorb.   Ween play an ode to Steely Dan with the track "Pandy Fackler" and even XTC with "Bananas and blow" and Matthew Sweet inspired "Stay Forever".   A wildly creative album that you need to hear !

Lonnie Smith - Move Your Hand (1969)

Lonnie Smith - Move Your Hand , 1969 Blue Note Records

  A fews years back I totally got into Lonnie Smith after hearing live at Club Mozambique which totally blew me away.  Recorded live in New Jersey's Club Harlem on August 9th 1969 this album totally grooves and grooves with a funky jazz that few live album can hold a candle to.  This album was kindly remastered and released on the limited run of Blue Note's Rare Groove Series which are worth hunting for.   Lonnie Smith is a jazz organist who loved funk as much as jazz and on "Move Your Hand" you will definitely need to move your feet . 

Ween - Chocolate And Cheese (1994)

Ween - Chocolate And Cheese (1994) Elektra Records

  Ween are truely the most creative band in the world...Gene and Dene are it !   If you have not heard Chocolate and Cheese then you have not survived the 90's...or the 80's !  or the 70's.....or the 60's......These cosmic goof'sters maxed out of this album with a huge album pretty much full of everything!   Chocolate And Cheese will make you carve out a pumpkin and rely on your destiny !  I dont know......thats the way the song goes !     UUUgh........This album is a brilliant fusion of pop and gonzo humor and is arguably Ween's finest moment (next to The Mollusk).   A Tear For Eddie is fine enough  to appeal to all Pink Floytd Lovers while I can't Put My Finger On it will appeal to fans of the Nazz.....

  Simply a crazy crazy album that all all but too much Ween !

Ween 4 Life !

Songs from the Street

Songs from the Street, 2003 Sony Legacy Records (3 CD Set)\

    ....Can you tell me how to get......how to get to Sesame Street...........

  Ok who did not just love this show as a kid ?    Well I sure did and this little cd set is a wonderful mix of guest appearances and original cast members music from over the 35 years this show aired.  There are some absolute gems and big surprises on here.....BB King grooving with Oscar.....Billy Joel'age, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Pete Seeger, James Taylor, Lena Horne, Pointer Sisters, Johnny Cash, Ladysmith Black Mombazo, Los Lobos and tons more....What a TRIP this set is........and then you get your favs like "C is for Cookie" and People In Your Neighborhood and Rubber Duckie........

Dungen - Tio Bitar

Dungen - Tio Bitar, 2007 Kemado Records

  Swedish psych'sters Dungen captivated my ears a wee while ago when my pal Douggie gave me "Ta Det Lungt".    And here we have their third album Tio Bitar (which translates as "Ten Pieces/Songs") which continues thier exploration and progression into the depths of your mind.  And just like their earlier albums Tio Bitar combines a wide range of elements ......the trippy, heavy psych, traditional Swedish folk eland even that dredded one........Prog Rock !  Vocals and drumming are right out of the 60's psych scene for sure.......I love this album..........Oh yeah lyrics are in Swedish......but very well done......Check these dudes out........

Suitcase Pimps - Love Is Grand (2003)

Suitcase Pimps - Love Is Grand (2003) - Hybrid SACD

   This power-pop quartet released this beauty back in 2003 which got them recognized and topped the Indie Music Awards that year and then they broke up.  The only remains we have is this excellent concept album that tells the tortured story of a rock musicians life.   Musically the Suitcase Pimps blend the power pop prowess of NRBQ with the Funky Grooves of the Spin Doctors and the urban vibes of Radiohead.  This album is simply amazing....highly recommended. 

Duran Duran (1981)

Duran Duran - S/T (1981) - Holland CD Remastered Version (Vinyl replica)

  Duran Duran you ask ?   Come on dude.......... Well it is true.....yes this was one of the 80's albums that I just fell in love with ....  I was a bigger fan of this album than Rio to be honest and loved it punk'ish edge.   My first exposure to Duran Duran was Rio but I snagged this album in the height craze of Duran Duran.  Careless Memories is simply one of the best pop rock songs of the 80's IMHO and I think the whole album is solid.   This version is the UK version of the album which does not include "Is There Something I Should Know? which was on the US version in lieu of "To The Shore".  In true form EMI did a great release here with this replica vinyl CD remaster which brings back just so many Careless Memories for me ........

Lets Dance !

Blonde on Blonde - Bob Dylan (SACD)

Bob Dylan - Blonde on Blonde , 1966 (SACD)  

  In sharp contrast to Highway 61, Dylan's double album "Blonde on Blonde" brought together a rockier more bluesy edge to his music.  With the assistance of Robbie Robertson this album is one of the most powerful studio albums from Dylan's vast catalogue IMHO.  The album cover is blurred as is the music on this album with Dylan's sharp and angular lyrics with an overall surreal feeling.  The last side of the 2nd album is totally devoted to perhaps Dylan's finest song in Lady Of The Lowlands which sounds even more spectacular in high res SACD.