Bethlehem Asylum - Bethlehem Asylum (1971 usa psych)

A very bizarre album from a Georgia (?) band. Most of it is average Southern rock with blues touches, nothing special. But there’s a couple of long, extended tracks with Moog synthesizers and saxophone that seem to be mostly inspired by Soft Machine!  I don’t know if I’d recommend it per se—my own enjoyment of this particular disc is rather limited—but it sure is one oddball record!

This rarity is well worth finding, mostly for the great track that closes the disc. Otherwise, this album is pretty good but confusing;
it sounds like the work of two different bands.
From RYM

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Captain Marryat - Captain Marryat (1974 great uk heavy prog)

Musically it sounds like a mix of Uriah heep '72 and early Beggars Opera.
It's very tipical prog rock album of this era ('74), but the songs are very good.
So this album is mostly for prog rock fans, the casual listener should hear track nr. 1 - "Blindness" -its pure exelence.And the guitar solo on this track exelent- so primitive (for standarts of 1974), but so great at the same moment.
There are 2 lowpoints on this album:
1. The stole the main vocal line from Uraih Heep song Poets Justice (from 72 "Demons and wizards") and put it in one of their songs.
2.Many of the tracks sounds unfinished and with no details.
Overall -prog rock fans should grab this one
From RYM

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Carp - Carp (1970 rare usa xstian rural psych)

 

 
Gary Busey was the singer, drummer, songwriter, and leader of Carp. The group sounded very much like The Who if Gary had joined them. It's very strongly performed by the group and tends to go the Xian path on a few track, thanks to Gary's religious lyrics. The album cover is very strange, it looks like the BACK of the album. The song titles are right there facing you. The artwork is also confusing and looks like random cutouts done by a young ROBERT POLLARD (GbV). Somehow and someway, the group didn't stick around long enough to do lp#2. They did get a very positive review in CREEM MAGAZINE but that was just one guy's opinion who got the lp free in the mail. The public didn't buy many copies I guess and the frontman headed to HOLLYWOOD! Switching to guitar and filming THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY!
from Rym

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Fair Weather - Let Your Mind Roll on (1972 rock)

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Rain - The Sound of Rain (1972 usa melodic prog)

Another impressive Project 3 label recording. The production on this is soft and slick, but exactly what these songs needed, and not a detractor. There are hints of the Zombies and Beatles in the songwriting, yet with a more progressive feel. Keyboards dominate many of the melodies, and add great texture. The real highlights are the songwriting and vocals, which display great talent. Most of the lp's are said to have pressing flaws. A once obscure record that has been recently gaining momentum.

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Trooper - Trooper (1975 can hard rock)

There's an undeniable suds 'n' thuds enthusiasm to Trooper that elevates the material beyond its basic hard boogie origins. Gotta give some credit to Randy Bachman, seated in the (hopefully reinforced) producer's chair, as there's a sunny but overriding heavy factor to the sound of album highlights like the easy-rollin' "General Hand Grenade," engine-revving drone of "I'm in Trouble Again" and cowbell workout "Don't Stop Me Now." In a jaw-dropping juxtaposition, Trooper's most sublime moment comes on "Roller Rink's" unlikely pairing of hard as nails proto-metal and roller skating. A focused, feel-good time from the boys.

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Man Made - Man Made (1971 rare can prog)

Montreal-based Canadian progressive gem...side 1 includes only one long(19'54")track entitled "Mann Made" , which is very interesting,mixing progressive,classical and elctronic music with spooky and dreamy organ passages,acidy guitarleads,flute solos,harsh vocals...side 2 except "Keep On Moving" ,which utilises fast rhythms with horns and synthesizers contains more slow and melodic moments like "Country Company" and "Reflections" with a hypnotic mood... "Carnival" is a strong mid-tempo ballad,sounding like a combination of Tim Buckley and Tim Hardin, but with also harsh vocals...the cut called "Evolution" ,which is the album's highlight,features good rhythm and stunning lead guitar work with several similarities to Pink Floyd's music...
It's housed in great and funny sleeve artwork...

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Sunblind lion - Observer (1976 Us Hard rock - heavy rock)

Ottimo disco questo dei Sunblind Lion: già dall'opener c'è da divertirsi con un bel riff tagliente poi nelle traccie successive il disco continua con il buon vigore mostrato nella parte iniziale portando degli spunti ottimi nelle canzoni seguenti.

Purtroppo poche info riguardo questo disco, infatti anche il fornitissimo RYM questa volta mi ha lasciato appiedato (questa cover che ho trovato su google dovrebbe essere solo un promo-poster) chi avesse alcune informazioni , lasci un commento che poi verrà pubblicato nella pagina principale!

This was the 1976 debut recording by Sunblind Lion, which displayed their knack for writing sophisticated album-oriented rock. The group was comprised of singer Keith Abler who was a member of both Love Society and Phase III. Additional Love Society members joining this band were guitarist Dave Steffen and lyricist (and drummer in waiting) Mike Dellger. Keyboardist Duane Abler and ex-Phase III drummer Dave Hassinger completed the lineup. Steffen's "Ride the Wind" leads off the album, a blue collar guitar rock piece that gives way to a progressive Duane Abler keyboard interlude and wraps up with a return to Steffen's nifty guitar work. This song with its rock meets prog tenor is typical of this recording. "Cat Eyes" and "Jamaican Holiday" were their two most popular songs but leaned heavier toward radio-friendly pop/rock. The remainder of the album contained excellent progressive rock that magnified all of the bands' strengths like Steffen's playing that could sound as much like Martin Barre as Steve Howe. The instrumental intro to "Spring Essence" sounds very Yes-like and frequently Steffen and Steve Olschesky's guitar and bass interplay sounds strikingly similar to that of early '70s Jethro Tull or Wishbone Ash. Singer Keith Abler's ability for writing intricate melodies coupled with Mike Dellger's lyrics made for an effective songwriting tandem. The three-part title track written by Abler with its instrumental and lyrical excellence and time signature changes should have been a prog lovers' dream.
~ Dave Sleger, All Music Guide

Un grazie a Mauri60!!

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Pocket Size - In One or Another Condition (1970 Dan psych prog)

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Barry Hay - Only Parrots, Frogs and Angels (1972 holl v.good prog hard rock)

Un buon disco, sopratutto nella prima parte con la canzone Xena...purtoppo non tutto l disco si mantine sugli stessi standard dell'introduzione e tende un po' a scemare nella sua parte finale, lasciando un filo annoiato l'ascoltatore...tuttavia ci sono buoni momenti, concedete un ascolto!

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Raw Holly - Raw Holly (1971 rare rock psych)

 

Disco strano: sono rimasto deluso dalla prima traccia (non mi piace il genere trooooopo lento, un po' troppo R&R per i miei gusti) ma devo dire che la situazione migliora dopo l'opener con ottimi spunti ed idee che passano via via su atmosfere psych, compresi passaggi hard rock! da ascoltare!

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Victor Peraino's Kingdom Come - No Man's Land (1975 uk heavy psych prog)

Davvero una bella sorpresa questo disco...un ottimo heavy prog con influssi psych ben marcati (se non sbaglio V. Peraino era il tastierista dei "Crazy world of A. Brown")...l'unica pecca, a mio avviso, la presenza di alcuni pezzi sperimentali che rovinano l'alchimia del disco. Nel complesso assolutamente consigliato!!

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M.O.T.U.S - Machine of the Universal Space (1972 fra prog, jazz prog)

Very good album. It's prog rock with jazz influences. In some tracks you can here strong infuences of early Caravan. Some guitar parts are in style of early Allan Holdsworth playing. On all LP we can hear great Hammond organ sounds in classic rock style. One of the tracks 'Out In The Open' has melody in style of Elton John' 'Country Comfort' track. Guitar and vocalist play before (with Mell Collins) in legendary Circus band. Highly Recommended.

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National Flag - Thank You & Goodnight(1976 uk superb heavy rock)

Che bel disco! che bel disco!un fantastico heavy rock a la Wishbone ash con un ottimo lavoro dei chitarristi, i quali intrecciano i loro assoli creando ottime trame musicali ed esplorando fino in fondo le variazioni armoniche tipiche dei più quotati w.a.!

Assolutamente consigliato!

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Le 25e Régiment - Ecology (1970 rare can soft psych)

Un disco che mi ha lasciato un po' di amaro...melodie troppo soft per i miei gusti, tuttavia ho l'impressione che possano coinvolgere molti di voi!

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Cry 3 - An Odyssey of the Spirit (1975 rare psych prog)

This is a strange one that actually shows up in one of the Hans Pokora books. While it isn't what I would call a 'must own' album, I'd like to know a little more about. Released by the Massachusetts-based Clear Light label, 1975's "Cry 3 An Odyssey of the Spirit" was apparently recorded as a soundtrack for a multi-media presentation. Judging by the pseudo-religious themes that prevail, I'm guessing that it was some sort of church sponsored program. From a personnel standpoint the set was kind of interesting in that it showcased a sort of nascent Christian super group with Mike Johnson having been a member of The Excursions, while Greg Volz played with the band Petra. Musically this wasn't half bad. Propelled by doom and gloom synthesizers and large church choirs the two Al Perez composed instrumental suites didn't do all that much for me ('First Trilogy' and 'Second Trilogy'). Some reviewers have labeled them as psychedelic, but in spite of the 'end of earth' synthesizers and over orchestration they really aren't. On the other hand, tracks like 'Meanings Will Change', a cover of Stephen Stills' 'Know You Got To Run' and '' were all tuneful in a Poco-ish country-rock fashion. The fact they soft peddled the religious sentiments certainly didn't hurt the album. Mind you not all of it was subtle - 'Reflections' and 'I Heard the Voice of Jesus' were both pretty cringe inducing. So ... call it pleasant and move on.


"Cry 3" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) First Trilogy (Al Perez -) - 5:05
i.) Creation (instrumental) - 2:50
ii.) The Serpent (instrumental) - 1:00
iii.) The Fall (instrumental)- 1:15
2.) Lost In a Dream (Gary Wright) - 5:11
3.) Know You Got To Run (Stephen Stills - John Hopkins) - 4:07
4.) Meanings Will Change (Bill Hughes) - 5:11
5.) Reflections (Keith Cradock - Cliff Richard) - 2:50


(side 2)
1.) Second Trilogy (Al Perez) - 8:12
i.) Incarnation (instrumental) - 8:12
ii.) Crucifixion (instrumental) - 3:17
iii.) Resurrection (instrumental) (Charles Lloyd Chittendon)
2.) I Heard the Voice of Jesus (traditional)
3.) Glory Glory (Art Reynolds) - 3:22
4.) Open Our Eyes (Bill Lumkins) -- 3:31

FromRYM

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Sea Dog - Sea Dog (1972 rare can psych. hard psych)

Disco abbastanza raro, godibile all'ascolto anche se lascia un po' l'amaro in bocca per quello che avrebbe potuto regalare...Buon lavoro di Hammond ma poche tracce "killer", tuttavia merita un ascolto per la qualità di alcuni passaggi strumentali...peccato se il tutto fosse virato in chiave un filo più Hard sarebbe stato un buon colpo!

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Randy California - Kapt. Kopter and the (Fabulous) Twirly Birds (1972 heavy psych rock)

"Though fans of Wolfe, a.k.a. Randy California (the nick-name given him by Hendrix in order to differentiate from another Randy in his mid 60's band) are well familiar with the fact that he was a protege of the great Jimi Hendrix, many might have been left wondering when, if ever, Hendrix's influence would take effect. They were no longer wondering once he left Spirit to release this solo effort. Filled with heavy guitar driven psychedelic hard rock, Hendrix similarities abound, though I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a long lost Hendrix album, per se. But it should appeal to fans of the great one. Grades - 1 A-, 3 B+'s, 2 B's, a B-, and a C-, that last grade a totally out of place cover of Paul Simon's "Mother and Child Reunion" - what was he thinking? Original first issues came out on the yellow Epic label."
From RYM

"After too many arguments and lengthy bad vibrations Randy California decided to quit Spirit after the critically acclaimed Tweleve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus. Soon after quiting he had an accident and when he finally got his shit together recorded Kapt. Kopter And The (Fabulous) Twirly Birds album, something of a dedication to his old friend and mentor Jimi Hendrix. It's a very raw sounding album with a very live essence and Randy gathers Noel Redding (using the pseudonym Clit McTorius) and various other refugees to record this album. Rumour persists that Mitch Mitchell also beats the drums somewhere. California's step father Ed Cassidy, longtime Spirit drummer, also makes an experienced appearance. "Downer" is a prototype stoner rock song with sheets of distorted guitars, delayed and echoed vocals that give that twirly acid feeling and has that typical laid back Californian style all over it. Think Blue Cheer but with better riffs and superior delivery. "Devil" is even better. A classic track more laid back that most of the other material here with killer licks and excellent vocal melody with that stoned out quality that is par for the course of what is an acid trip entitled Kapt Kopter And The (Fabulous) Twirly Birds, very inspired. Influences ranging from James Brown and Simon And Garfunkel are evident but the Beatles more so with the rifftastic "Day Tripper", a song Hendrix used to cover in the days that Randy Wolfe played with with him before the Wolfe became California, and the more or less unsung Beatles track "Rain" which becomes an eight minute plus acid rock staple. Very unlike the original but this is a good thing. There is nothing worse than a band covering another artist's material and playing it note for note, making no mark what so ever and so cede a personal identity, trait. California adds his own dimension, idiosyncratic style and feeling to "Rain" as he does with the other cover songs. This is a great album slightly tarnished by the unfortunate production where at times the sound is very percussive and at other times a bit too low due to a lack of a decent mix, but the songs are genuinely good and mystifying. Recently this album has been given a CD release so perhaps it might even have been remastered? It would be worth it. Randy California was a genius among genius. But worthy of the title".
From RYM

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Moonrakers - Together With Him (1968 usa psych)

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Síntesis - Síntesis (1976 - rare arg superb jazz rock)

Formed in Rosario (city 300Km North of Buenos Aires), this unknown group recorded an album in March 1976 -only in two days!
The LP features six instrumental tracks raging from progressive to symphonic, but mainly jazz-rock. The trio is joined by Sergio Polizzi (next Soluna and Bubu) on violin, Oscar Tissera on flute, Mariano Zarich and Chachi Ferreyra on saxes and Santiago Aldana on clarinet.
This monotonous album was released through a private pressing with an aptly drawn fold out cover. It was never reissued and is hard to get.

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Dennis Olivieri - Come to the Party (1968 us psych)

 

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