tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331172832012-02-02T14:54:51.487+01:00LA CONOSCENZA RENDE LIBERIBetelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.comBlogger6901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-17918499807374338662012-02-02T08:00:00.000+01:002012-02-02T08:00:09.814+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_glitterhouse/color_blind/"><img alt="The Glitterhouse - Color Blind" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s56305.jpg" /></a></div><i>Once the contract hit the file, the Glitterhouse - if the band's recollections are to be believed - existed as a Bob Crewe vanity project, something to bolster his artistic reputation. See, Crewe (the Four Seasons &amp; Frankie Valli, the Walker Brothers, the Tremeloes, Lesley Gore), a future member of the Songwriters' Hall of Fame, saw these guys play for a book release party &amp; decided he could turn them into the next Lovin' Spoonful.But once their contribution to the Barbarella soundtrack (Crewe picked studio musicians, relegating the band to vocals only) tanked at radio, support for Color Blind was all but withdrawn.You know where I'm going next - damn shame. Cos even with Crewe's sweetening, Color Blind is an interesting document, albeit one that induces a few winces. The band blames their producer for fare like "Child of Darkness" (a moody, underwritten midtempo piece in the vein of the Association). But who gets blamed for the sugar-spun too-muchness of "Sassafrass and Cinnamon"? The anthemish "I Lost Me a Friend" with its anemic drumbreak?"Hey Woman" is more down-to-earth, kind of generic bubblegum but featuring wicked harmonies and some nice organ buildups. Comparisons to Love (both bands were five-pieces with a Black singer) are inevitable. Album closer "Happy to Have You Here Again" is an excellent Beatley bit (with a Geroge Martin-cribbing instrumental break), Mike Gayle's easygoing 'n' loose lead vocal carrying the day.The most successful song (Top 50 in New York City!) is "Tinkerbell's Mind," a grand, string-laden music box. In total Arthur Lee mode, Gayle coos over a great lite-psych arrangement. The only goof-up is the band's (producer's?) decision to have Mike speak-repeat the last phrase of every verse. Kind of heavy-handed.So: not a classic, but still a small country.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (silent mike)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/44A64423C33F48919025833E6CB42CF9/glitterhouse_-_1968_-_color_blind_%28psych%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1791849980737433866?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-34345388059013952032012-01-31T16:36:00.000+01:002012-01-31T16:36:01.415+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_motherhood/doldingers__motherhood/"><img src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s263992.jpg" alt="The Motherhood - Doldinger's Motherhood"></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/B01A7A74F9494D108DD6B02B70ACF50C/Doldinger%27s_motherhood_1970_motherhood_%28jazz_prog%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-3434538805901395203?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-34330487939065881572012-01-29T16:31:00.000+01:002012-01-29T16:31:00.073+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/earth_island/we_must_survive/"><img alt="Earth Island - We Must Survive" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s47095.jpg" /></a></div><i>Very good Psych-lite with tinges of Pop and prog. Is music on the same wavelength as The Millennium; light "airy" sort of super-produced pop with (often) positive messages. For a few tracks I could've sworn the lead singer was Curt Boettcher (like on "Seasons of Our Lives"). Even some of the other vocalizations are similar (which is a good thing): --Ooh!-- and --Ahh!-- backing vocals on several tracks along with multiple singers, instrumentation varied from song to song, etc.The album is solid throughout, with no real "clunkers" to be found. Fillers, (see below), yes perhaps... but even the fillers aren't horrible. On repeated listens I've grown to appreciate it more and more.Highlights: "Earth People's Park" "This Island Earth" and "Ride the Universe" stand out to me.I didn't really care for "Peace and Understanding, Toronto 1970" as it just felt like tossed-together filler material compared to the rest of the record. Same with "The Hungry Planet"; they tried to spice it up with backing vocals but it's still a simple blues-themed jam in the end. Actually the second side is the weakest part of the record, with the first few tracks being very solid.If you can get your hands on it and enjoy Psych-lite/Millennium-style 60's Pop, I recommend checking out the first few songs at least.</i><br /><i> From RYM (Faltain)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/246999B8D8124243ABE80681CFDCE456/earth_island_-_1968_-_we_must_survive_%28psych%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-3433048793906588157?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-8590919389752302982012-01-27T05:30:00.000+01:002012-01-27T05:30:01.676+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/earth_quake/8_5/"><img alt="Earth Quake - 8.5" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s133020.jpg" /></a></div><i>Most people seem to think that Greg Kihn was the mainstay of Matthew Kaufman's Beserkley Records. Kihn may have become the label's chief money maker, but the label was originally formed and financed by the band Earth Quake.Having recorded a pair of early-1970s albums for A&amp;M, 1976's Kaufman and Glen Kolotkin produced "8.5" was the group's sophomore release for Beserkley. The album gets off to a roaring start with the heavy metal 'Finders Keepers'. Imagine Def Leppard had they come from California and you'll get a feel for this track. Unfortunately, tracks such as 'Little Cindy' and '' offer up a more conventional set of rockers. Powered by Doukas voice, most of the up tempo tracks are actually pretty good, but there isn't much in the way of originality or spark goin' on here. As for ballads such as 'And He Likes To Hurt You' and 'Girl Named Jesse James' ... well at least there aren't too many of 'em. Nice art noveau cover ..."8.5" track listing:(side 1)1.) Finders Keepers (Johnson - Bowen) - 2.) Little Cindy (Gary Phillips) - 3.) And He Likes To Hurt You (D. Linde) - 4.) Savin' My Love (Robbie Dunbar - John Doukas - Gary Phillips) - (side 2)1.) Girl Named Jesse James (Robbie Dunbar - John Doukas) - 2.) Motivate Me (Robbie Dunbar - John Doukas - Gary Phillips - Bimier) - 3.) Hit the Floor (Robbie Dunbar - John Doukas - Stan Miller) - 4.) Same Old Story (Robbie Dunbar - John Doukas) - 5.) Don't Want To Go Back (Robbie Dunbar - John Doukas - Gary Phillips) -&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><i>From RYM (RDTEN1)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/4322A667E8394AB2BAD3C6C7977AAEC1/earth_quake_-_1976_-_8.5_%5Bhard_rock%5D.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-859091938975230298?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-47487040251248408682012-01-24T14:43:00.001+01:002012-01-24T14:43:24.294+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/rick_hayward/rick_hayward_f1/"><img alt="Rick Hayward - Rick Hayward" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s956714.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://hotfile.com/dl/143504673/c6e7cde/Rick_Hayward_-_Selftitled_%28Folkrock_1971%29.rar.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-4748704025124840868?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-13957967382624694662012-01-23T08:00:00.000+01:002012-01-23T08:00:08.012+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/neo/neo/"><img alt="Neo - Neo" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s199297.jpg" /></a></div><i>Instrumental, Jazz-rock avec quelques dérives Canterburiennes et effleurements Neo-prog mais surtout une sorte de Space Rock à la Ozric bien que ce goupe n'existe pas encore à cette époque. J'achève la description par des moments Jazz-Fusion du meilleur effet et vous aurez compris que ce disque est une merveille.A la charnière des années 7O-8O, années du Neo et de la quasi-inexistence du rock progressif dans le grand public, cet album fait figure d'OVNI musical en plein boom de la Disco, Funky et New Wave music. Un très grand disque qui est réédité avec bonus... Mais d'où diable sortent-il ces titres bonus ?? Y en a t-il d'autres ? Si oui où sont-ils, pourquoi ne pas en faire un CD ??1. Osibirsk (6:53)2. Scene De Chasse (7:32)3. Joiwind (3:57)4. Neoplasme (3:14)5. Sortie De Bain (10:42)6. Plage II (2:59)Bonus tracks (CD reissue) :7. Jazz ‘N’ Roll (7:20)8. Song 4 Miles (5:20)&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (BronDune)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/77F1008513B04C9BA55A1320897F2F4B/neo_1980_-_neo_%28prog%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1395796738262469466?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-19101946753627031132012-01-23T06:00:00.000+01:002012-01-23T13:36:20.601+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/floating_opera/the_floating_opera/"><img alt="Floating Opera - The Floating Opera" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s345531.jpg" /></a></div><i>Male and female vocal, semi-commercial rock with some hard rock cuts and good period flavor. Grades - 2 B+'s, 1 B, 3 B-'s, 1 C+, and 2 C's. They were from Ann Arbor, Mich.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/50616A6EC84C48459C05813045890381/floating_opera_-_same_usa_1971_%28hard_psych%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link fixed</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1910194675362703113?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-24508677797248956402012-01-19T23:12:00.000+01:002012-01-19T23:12:00.816+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_fort_mudge_memorial_dump/the_fort_mudge_memorial_dump/"><img alt="The Fort Mudge Memorial Dump - The Fort Mudge Memorial Dump" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s98543.jpg" /></a></div><i>I think, percentage wise, Boston trumps San Francisco for best psych output. F.M.M.D. are a strong representative. The album features somewhat heavy psych hard rock with organ, female vocals and great guitar with fuzz, wah-wah, and some dual leads, as well as tremendous period flavor. This is the kind of album most psych neo-phytes hope to discover when searching the genre out. Consistently great and recommended. Grades - 1 A, 1 A-, 3 B+'s, 3 B's, 1 B-, and a C. Incidentally, I have seen plenty of reference sources claiming this to be a 1970 release, and since they only formed in 1969, I think this is more plausible. I have been unable to verify this on the internet.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/C8759DB43D6E454E99B7C436F045FD62/fort_mudge_memorial_dump_1970_psych.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-2450867779724895640?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-188103184801058252012-01-17T13:10:00.000+01:002012-01-17T13:10:00.155+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/bauer__garn_and_dyke/himmel__arsch_and_zwirn___/"><img alt="Bauer, Garn &amp; Dyke - Himmel, Arsch &amp; Zwirn !!" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s3179031.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/F654E9045A1A4CDB9426871E83621C5D/bauer,_garn_&amp;_dyke_-_himmel,_arsch_&amp;_zwirn_1982_kraut_h.rock.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-18810318480105825?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-59085063006144708712012-01-15T08:00:00.000+01:002012-01-15T08:00:04.710+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_rats_f3/first_long_player/"><img alt="The Rats - First Long Player" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s667173.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/72B6B6DE28154A44A8CDF950BE9CFAA9/Rats_-_First_1974_UK_hard_rock.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-5908506300614470871?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-11557927397682132802012-01-13T09:30:00.000+01:002012-01-13T09:30:02.146+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/sammy_f1/sammy_f1/"><img alt="Sammy - Sammy" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s1187841.jpg" /></a></div><i>It's doubtful many folks have ever heard the British band Sammy - I certainly hadn't which was kind of surprising given the band's impressive pedigree. Drummer Mick Underwood was apparently the band's driving force, with the line up rounded out by a collection of rock veterans including ex-Audience horn and woodwinds player Keith Gemmell, ex-Billy J. Kramer keyboardist Mick Hodgekinson, former Ginhouse guitarist Geoff Sharkey, and ex-Roy Young Band bassist Paul Simmons. Signed by Philips, the band debuted with a 1972 45 'Goo Ger Woogie' b/w 'Big Lovin' Woman' (Philips catalog number 6006 227). While the single did little commercially, it attracted enough interest and attention for Philips management to green light an album.Co-produced by Louie Austin and Deep Purple's Jon Lord, 1973's "Sammy" offered up a competent, if slightly worn set of mid-1970s hard rock. Largely penned by Sharkey and Simmons, lyrically and musically there wasn't a lot of originality going on here (kind of like the album cover) - Gemmell's sax adding occasional jazz-influenced runs to the band's blues and rock oriented sound. As lead singer Sharkey wasn't bad; his raw raspy voice sounded surprisingly good on tracks like 'Give Me More', their unlikely cover of 'I Ain't Never Loved a Woman (The Way That I Love You)', and 'Get Into a New Thing'. Imagine uriah Heep-lite with the saxes, a little more boogie and variety ('Who Do You Really Love') and you'll be in the right aural neighborhood. The band was actually far more impressive on their isolated stabs at more-pop oriented material like 'Sioux-Eyed Lady' and 'Jo Anne'. Elsewhere the album spun off a UK single in the form of 'Sioux-Eyed Lady' b/w '70 Days' (Philips catalog number 6006 249). Brainless fun, it's actually not a bad effort, especially if you approach it with the right mindset. One LP and two 45s appears to cover the band's recording legacy. By the way, the British album release featured different cover art.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (RDTEN1)</i><br /><i>&nbsp;</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/DA8172FD730D46EAAFEC65683C901966/Sammy_-_same_%281972_great_hard_rock_prog%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1155792739768213280?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-59619653425804264502012-01-11T10:00:00.000+01:002012-01-11T10:00:11.698+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/time/time/"><img alt="Time - Time" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s295539.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/time/time_ii/"><img alt="Time - Time II" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s623496.jpg" /></a></div><i>Everytime i have listened to this album ive had shivers inside me, "Pjesma no. 3" can bring me to tears "Za koji život treba da se rodim / For What Life Should I Be Born" is one of the best moments of my intire music listening ! and "Makedonija" is a very memmorable song. best get the version with that song on it!the Vrijeme remastered version is even better :)&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (rixsta)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.uploading.to/vjc7o7eud3ps"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-5961965342580426450?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-23919889628475766072012-01-09T08:00:00.000+01:002012-01-09T08:00:11.011+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/norrbottens_jarn/drommarnas_varld/"><img alt="Norrbottens Järn - Drömmarnas Värld" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s410783.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/D96AD4B84A574DDEA4C6DE3A4C12E484/Norrbottens_J%C3%A4rn_dr%C3%B6mmarnas_v%C3%A4rld_%28swe_folk_psych_prog%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-2391988962847576607?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-46912979463258951452012-01-07T10:00:00.000+01:002012-01-07T10:00:06.502+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/christopher/whatcha_gonna_do_/"><img alt="Christopher - What'cha Gonna Do? " src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s583597.jpg" /></a></div><i>A diverse mix of hard rock, blues, punk, and psych, all with a semi-garage flavor, and fairly non-commercial orientation. Grades - 1 A, 2 B's, 3 B-'s, and a C. This issue is anumbered micro-press of 350 copies.</i><br /><i> From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/66825B5D1B484847B0640D3D7724D26E/Christopher_-_What_cha_Gonna_Do_-_%281969hard_psych%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-4691297946325895145?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-89548767464044465692012-01-05T10:30:00.000+01:002012-01-06T16:06:34.547+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/t_i_m_e_/t_i_m_e_/"><img alt="T.I.M.E. - T.I.M.E." src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s223857.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/t_i_m_e_/smooth_ball/"><img alt="T.I.M.E. - Smooth Ball" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s223858.jpg" /></a></div><i>Guitarists Larry Byrom and Bill Richardson had previously been members of San Diego-based The Hardtimes who over the 1966 - 68 timeframe managed to release a series of five singles and one interesting LP (1968's "Blew Mind" World Pacific catalog number WPS 21867), before calling it quits. Relocating to Los Angeles, Byrom and Richardson wasted little time forming their next band - Trust In Men Everywhere (wisely abbreviated to T.I.M.E.). Recruiting drummer Steve Rumph and former Jack London and the Sparrows bassist Nick St Nicholas the quartet was quickly signed by Liberty Records,. Teamed with producer Joe Saraceno, they subsequently made their debut with 1968's cleverly-titled "T.I.M.E.". A musical timepiece, the album was quite diverse, including competent stabs at a broad array of genres including blue-eyed soul, folk-rock, psych, and plenty of sunshine-pop. Unfortunately, nothing here was particularly original, making for one of those fun spot-the-influence collections. In fact, driven by tracks like 'Make It Alright', 'Let the Colors Keep On' and 'What Can It Be' at times the collection sounded like it had been recorded in 1965 rather than 1968. The band's other big problem stemmed from the fact they didn't have a great singer. All four members apparently sang, with most of the tracks having kind if a group vocal feel that added to the album's sense of anonymity. Exemplified by songs like 'Tripping Into Sunshine' and 'You Changed It All' the results weren't bad, but with a more distinctive lead vocalist, the results would have been far more impressive. All of those criticisms aside, it was one of those albums that's better than the sum of its parts. A truly fun collection that simply screams 1960s vibe (good, bad, or indifferent)- Opening up with some sustained guitar feedback, 'Tripping Into Sunshine' quickly shifted gears into a more commercial direction. Yeah, the track retained had a heavy psychedelic feel, but that edge was balanced out by some unexpectedly sunny harmony vocals. Imagine The Mamas and the Papas having decided to record a truly heavy psych tune. rating: **** stars- 'Label It Love' sported a totally unexpected Western influence ... seriously. Complete with Spanish-flavored acoustic guitars and percussion, this rollicking rocker was great. Every time I listen to it I think of zonked out cowboys. rating: **** stars- More fuzz guitar and a pounding,, almost soulful beat, gave 'Finders Keepers' a nifty blue-eyed soul feel, though the abrupt time shifts were disconcerting and detracted from the overall feel. The song highlight was the brief Beatles-styled jangle guitar solo. rating: *** stars- 'Love You Cherish You' found the band shifting gears into lounge act crooner territory. It wasn't much to be excited about, but the highlight came in the form of St. Nicholas' short bass solo. The song was so bad it was almost worth listening to. No idea if these guys played live, but easy to imagine screaming women fans if they played this one. rating: * stars- Complete with a Dylan-styled harmonica solo and some Beatles-styled harmony vocals, 'Make It Alright' had a distinctive folk-rock feel. Much more 1965 than 1968, but catchy and fun and easy to see why Liberty tapped it as the leadoff single. rating: *** stars- Again, it sounded more 1965 than 1968, but 'Let the Colors Keep On' offered up a wonderful slice of sunshine pop. Easy to imagine a group like Spanky and Our Gang having covered this one. rating: *** stars- Side two started with my choice for the set's the best performance - the fuzz guitar propelled rocker 'You Changed It All'. Great tune with nice blend of commercial melody, shiny harmony vocals and a tougher rock edge. Should have been tapped as a single. rating: **** stars- A reflective, slightly acid-tinged ballad, showcasing some of the Byrom's prettiest guitar work, 'I Really Love You' was another highpoint. rating: *** stars- Another personal favorite and the album's hardest rocking performance, 'Make Love To You' probably came the closest to showing some degree of originality. Nice, driving melody with more than a hint of Beatles influences and one of the few tracks with a distinctive lead vocal, though I don't have a clue who handled the lead vocals. rating: **** stars - Kicked along by St Nicholas' impressive fuzz bass and some uncredited jazzy electric piano, 'I Can't Find It' was another track that had a Mamas and the Papas feel to it. Pleasant, but a touch on the campy side and not essential. rating: ** stars- Another folk-rock flavored ballad, 'What Can It Be' had a pretty, acoustic guitar-powered melody and some nice group harmonies. What it lacked was any shred of originality. rating: ** stars- Propelled by some nice electric keyboards, 'Take Me Along' was another decent slice of sunshine-pop. The la-la-la-la chorus almost gave it a bubblegum flavor which may not appeal to some folks. rating: ** starsAs mentioned, the album was tapped for a single in the form of:- 1968's 'Make It Alright' b/w 'Take Me Along' (Liberty catalog number 56020) Worth looking for sense you can still find cheap copies.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (RDTEN1)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uploading.to/6jvgmam4it8e"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8954876746404446569?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-69724416109483089452012-01-03T09:30:00.000+01:002012-01-03T09:30:00.620+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/crystal_image/ii_f1/"><img alt="Crystal Image - II" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s565168.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/53BE94E0BAD04075AB049986B3DD5056/crystal_image_ii_-_1974_-_rock_and_roll_%28us_rock%29%28256%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-6972441610948308945?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-2502924080309844072012-01-01T08:30:00.000+01:002012-01-01T08:30:00.055+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/ocarinah/premiere_vision_de_letrange/"><img alt="Ocarinah - Première vision de l'étrange" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s200022.jpg" /></a></div><i>Imagine the first two Clearlight albums as strictly a keyboard trio (with occasional guitar), combined with a strong dash of metronomic rigidness similar to the Canterbury movement, in particular the early albums by Egg. Five long tracks of incredible creativity and complexity.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (ashratom)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/2532CF619E924C66B32EB16CC7D862D9/ocarinah_-_premiere_vision_de_l%27etrange_%28prog_space_prog77%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-250292408030984407?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-88102658504536135922011-12-30T08:00:00.000+01:002011-12-30T08:00:03.559+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/public_foot_the_roman/public_foot_the_roman/"><img src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s89271.jpg" alt="Public Foot the Roman - Public Foot the Roman"></a></div><i>I probably shouldn't admit it, but the truth of the matter is I bought this album based entirely on the bizarro band name, the label (Capitol's short-lived Sovereign imprint had some interesting acts on its roster), and the interesting Hipgnosis cover (a bunch of folks standing in the middle of a Chelsea's soccer stadium looking up at what appears to be a UFO).These guys actually had an interesting background. Irish-born singer/guitarist Sean Byrne had been a member the California-based The Count Five who had a classic one-shot single with 'Psychotic Reaction'. When that band fell apart Byrne eventually returned to Ireland where in the early 1970s he ended up as a member of Public Foot the Roman along with lead guitarist Greg Knowles, drummer Jaime Lane, keyboardist Dag Small, and bassist Ward (guess he couldn't afford a last name). Produced by Derek Lawrence who handled a bunch of the Wishbone Ash catalog, 1973's oddly titled "Public Foot the Roman" was kind of an odd hybrid of AOR and progressive moves - occasionally blended together in the same song ('When You Lay It Down'). With Byrne responsible for all eight tracks on the surface that wouldn't sound particularly promising (I can see folks thinking along the lines of a second tier Genesis or Gentle Giant). The fact of the matter is that while there wasn't a great deal of originality here, the band played with considerable energy and with one of two exceptions (the country-tinged 'King for a Day'), this album was a lot of fun to hear. Byrne, Lane, and Small all handled lea vocals, though Byrne seemed to be the most prominent of the three. All of them had decent if slightly anonymous voices that managed to cover the band's entire catalog. For his part Knowles was a truly overlooked guitarist who turned in some first-rate performances on this overlooked set.. That said, the band's secret weapon (well I guess he really wasn't much of a secret) was keyboardist Small who managed to salvage virtually everything he touched.- 'Land Owner' opened the album with a fairly conventional slice of AOR. The highlight came in the form of a nice Byrne and Knowles double lead guitar solo that sounded like it had been borrowed from an early Allman Brothers track. Small kicked in some nice Supertramp-styled keyboards. rating: *** stars- In contrast to the first track, 'When You Lay It Down' found the band diving headlong into progressive rock. Mind you the results were still fairly mainstream with a recognizable and enjoyable melody and some tasty lead guitar and keyboards from Knowles and Small. The album also showcased some very nice harmony vocal work from the band. rating: **** stars- Completely unlike the rest of their catalog 'King for a Day' sounded like a cross between Commander Cody and early UK pub-rockers like Brinsley Schwartz. Once you got over the initial shock, the song kind of grew on you with Knowles turning in a simply blistering Telecaster solo. Very commercial, you could just hear progressive and rock fans scratching their heads trying to figure how someone slipped a pub-rock song on their turntables. rating: *** stars- Probably because it had the highest 'progressive' content and bowed in non-too-subtle aural homage to Yes and other English progressive bands, 'Judas Returns' (along with "Decline and Fall') was one of the two PFTR songs that folks typically acknowledge off the album. If you liked Yes at their most commercial and didn't mind some really dumb lyrics (c'mon, they were from Cambridge, so you couldn't be blamed for expecting something a bit more substantial ("men in shields control our days ..."), then you probably weren't going to have a problem with this one and to be honest, it grew on you after a couple of spins. Unfortunately, just as the Knowles - Small jam was really beginning to kick into gear the song faded out. Shame. rating: **** stars- 'Don't Bite the Hand' started side two off with some more Allman Brothers-styled twin lead guitar opening into a rollicking, fairly straightforward slice of AOR. The guitars saved the song from falling in the also-ran category. rating: *** stars- 'One (On My Mind)' was another atypical performance. With pretty melody and layered harmonies this one sounded a bit like something out of the Crosby, Stills, and Nash catalog (something Crosby might have penned). Small turned in some beautiful keyboards. rating: *** stars- The album's longest and most complex composition, 'Decline and Fall' was another Yes-influenced number that gave Small an opportunity to showcase his impressive array of keyboard talents. Twisting and turning through a series of entertaining segments, the song actually became more focused as it went along and served to showcase some really nice keyboard and guitar interplay by the members. Such jamming normally doesn;t do a great deal for me, but this was one of the exceptions. Very nice. rating: *** starsNo, it isn't a lost classic, but it's far better than you would have expected judging by some of the lukewarm reviews. Shame they didn't get a second shot at it. "Public Foot the Roman" track listing:(side 1)1.) Land Owner (Sean Byrne) - 4:382.) When You Lay It Down (Sean Byrne) - 5:403.) King for a Day (Sean Byrne) - 3:394.) Judas Returns (Sean Byrne) - 6:00(side 2)1.) Don't Bite the Hand (Sean Byrne) - 5:052.) One (On My Mind) (Sean Byrne) - 4:543.) Decline and Fall (Sean Byrne) - 8:31 From RYM (RDten1)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/98BDCFC8326B4B3A97448D37C977CAE7/public_foot_the_roman_%28eng%29_-_public_foot_the_roman_%2873prog%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8810265850453613592?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-4201109742748646802011-12-26T08:30:00.000+01:002011-12-26T08:30:02.758+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/propinquity/propinquity/"><img alt="Propinquity - Propinquity" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s770190.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/97277AA59C8C43F3B7392CD5CAFA2372/propinquity_-_propinquity_%28folk_psych_folk%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-420110974274864680?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-87129013867279282722011-12-24T09:00:00.000+01:002011-12-24T09:00:11.354+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/cat/cat/"><img alt="Cat - Cat" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s441450.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/5A410CD38D0E46B5BB8BA64FF29E48E1/cat_-_same_%2870_psych%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8712901386727928272?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-42111414310103073692011-12-22T10:00:00.000+01:002011-12-22T10:00:06.949+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/blitz__70s_/oga_erutuf/"><img alt="Blitz - Oga Erutuf" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s951378.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/6794D7A3BE6A41399AB8E4AA706F9D4C/Blitz_-_oga_erutuf_%2875_hard_rock%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-4211141431010307369?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-66620031728614292352011-12-19T07:30:00.000+01:002011-12-19T07:30:04.594+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/out_of_darkness/out_of_darkness/"><img alt="Out of Darkness - Out of Darkness" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s568625.jpg" /></a></div><i>none too consistent, but very good overall, guitar driven bluesy prog hard rock, with Christian lyrics, and mixed with some softer rock. Grades - 1 A-, 3 B+'s, 2 B's, 3 B-'s, 2 C+'s, and a C.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uploading.to/zqiug5wbnwud"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-6662003172861429235?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-80425321219741053022011-12-17T11:30:00.000+01:002011-12-17T11:30:03.741+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/arbuckle/arbuckle/"><img alt="Arbuckle - Arbuckle" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s1528484.jpg" /></a></div><i></i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/23EF2FE1C74C4666B2FACFD8A5EBC29B/arbuckle%20-%201971%20arbuckle%20%28psych%20prog%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8042532121974105302?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-49834781569894907142011-12-15T12:13:00.000+01:002011-12-15T12:13:01.681+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/avgrunden/nu_narmar_vi_oss%E2%80%A6/"><img alt="Avgrunden - Nu Närmar Vi Oss…" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s414724.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/5F14BE76D10443408059FEDA3D84DE13/avgrunden-nu%20n%C3%A4rmar%20vi%20oss-1975.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-4983478156989490714?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-56663885793992025812011-12-13T10:30:00.000+01:002011-12-13T10:30:01.279+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/ark_f4/voyages/"><img alt="Ark - Voyages" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s544843.jpg" /></a></div><i>Very good, but not extraordinary album. It's a Christian hard rock LP, with a mix of vocal and instrumental material, and featuring good guitar. I think I'll reserve final judgement until after I listen a few more times, but as of now, atleast half the LP is worth a solid B or better.</i><br /><i>From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/C9DF9A1023BE4DF2816EF77E7960A5E9/ark%20-%201970%20-%20voyages%20%5Bpsych%5D.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-5666388579399202581?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-90265075258625334202011-12-11T12:03:00.000+01:002011-12-11T12:03:00.136+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/abrax/abrax/"><img alt="Abrax - Abrax" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s583697.jpg" /></a></div><i></i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/68A9D9DC76C343909C6FE767EC6EFE67/abrax%20-%20%20abrax%20%281971%20jazz%20fusion%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-9026507525862533420?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-13962140235868260312011-12-09T11:00:00.000+01:002011-12-09T11:00:04.992+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/hybride/ca_na_pas_dimportance/"><img alt="Hybride - Ça n'a pas d'importance" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s788571.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.uploading.to/fdkiuvdrhxtb"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1396214023586826031?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-87478203200788710552011-12-07T10:30:00.000+01:002011-12-07T10:30:00.124+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/phylter/phylter/"><img alt="Phylter - Phylter" height="150" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s200502.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><br /><div align="justify"><i>PHYLTER is an almost unknown Belgium band born in the late 70’s in the borderline that divides Classical Symphonic from Neo Prog, a school that we’ll be adding soon with the name of Neo Symphonic for those bands previous to the birth of Neo but already having some elements of this 80’s sub-genre.The band was formed by Patrick Philips (Organ, Fender Rhodes Piano, Acoustic Piano, Eko Piano, Strings, Synthesizer, Vocals), Marc Van Bortel (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Paul Van Bortel (Bass Guitar, Vocals) and Christian Zaman in the DrumsFor their first and only self titled release in1978 and upgraded to CD the year 1993 by the French Spalax label they counted with Jean-Marie Aerts playing rhythm Guitar ad guest.Despite the almost absolute lack of information, “Phylter” is easy to find in almost any good online music store and it’s a pleasant surprise, their main influence is the 4 men era GENESIS blended with special skills with CAMEL and PINK FLOYD atmospheres plus a bit of fusion.The album is mainly instrumental and the vocals in very good English are simply delightful but their highest point is Patrick Phillippe, an incredible keyboardist from who there’s also rare info.The album has all the ingredients that would make it desirable for any Prog collection, strong and dramatic changes and beautiful melodies, specially in the closer, the excellent 15 minutes epic “Down and Mood for Change”.Honestly can’t understand why they vanished so soon when their material is absolutely strong, if there’s a chance get their album, it’s worth.</i></div><br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/A32EA86BBC0847B1922E0CC1440D1BE7/phylter_-_phylter.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Link</i></b></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8747820320078871055?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-75846426117211387992011-12-05T09:00:00.000+01:002011-12-05T09:00:15.251+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/froggie_beaver/from_the_pond/"><img alt="Froggie Beaver - From the Pond" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s207270.jpg" /></a></div><i>So here's another one that would have been all but forgotten, were it not to Austrian record collector Hans Pokora who included it in one of his Record Collector Dreams books. A lost progressive classic from Nebraska? We'll I'll admit I was skeptical. First off it turns out these guys were in fact from Nebraska. Guitarist John Fischer, drummer Tom Jackson (replaced by Rick Brown), keyboardist Ed Stasko, and lead vocalist John Troia were in fact cornhuskers who played music on a part time basis. Originally determined to showcase their own material, their efforts were met with indifference which led them to focus on top-40 tunes. They were apparently a pretty good cover band since their performance saw a loyal regional following when they played local clubs such as Omaha's Aquarius Lounge and The Club at Westroads Mall. That in turn gave them an opportunity to incorporate original material in their repertoire and by 1973 they'd made enough money to record this surprisingly impressive album at Omaha's Sound Recorders Studios. Produced by David Sandler, 1972's "From the Pond" was apparently a self-financed vanity project released on the band's own Froggie Beaver label. Interestingly various references I've seen categorize the album as progressive. Technically I guess that's correct since 'Lovely Lady and 'Road To Tomorrow' embed fairly complex musical structures, including some swirling ELP-styled keyboards. That said, be forewarned that if you're looking for hard core progressive moves this probably won't punch your ticket. With Fischer responsible for the majority of the seven tracks (Stasko and Troia co-wrote 'Lovely Lady'), most of the album sported a highly commercial sheen. In fact songs such as 'Buy Back My Life' and the pretty ballads 'Come To Believe' and 'Just for You' would have sounded great on top-40 radio. To be honest the entire album was pretty catchy. Fischer was quite an accomplished guitarist (check out the atypical slice of Pink Floyd-influenced psych 'Away from Home'), while Troia had a likeable voice that could have made a car dealership jingle entertaining. Fisher was also a decent singer.- 'Road To Tomorrow' opened the album with a promising atmospheric instrumental that highlighted Fisher's finger picking talents. Unfortunately, clocking in at less than a minute, it simply didn't have enough time to develop into anything. rating: *** stars- Kicked along by Stasko's Uriah Heep-styled organ flourishes (including an extended solo), 'Lovely Lady' was a decent rocker. Edited down this one would have made a decent single. rating: *** stars- Showcasing Fisher's attractive voice, 'Buy Back My Life' found the band abandoning any effort to hide their commercial orientation. Perhaps the album's most pop-oriented track, this n one would have sounded perfect on mid-1970s radio. rating: **** stars- 'Come To Believe' was a pretty, but rather anonymous singer/songwriter ballad. Easy to image Dan Fogelberg covering this maudlin slice of navel gazing. rating: ** stars- Unlike the saccharin 'Come To Believe', 'Away from Home' was an engaging, slightly acid-tinged ballad. Sporting a nice atmospheric melody, the track highlighted the band's surprisingly impressive group harmonies and a fantastic Fischer lead guitar solo. One of my favorite performances on the album. rating: **** stars- It didn't do much for me at first, but the acoustic ballad 'Just for You' was one of those songs that crept into your head and wouldn't go away. Yes, I'll admit to having found myself humming it ... Imagine a decent Billy Joel song and you'll have a feel for this one. rating: *** stars- The album ended with a short reprise of the instrumental 'Road To Tomorrow'. rating: *** starsCongrats to engineer Ron Ubel who gave the album crystal clear sound.Adding guitarist Steve Beedle to the lineup, the band toured in support of the album; but couldn't generate much interest in the collection (they even camped in front of a local radio station until the station agreed to add the album to their playlist). By 1974 they were history.There's also an earlier non-LP 45 which I've never heard, but is suppose to be quite impressive: 'Movin' On' b/w 'Nothing for Me Here' (Million catalog number 34).The collection has been reissued a couple of times. The Italian Arkama label released it on vinyl and CD with the single added as bonus material. Gear Fab released it on CD.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (Rdten1)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/CC703EC1E78C42609031D72F5C8898B1/froggie_beaver_-_1973_-_from_the_pond.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-7584642611721138799?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-88481924989551696132011-12-03T11:00:00.000+01:002011-12-03T11:00:06.070+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_fallen_angels/its_a_long_way_down/"><img alt="The Fallen Angels - It's a Long Way Down" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s206701.jpg" /></a></div><i>I have read the reviews of this that existed at the time I am writing this. It truly saddens me to read some of the less than stellar reviews, because I know that in almost all cases, the reviewers expectations were heightened by the lofty (though well deserved) accolades posted by other reviewers. Approaching any album with such high hopes inevitably leads to disappointment, but especially so in this case. It is a great record, of course, but one that begs each individual listener to arrive at that conclusion them self. We see "psych masterpiece" bandied about in many of these blurbs - it may be, but it certainly isn't overtly obvious. Actually, not all tracks are even psychedelic. Some are merely mainstream vocal pop. Some tracks are imbued with folk flavor. But most are crafted in such a way as to implant a "seed" in your brain that will grow (kind of like The Alien) long after you've stopped listening, and leave you scratching your head and wondering where you heard the tune that refuses to leave your consciousness. As with their first album, most of these songs garner low grades by themselves. But in the context of the album, they swell to much larger consequence. Don't get your hopes too high, and give this an honest listen, or two, or many, and see if it doesn't meet your expectations, perhaps later rather than sooner. Grades - 1 A-, 2 B+'s, 3 B's, 1 B-, 1 C+, and 4 C's.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/FA64A8A1571A44E0ACD52FC20166945A/the_fallen_angels_-_it%27s_a_long_way_down_1968_%28us__psych_rock%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8848192498955169613?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-18747785639443290562011-12-01T10:30:00.000+01:002011-12-01T10:30:00.976+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/morse_code_transmission/ii/"><img alt="Morse Code Transmission - II" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s267466.jpg" /></a></div><i>Hard rock with strong prog flavor. An improvement over their debut. Grades - 3 B+'s, 1 B, and 5 B-'s, quite consistent.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/AD36E23955B348E1AE04481902B3D8E5/morse_code_-_1972_-_morse_code_transmission.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1874778563944329056?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-38683876193690191892011-11-29T11:00:00.000+01:002011-11-29T17:34:31.691+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/lincoln_st__exit/drive_it_/"><img alt="Lincoln St. Exit - Drive It!" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s338630.jpg" /></a></div><i>This disc is a great re-release of Lincoln St. Exit's early material! It easily stands up to the releases of any other underground psychedelic band of the era (The Chob, Moving Sidewalks, etc). Between this and the ENTRANCE album, released under their then current name Xit, in the 70s; one would have the bulk of the Lincoln St. Exit material. This would leave a die-hard fan only to track down their "Who's Been Driving My Little Yellow Taxi Cab b/w Paper Place", "Half a Dream / Sunny Sunday b/w Whatever Happened to Baby Jesus" and the elusive " Whatever Happened Pt. 1 b/w Whatever Happened Pt. 2" singles, to have a complete collection. The DRIVE IT EP features the heaviest and most blazing psychedelic guitar material, while ENTRANCE is on the rather mellow ballad side. The only exceptions on ENTRANCE are the rockin' "Mississippi Riverboat Gamblin' Man", and "She's My Everything" which substitutes sax and piano solos for electric guitar. Between these two releases, only "Soulful Drifter" and "Sunny Sunday Dream" are shared in common. The DRIVE IT version of "Soulful Drifter" is 1:10 shorter than the other version (presumably from an earlier recording), and has no 'string section', organ or tambourine. The DRIVE IT "Sunny Sunday Dream" is a simple studio recording that's basically identical, except the ENTRANCE version is in excellent stereo, and includes a completely different ending in which so much echo is added that it becomes a chaotic mess before the rhythm section drops out, leaving only the organ and howling guitar (for 18 extra seconds). As they headed into the 70s this group became unconcerned with Pop culture's idea of 'hip' and wrote less Pop-oriented tunes; opting instead for drawn out, native drummed, native sung, orchestral concept albums. All great stuff. From RYM (sambson)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://hotfile.com/dl/135955115/3da6c0a/Lincoln_Street_Exit_-_Drive_It_%281969_USA%29.rar.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link Fixed</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-3868387619369019189?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-48118687679528235152011-11-27T12:00:00.000+01:002011-11-27T12:00:04.929+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/wichita_fall/life_is_but_a_dream/"><img src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s430963.jpg" alt="Wichita Fall - Life Is But a Dream"></a></div><i>A true conceptual pop psych gem,blatantly ignored by everyone and still waiting to be reissued.With the structural complexity of a soundtrack and the melodic variety of a pop record.The fact it was released in a major would explain such disdain.It reminds me of "The Revolt of Emily Young" but milder and "The Story of Simon Simopath" but funnier.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>&nbsp;From RYM (CarlosCastro)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.uploading.to/xgc45vsryqxc"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-4811868767952823515?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-72276505525039735122011-11-25T10:30:00.000+01:002011-11-25T10:30:00.475+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/saluki/saluki/"><img alt="Saluki - Saluki" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s32451.jpg" /></a></div><i></i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.fileserve.com/file/E2yRFtM/saluki%20-%20same%20%28nor%20jazz%20prog1976%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-7227650552503973512?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-27823679852886771322011-11-23T11:46:00.000+01:002011-11-23T11:46:00.138+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/skybird/summer_of_73/"><img alt="Skybird - Summer of '73" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s225102.jpg" /></a></div><i></i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/A1CAF5B129F54576A2CAC9A20EC2AD62/skybird%20-%20the%20summer%20of%20%2773%20%28folkpsych%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-2782367985288677132?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-89054367864494022752011-11-21T11:39:00.000+01:002011-11-21T11:39:00.412+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_freshmen/peace_on_earth/"><img alt="The Freshmen - Peace on Earth" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s533968.jpg" /></a></div><i></i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/CE80D1D837F24B9095A5352A9BC25BB7/the%20freshmen%20-%20peace%20on%20earth.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8905436786449402275?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-61477835492286118802011-11-19T11:35:00.000+01:002011-11-19T11:35:00.684+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_hamilton_face_band/the_hamilton_face_band/"><img alt="The Hamilton Face Band - The Hamilton Face Band" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s74828.jpg" /></a></div><i>I was hoping to find one of RDTEN1's reviews for this album, perchance to reveal where they were from. All of my research has come up empty. But due to Zappa alumnus Underwood's inclusion, California wouldn't be an unreasonable guess. The music is a rather diverse collection of non-commercial rock. Some of it is semi-hard sounding, while a lot of the rest is difficult to classify. There does seem to be an element of self-indulgence here, though some of the mat'l has good period flavor. Grades - 3 B-'s, 3 C+'s, and 3 C's. From RYM (tymeshifter)</i><br /><i>&nbsp;</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/BAEC17C83E734186963F96372B2B7A91/the%20hamilton%20face%20band-self-titled%201969%20lp.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-6147783549228611880?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-76573182934921066162011-11-17T11:33:00.000+01:002011-11-17T11:33:00.497+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/five_man_electrical_band/sweet_paradise/"><img alt="Five Man Electrical Band - Sweet Paradise" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s547131.jpg" /></a></div><i></i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/AD84958744DC4DC391A1A592F6722C48/the%20five%20man%20electrical%20band%20-%20sweet%20paradise%201972%20320.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-7657318293492106616?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-89990124866287880082011-11-15T11:21:00.000+01:002011-11-15T11:21:00.141+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_hot_dogs/say_what_you_mean/"><img alt="The Hot Dogs - Say What You Mean" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s169123.jpg" /></a></div><i>Really good and consistent, somewhat hard, rural flavored rock, featuring great vocal harmony, and quality song writing. My biggest complaint is that some of the tracks are too short, bailing just when they seem to be hitting their stride. Grades - 2 B+'s, 6 B's, 2 B-'s, and a C+.&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><i>The Hot Dogs featured the talents of Memphis-based musicians Greg Reding and Bill Rennie. keyboardist/guitar player Reding had previously been a member of Village Sound, while singer/bass player Rennie had been in The Poor Little Rich Kids (he was known as Bill Renni). Along with former Piccadilly Circus guitarist Jack Holder, in 1970 the pair started playing together under the moniker Silver. The same year the trio went into Memphis' famed Ardent Studios to record some demos. The demos caught the attention of producer Terry Manning who brought in sessions drummer Prouty for backup. Unfortunately Silver fell apart before anything could come of it, with Reding and Rennie subsequently paying their bills as touring sidemen for Albert King. Back in Memphis, 1972 saw Reding and Rennie renew their relationship with producer Manning and with his support went into the Stax-affiliated Ardent Studios to record an album. With backing from Holder, guitarist Robert Johnson, and Prouty, 1973's Manning-produced "Say What You Mean" was a surprisingly likeable set of British-influenced power pop. With Reding and Rennie responsible for much of the material (Manning also contributed several tracks), these guys clearly had an affection for English-styled pop with more than a passing nod to the Fab Four. In fact, imagine what Badfinger would have sounded like if they'd been from Memphis and you'd be in the right aural ballpark.- The title track 'Say What You Mean' was a gorgeous ballad with a haunting melody and some beautiful harmony vocals. Even better were the stunning guitar solos (I'm guessing Holder and Johnson were the featured performers). You had to wonder how this was overlooked as a single.- Kicked along by a xylophone (?), 'Morning Rain' started out with a beguiling laidback tropical feel, before taking brief detours into Uriah Heep organ terrain, following by a Hammond B3 cocktail jazz interlude, and ending with a tasteful lead guitar (Terry manning?). For some reason this one's always reminded me of an early Steely Dan track. It would have slotted nicely on "Can't Buy a Thrill". Very nice. - Shifting gears 'When I Come Home Again' displayed the group's proficiency in the country-rock department. Nice melody with an incidiously catchy chorus be forewarned that this one will stick in your head. - 'Time Is All' started out as an acoustic ballad, but exploded into an outright rocker before returning to it's roots. Not my favorite track, though the guitar solo was pretty hot ...- Side one ended with another acoustic ballad in 'Another Smile'. This one had a pretty melody and some wonderful harmony vocals from the pair. Always liked the chiming twelve strings and the handclap percussion on this one.- 'Thanks' was one of the track that reminded me of something out of the Badfinger catalog. Pretty melody and a dazzling guitar solo made this one of the best songs on the album. Great Rennie bass pattern to boot.- 'Take the Time To Let Me Know' was another pretty ballad, but it didn't really go anywhere. Once again the highlight came in the form of the tasty guitar solo.- Manning's 'Feel Real Fine' offered up a weird mix of country and rock influences. It was definitely weird and almost sounded like a "White Album" outtake. Kicked along by some acoustic slide guitar and harmonica, this was actually one of the catchiest numbers. Beats me why I like it so much. - Starting off as another country-tinged number the mandolin-propelled 'Let Me Look At the Sun' came as another major surprise. Showcasing a fabulous melody and the album's best lead guitar, this was another lost single.- Following a pattern, 'Way To Get To You' opened up with spare acoustic guitars before bursting into a fuller rock arrangement. Another pretty melody with glorious harmony vocals ...- 'Lowdown' ended the album with another out-and-out rocker. While the song was quite good (another killer guitar performance), on this one Reding and Rennie seemed somewhat uncomfortable singing in the high key. This one was tapped at their third and final single.All hyperbole aside, this was one of those rare albums that actually seemed to get better the more often you listened to it. Stax tapped the album for a series of three unsuccessful singles:- 1973's 'Another Smile' b/w 'Way To Go To Get You' (Ardent catalog number ADA 2905)- 1973's 'Morning Rain' b/w 'Say What You Mean' (Ardent catalog number ADA 2906)- 1973's 'Lowdown' b/w 'Let Me Look At the Sun' (Ardent catalog number ADA 2908)"Say What You Mean" track listing:1.) Say What You Mean (Steve Smith - S.T. Smith) - 6:342.) Morning Rain (Greg Reding - Bill Rennie - Terry Manning) - 4:483.) When I Come Home Again (Steve Smith - S.T. Smith) - 2:234.) Time Is All (Bill Rennie - Jack Holder - Terry Manning - Ruleman) - 3:325.) Another Smile (Bill Rennie - Terry Manning) - 2:551.) Thanks (Greg Reding - Bill Rennie) - 2:532.) Take the Time To Let Me Know (Greg Reding - Jack Holder - Bill Rennie) - 3;343.) Feel Real Fine (Terry Manning) - 2:534.) Let Me Look At the Sun (Bill Rennie - Terry Manning) - 3:525.) Way To Get To You (Greg Reding - Bill Rennie) - 2:336.) Lowdown (Greg Reding - Bill Rennie - Terry Manning) - 3:33With Holder and Prouty on-board as full time members, over the next year the band supported the album and toured extensively. They also recorded a non-LP 45 before calling it quits in 1974. - 1974's 'I Walk the Line' b/w 'Thanks' (Ardent catalog ADA-2910)Holder and Reding subsequently reappeared as members of Black Oak Arkansas playing on at least one LP - 1977's "Race with the Devil". Holder went on to play with the band Cobra, while Reding went on to join The Memphis All Stars.&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><i>From RYM (tymeshifter+ RDTEN1)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/A51AF6E0FCEB43EC811254C26B55BA34/The%20hot%20dogs%20-%20say%20what%20you%20mean%201973.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8999012486628788008?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-48395104337014995192011-11-13T15:55:00.000+01:002011-11-13T15:55:00.142+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/peter_thorup/wake_up_your_mind/"><img alt="Peter Thorup - Wake Up Your Mind" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s635487.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/E41E45DF824D4890913022ED63107C47/peter%20thorup%20&amp;%20friends%20-%201970%20wake%20up%20your%20mind.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-4839510433701499519?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-14330335596997498382011-11-11T16:20:00.000+01:002011-11-11T17:15:24.313+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/repairs/repairs/"><img alt="Repairs - Repairs" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s713265.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/C1295737B255426DBA003041A45B4033/repairs%20-%20repairs%201972%20%28psych%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1433033559699749838?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-26251079605914286792011-11-09T05:30:00.000+01:002011-11-09T05:30:00.619+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/sounds_of_modification/sounds_of_modification/"><img alt="Sounds of Modification - Sounds of Modification" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s50505.jpg" /></a></div><i>Sounds of ModificationThis pop group was ahead of its time. This album must of taken a lot of work. I know at the time it was recorded on 8 tracks at Jubilee recording studios in New York City, 1790 Broadway. With the proper management and guidance this group could of gone a long way. I know this group recorded many recordings. Such as Carry on Carole,Im Down Again,darkness fills my lonely heart, the Umbrella song,I don't know what, and of course their masterpiece A New Place To Live album which I heard was only released in Canada under Mandella records. I would like to collect any and all recordings this rock group has made. The only problem is that I can't find any records to purchase. I know for a fact that Jubilee pressed thousands of copies during 1968 and were distributed throughout the country. But I am still searching. The drummer Mike Cavouto was one of the best drummers on the East coast during the 60s and 70s. Again this group was a sure thing, only if they were managed properly. What a sin.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (butchball)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/3415CCEEC771403A9B90E308CC88C77C/the%20sounds%20of%20modification%201968%20same.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-2625107960591428679?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-43148850568800793762011-11-07T08:48:00.000+01:002011-11-07T15:25:18.562+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/zzebra/take_it_or_leave_it/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/zzebra/zzebra/"><img alt="Zzebra - Zzebra" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s266488.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/zzebra/take_it_or_leave_it/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/zzebra/take_it_or_leave_it/"><img alt="Zzebra - Take It or Leave It" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s266491.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/zzebra/zzebra/"><br /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fileserve.com/file/bfX9bwZ"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Fixed</b></i></span></a><a href="http://ul.to/hp4kgkgj"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-4314885056880079376?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-72270341440059458882011-11-05T15:49:00.000+01:002011-11-05T15:49:00.328+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/food_brain/bansan__social_gathering_/"><img alt="Food Brain - Bansan (Social Gathering) " src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s279912.jpg" /></a></div><i>What the hell is this heavy Japanese hard instrumental rock. If the song That Will Do was just a little bit shorter at 9 minutes long it starts to get on my nevers but the first five minutes or so are great. My favorite song here is Clock a nice 5 minute Hammond Organ/Guitar driven rocker. Check It Out it's Food for your Brain.&nbsp;</i><br /><i> From RYM (classicrockman)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/4908B92C2C254E69AD105AE502A3066A/Foodbrain-Social%20Gathering%20%281970%20Japan%20Heavy%20Psychedelic%20Rock%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-7227034144005945888?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-78872590416520957242011-11-03T15:45:00.000+01:002011-11-03T15:45:00.661+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/in_spe/in_spe/"><img alt="In Spe - In Spe" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s213206.jpg" /></a></div><i>After discovering the wonderful compositions of Erkki-Sven Tuur it came as a surprise for me to learn that he had once led a prog-rock group in the eighties. Some digging around on internet unearthed an MP3 of their impossible-to-obtain first album and it is indeed a treasure trove of finely played (mostly) instrumental prog.Slightly jazzy, a little bit of classical and folk influences and a sound that is somehow entirely its own. I did keep expecting Mike Oldfield to drop in at some moments, there are definite links to his music circa 'Incantations' and 'Ommadawn', another point of reference would be the albums of Pekka Pohjola.Anyway, a worthwhile discovery and I only hope that somebody has the good sense and taste to reissue it sometime.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>&nbsp;From RYM (reeves)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/62732C17AB2940F9978A307CAA6BEF38/IN%20SPE%20-%20In%20spe%20%281983%20est%20exp%20prog%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-7887259041652095724?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-80991060187362420582011-11-01T02:00:00.000+01:002011-11-01T02:00:00.290+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/kenny_wayne_and_the_kamotions/in_motion/"><img alt="Kenny Wayne and The Kamotions - In Motion" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s418436.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.crocko.com/9208C6863A824CA9AA825BBBBABB7C90/kenny%20wayne%20&amp;%20the%20kamotions%20-%20in%20motion%20%281970%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8099106018736242058?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-66541599473093905092011-10-30T13:30:00.000+01:002011-10-30T14:08:07.431+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_kitchen_cinq/everything_but___/"><img alt="The Kitchen Cinq - Everything But..." src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s335234.jpg" /></a></div><i>A decent album for garage aficionados, this is a mix of light weight pop with garage flavor, and some harder, grittier cuts, featuring punk flavor and fuzz guitar. They were from Amarillo, Tex. Grades - 3 B's, 3 B-'s, 3 C+'s, and 2 C's&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (tymeshifter)</i><br /><i>&nbsp;</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/781627CE44104652A42A7F45EE9673A4/kitchen%20cinq%20-%20everything%20but%20the%20kitchen%20cinq%20%28%2767%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-6654159947309390509?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-861083770849588672011-10-28T10:00:00.000+02:002011-10-28T11:39:59.786+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_patron_saints/fohhoh_bohob/"><img alt="The Patron Saints - Fohhoh Bohob" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s130006.jpg" /></a></div><i>You can barely call this bad boy psych; there's a fair amount cribbed from the firm of Lee and MacLean, but just as much music-hall/recital-type stuff, like Cream's lighter moments. The first couple times I listened to this, I thought these guys sounded vocally like a bunch of jocks trying to make sensitive rock on the sly. The enunciation is something, I gotta tell you. But after a few plays its less immediate charms came to the fore. I'm still not going to pretend it's a classic - like you give a damn, ha - but the boys shew a great sense of dynamics as well as a florid touch on the ivories 'n' acoustic. "Do You Think About Me" is the major mis-step, a jaunty knock at th' hillbillies that won't truck in my part of the country. But "White Light," "Andrea" and "My Friend" attain a kind of sad-sack epicness (the latter is particularly emo, but give it time - the sum weight of the couplets add up to TRUTH). I kind of wish these fine gentlemen - genially maintaining their legacy after four decades - had decided to go for some sort of Gatsbyesque gothic. I mean, fine piano + upstate New York + recording in a mansion + deliberate diction could have = upper-crust guest-room masterpiece. But screw what I want, this is a winner. From RYM (silent mike)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/49FA74F723BB4372A9C5699099B1D6DD/patron%20saints%20-%20fohhoh%20bohob%20%281969%29%28us%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-86108377084958867?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-79941952292756196822011-10-26T15:32:00.000+02:002011-10-26T15:32:00.637+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/3_3/3_3/"><img src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s703501.jpg" alt="3/3 - 3/3"></a></div><i>Consistently fantastic power trio hard rock with strong Hendrix influences, recorded 1974. Bonus disc is live mat'l, recorded 2 years later, in 1976~7, and features some modern style garage/punk. Never mind the out-of-print vinyl reissue (I have a sealed copy if you want one), this CD is the way to go, with bonus tracks on the album reissue disc, plus the whole live bonus disc. Grades for both discs combined - 1 A, 4 A-'s, 9 B+'s, 6 B's, and 4 B-'s, nothing even mediocre on the whole package! These guys wail, and if you're into that heavy early 70's sound, you owe it to yourself to check this one out. From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/06A3FB829F254D8AAAC18DB80BF9B1A2/3-3%20%28Sanbun%20No%20San%29%20%28jap%20hard%20rock1975%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-7994195229275619682?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-39612258562163412442011-10-24T02:30:00.000+02:002011-10-24T02:30:01.422+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/smoke/everything/"><img alt="Smoke - Everything" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s436331.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/D802CD60E6BF11E09676002481FAD55A/smoke%20-%20everything%20%5Blp,%201973%20mps%20records%5D.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-3961225856216341244?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-16219406036642725142011-10-20T18:30:00.000+02:002011-10-23T15:28:46.259+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/vision_of_sunshine/vision_of_sunshine/"><img alt="Vision of Sunshine - Vision of Sunshine" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s1227600.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/BEF93E5CE6B111E09676002481FAD55A/vision%20of%20sunshine-%20vision%20of%20sunshine%20%281969%20us%29%20%28folkrock%20psych%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link fixed</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1621940603664272514?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-70559166801791189892011-10-20T08:00:00.000+02:002011-10-20T08:00:10.537+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/steeplechase_f1/lady_bright/"><img alt="Steeplechase - Lady Bright" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s144755.jpg" /></a></div><i>Enjoyable, soulful 70's rock album, reminded me of my favorite unknown 70's band Gypsy. The booklet has absolutely no info on the band, it does not even list the bandmembers. Nice guitar organ interplay, sometimes even sounding like Santana on a couple of tunes. Not a must-have, but will definitely get some replay on my cd player.&nbsp;</i><br /><i> From RYM (jimslim11)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/829481C0E6BA11E09676002481FAD55A/steeplechase%20-%20lady%20bright%20%281970%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-7055916680179118989?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-37275074562021041392011-10-18T16:30:00.000+02:002011-10-18T16:30:04.655+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/san_michaels/san_michaels/"><img alt="San Michael's - San Michael's" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s409366.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/san_michaels/nattag/"><img alt="San Michael's - Nattåg" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s2462352.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ul.to/a39lkr9f"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-3727507456202104139?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-5503643729360077552011-10-17T03:00:00.000+02:002011-10-17T17:44:16.072+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/tamalpais_exchange/tamalpais_exchange/"><img alt="Tamalpais Exchange - Tamalpais Exchange" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s464499.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.crocko.com/6DBEF362E6B411E09676002481FAD55A/tamalpais%20exchange%20-%20same%20%281970%29%20%28atlantic%20sd%208263%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link fixed</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-550364372936007755?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-81223634958141405712011-10-15T00:30:00.000+02:002011-10-15T00:30:00.942+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/strider/misunderstood/"><img alt="Strider - Misunderstood" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s138974.jpg" /></a></div><i>Pure hardrock with keyboards and a very good vocalist. Other stuff than their first output.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (warpigcat)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/68181084E6B811E09676002481FAD55A/strider%20-%20misunderstood%20-%20%20%281974%20gb%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8122363495814140571?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-88943607639965570082011-10-10T16:14:00.000+02:002011-10-10T16:14:00.122+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/stuffin/stuffin/"><img alt="Stuffin' - Stuffin'" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s485986.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/32CDC04CE6B611E09676002481FAD55A/stuffin%27%20-%20stuffin%27%201969.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8894360763996557008?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-35849249240334611822011-10-08T01:30:00.000+02:002011-10-08T01:30:00.413+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/spjarnsvallet/spjarnsvallet/"><img alt="Spjärnsvallet - Spjärnsvallet" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s409414.jpg" /></a></div>Interesting ethno prog. The A-side is really good, whereas the B-side is a bit mundane. All in all, warmly recommended.<br /><i>From RYM (tovan)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/28685F34E6BD11E09676002481FAD55A/Spjarnsvallet%20-%20same%20%281975%20swe%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-3584924924033461182?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-28881679429189665292011-10-03T05:00:00.000+02:002011-10-03T05:00:00.055+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/complex/complex/"><img alt="Complex - Complex" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s300202.jpg" /></a></div><i>The first reissue of this horrendously rare LP was this American, Swank label bootleg from 1991. Originally pressed in only 99 copies, to avoid the arcane British taxes on 100 or more, the original album has sold years ago for $6000! Unfortunately, that original pressing was terribly flawed, with sound fidelity that sounds like what you might expect if you buried your speakers under a mountain of dirty laundry. This boot takes that original sound, and, like most bootlegs, amplifies that poor fidelity many fold, to the point where the sound is quite literally almost undefinable. I used to be able to tweak it into partially listenable zones by cranking the treble frequencies on my equalizer way up. But this is no longer necessary due to the release of the Tenth Planet reissue, which doesn't even attempt to clean up the original sound, but goes back to the original tapes and remasters them. See my review of that issue for further details. This issue is worth keeping only because it features a replica of the original back cover, not duplicated on the TP issue. The front cover artwork is closer on the TP one than this, though. Grades - 1 A-, 2 B+'s, 3 B's, 1 C, and a C-. Notice my grades for the other reissue to compare how much the poor fidelity of this one affected them. From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fileserve.com/file/d7YQxRA/Complex_-_Complex_%28UK_Psych1970%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-2888167942918966529?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-11259261361681485892011-10-02T13:55:00.000+02:002011-10-02T13:55:00.210+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/lee_michaels/carnival_of_life/"><img alt="Lee Michaels - Carnival of Life" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s70263.jpg" /></a></div><i>Surely his strongest release. Though his albums are generally considered commercial, this one generates strong cross-over appeal to the underground crowd. Just a hint of commercialism flavors this basically hard rock record, which features some strong psych overtones. Some of these tracks are actually pop/psych. Overall, it's a superb album, a real sleeper! Grades - 3 A-'s, 1 B+, 4 B's, and a C+. From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/DDD7A17EEC2411E09676002481FAD55A/lee%20michaels%20-%20carnival%20of%20life%20-%20%281968%20superb%20heavy%20psych%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1125926136168148589?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-81688576605678832922011-10-01T06:42:00.000+02:002011-10-02T16:32:08.819+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/jam_factory/sittin_in_the_trap/"><img alt="Jam Factory - Sittin in the Trap" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s640264.jpg" /></a></div><i>Obscure horn rock band from new york. This is a tough one to review this band plays a mix of blues, soul, rock and pyschadelia with a very good horn section. The vocals are good here as well nice and soulfull and deep there are a few singers here. My only complaint about this album is the lyrical content most of the lyrics here are about getting along, getting together, loving each other respect your brother bla blai wasnt around at the time of the war and whatever else was going on in the late 60's and early 70's so i cant identify anyway the album is growing on me the more i listen to it. This album is blogged at redtelephone66 check it out&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (rockyg)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/CA7C4F06ED0211E09676002481FAD55A/Jam%20Factory-Sittin%20InTheTrap1970.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link fixed</b></i></span></a> </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8168857660567883292?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-33331083489930254902011-09-30T17:00:00.000+02:002011-09-30T17:00:11.837+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/twin_engine/twin_engine/"><img alt="Twin Engine - Twin Engine" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s382572.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/70B0024EDCA711E09676002481FAD55A/twin%20engine%20-%20twin%20engine%20%28rock-country%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-3333108348993025490?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-56844735217383788152011-09-28T16:00:00.000+02:002011-09-28T16:00:09.728+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_unspoken_word/tuesday__april_19th_/"><img alt="The Unspoken Word - Tuesday, April 19th." src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s361331.jpg" /></a></div><i>Appears to be a bit of a concept bunch of songs - introspection and awakenings...done with such a literate and eloquent touch that it belies its' time of conception and execution.With undeniable touches of teh psychedelia, this is intelligent, thoughtful 60s baroque pop of the highest order. The two inner points of view on 'Distant Oh So Far', delivered by way of male/female lead vocals, is a real neat trick that's pulled off with panache and a wonderful lightness of production/arrangement...and that's just one example of how they get it all so RIGHT here.They go and blow it right at the closing, though, with the typically embarrasing late 60s carry-on called 'We're Growing'. Ignore.</i><br /><br /><i> From RYM (moondoggieferg)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/70C2DD1ADCA711E09676002481FAD55A/unspoken%20word,%20the%20-%201968%20-%20tuesday,%20april%2019th%20%28psych%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-5684473521738378815?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-23581006454917674892011-09-26T04:00:00.000+02:002011-09-26T04:00:01.519+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/puppenhaus/jazz_macht_spazz/"><img alt="Puppenhaus - Jazz macht Spazz" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s2327599.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ul.to/8j7wp04c"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-2358100645491767489?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-232873633319719702011-09-23T11:00:00.000+02:002011-09-23T11:00:09.473+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/boyce_and_hart/test_patterns/"><img alt="Boyce &amp; Hart - Test Patterns" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s91955.jpg" /></a></div><i>Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, everybody knows, were great composers of many songs of The Monkees and some Bubble Gum classics. In this album they demonstrate to be great singers and versatile artists, passing by Pop, Psycho, Flamenco, Rock'n'Roll and Blues.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (iendis)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1918048798/tommy%20boyce%20&amp;%20bobby%20-%20test%20pattens%201967%28psych%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-23287363331971970?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-4296231597829710702011-09-22T10:30:00.000+02:002011-09-22T12:28:18.904+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/vindication/vindication/"><img alt="Vindication - Vindication" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s482844.jpg" /></a></div><i>Indiana based Christian progressive rock band. No mistaking its Midwest identity, with those unique bowling-alley-beer-binges-meets-barbershop-quartet harmony vocals. Music is insanely complex for the time and place, and especially for the subject matter. It would seem Ohio's The Load may have heard or known Vindication as well, though they weren't near as complex as their brethren to the West. This one seems to get better with age.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (ashratom)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/26BAF09AE50311E09676002481FAD55A/vindication%20-%20same%20%28crh.%20prog%29%201973.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-429623159782971070?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-20547317126722633862011-09-22T06:48:00.000+02:002011-09-22T12:03:38.844+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/mamba__swe_/mamba/"><img alt="Mamba - Mamba" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s1407526.jpg" /></a></div><i></i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/F915D32CE50111E09676002481FAD55A/mamba%20-same%20@320.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link fixed</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-2054731712672263386?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-1817710194282986882011-09-21T15:00:00.000+02:002011-09-21T15:00:16.990+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/serenity_f1/piece_of_mind/"><img alt="Serenity - Piece of Mind" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s224379.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>&nbsp;</b></i></span><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1918048670/serenity%20-%201972%20-%20piece%20of%20mind%20%5B160%5D.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-181771019428298688?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-87407033166381466092011-09-19T09:00:00.000+02:002011-09-19T09:00:07.629+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/seedog/we_hope_to_see_you__/"><img alt="Seedog - We Hope to See You.." src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s272396.jpg" /></a></div><i>On a label most known for two highly regarded avant Krautrock albums - Code III and Sand - Seedog couldn't be more different. This album has a poor reputation, most likely a reaction to the fact its not anywhere near the same style of the two aforementioned bands. It's not Krautrock in the traditional style, yet many of the elements are present: Soaring flute, long tracks and loud guitar solos. It would be passable as an album on Brain, perhaps a companion piece to albums by Cornucopia, Lava and Satin Whale. "We Hope to See You" is song oriented, with way too many vocals in accented English. But it's surprisingly listenable with a chugging acoustic guitar driving the generally happy tone of the album. Had Agitation Free added a multitude of vocals after their "Second" album, then I could imagine Seedog coming from that. And, as it turns out, a former Agitation Free member indeed is a member of Seedog. Much better than I expected.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (ashratom)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1918048557/seedog%20-%20we%20hope%20to%20see%20you%201974.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8740703316638146609?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-56841180559967903712011-09-16T14:00:00.000+02:002011-09-16T14:00:02.848+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/rain_x_x_x/rain/"><img alt="Rain - Rain" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s368706.jpg" /></a></div><i>So here's a little known, but mildly enjoyable early-1970s Canadian pop set that you can still find for a reasonable price ... what's not to like about that?Led by former Landslide Mushroom (don't you love the name), vocalist Phyllis Brown, Rain hailed from Kitchner, Ontario Featuring keyboardist Charley Hall, singer Ron Hiller, lead guitarist Bill McLaughlin, and drummer Chris Woroch the band signed to Greg Hambleton's newly formed Axe Records. Axe had a distribution agreement with London which led to the release of their 1971 debut single:- 'Out of My Mind' b/w 'You're the One' (London catalog number 17410).With the single going top-40 in Canada, Axe rushed the band into the studio to record a supporting album. Produced by Hambleton, 1972's cleverly-titled "The Rain Album" included a collection of professional, if seldom inspired pop-rock material. Brown handled most of the vocals and displayed a nice voice, though some of the appeal wore off whenever she tried to push her voice. Hiller was featured on 'I'll Write You a Letter'. Similarly, the rest of the band were quite competent, showing occasional flashes of real talent; particularly Hall's tasteful keyboards and McLaughlin's lead guitar (check out his solo on the atypical rocker 'Got To Get Away'). That said, as a band they didn't seem to have a great deal of personality, or chemistry going for them. That may have been one of the factors in Brown's subsequent decision to go solo.- Yeah, 'Out of My Mind' was a top-40 Canadian hit, but to my ears it was kind of a tuneless mess with Brown breathlessly screeching her way through the song. She clearly had a nice voice, but it wasn't very apparent on this one. rating: ** stars- Written by future Major Hoople's Boarding House front man David Lodge, 'Let the Love Begin' was a far better song. Kicked along by Hall's keyboards, this one had a breezier sound that showcased Brown's blue-eyed soul moves against a nice Stax-ish feel - kind of like a poppier, Canadian Dusty Springfield. rating: *** stars - Hall's organ opened the song with what sounded like a funeral dirge and their cover of Carole King's 'Child of Mine' never recovered ... sounding like it was being performed at half speed, this one just went on and on and on ... rating: ** stars - With 'Got To Get Away' they decided to get heavy ... and much to my surprise they actually pulled it off. Surrounded by a straightforward rock arrangement Brown's voice proved surprisingly well suited to the genre. Great Hiller bass line with McLaughlin turning in a fantastic fuzz guitar lead. Easily the album's stand out performance. rating: **** stars - Penned by Brown, the ballad 'Reason for Living' came off as something The Carpenters might have recorded. Pretty, but inconsequential. rating: ** stars- Side two simultaneously showcased the band's strengths and weaknesses; namely a nice rocker that suffered from Brown's strained and shrill vocals. rating: ** stars - Probably the worst song on the album, 'Here with You' was a hideous touchy-feely ballad that even The Carpenters would have rejected. rating: ** stars - The lone song to feature Hiller on lead vocals, ' (Hiller was featured on 'I'll Write You a Letter')' was a nice slice of power-pop. Definitely one of the album's better tracks with a catchy hook. rating: *** stars - 'Sad Colours Blues' found the band taking a so-so stab at the blues. Competent, but nothing more, the highlight came in the form of McLaughli's tasty lead guitar. This one probably sounded better in a club after you had a couple of beers. rating: ** stars - I'd rate 'I Don't Want To Leave You' their best pop song since it boasted a radio friendly melody and showcased one of Brown's best performances. On this one she sounded competent without pushing into shrill territory. Would've made a nice single. rating: *** stars So, I'd sum it up by saying pleasant pop, but non-essential for most folks.The band hit the Canadian club circuit releasing two follow-up non-LP 45s:That was followed by:- 1972's 'Stop Me From Believing' b/w 'Caught Right in the Middle of It' (AXE catalog number AXE-1)- 1972's 'Find Your Love' b/w'\ 'I Don't Want to Leave You' (Axe catalog number AXE-5)Neither did much commercially, and the band quickly underwent a string of personnel changes. As mentioned, in late 1972 Brown left for a solo career. She was quickly followed by Hiller and McLaughlin who were replaced by lead guitarist Bernie LaBarge and vocalist Brian LeBlanc. The revamped line up made it back into the studio for one final non-LP single before calling it quits:- 1972's 'Make Me' b/w 'Catwalk' (Axe catalog AXE-9)For anyone interested, looking far younger than seems fair, Brown has a small website at:http://www.charitybrown.ca/Late inning guitarist LaBarge also has a web presence at:http://www.bernielabarge.com/&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (rdten1)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1918048184/rain%20-%20the%20rain%20album%201972%20192%28hard%20soul%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-5684118055996790371?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-8295891652838330592011-09-14T11:30:00.000+02:002011-09-14T11:30:01.492+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_outlaw_blues_band/outlaw_blues_band/"><img alt="The Outlaw Blues Band - Outlaw Blues Band" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s382403.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>A very solid, very consistent mix of light blues pop, and heavy blues rock, with psych influences and featuring some great guitar. Grades - 1 B+, 2 B's, and 4 B-'s. Track B4 stands out as a real klinker to my ears, though.From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1918048017/outlaw%20blues%20band,%20the%28us%201968%20blues%20rock%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-829589165283833059?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-75826649732984978872011-09-07T08:00:00.000+02:002011-09-07T08:00:08.528+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/warm_dust/peace_for_our_time/"><img alt="Warm Dust - Peace for Our Time" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s225264.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/warm_dust/and_it_came_to_pass/"><img alt="Warm Dust - And It Came to Pass" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s211084.jpg" /></a></div><i>Warm Dust released 4 albums worth of material in two years (first album is a double). When Warm Dust are on, they play some of the finest jazz infused progressive rock one can ever hear. Somewhere between fellow English groups Nucleus and If, when both are at their peak. There are some really beautiful grooves to be found here. Sometimes they're a bit too diverse for their own good, especially in their feeble attempts at free jazz or straight blues rock numbers. But the good outweighs the bad - especially on the first two albums.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (ashratom)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotfile.com/links/128827085/4a70606/Warm_Dust_%281970_-_1971%29.rar.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-7582664973298497887?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-87398509748411069022011-09-04T15:27:00.001+02:002011-09-04T15:27:15.998+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/utopia_f2/utopia/"><img alt="Utopia - Utopia" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s21555.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i>Probably more like 3.75 stars. Unless you're a confused Todd Rundgren fan, you probably aren't reading this unless you're more than just a casual fan of Amon Duul II. So, should you add this to your pile of ADII CDs? Yes, if you can find it (not that easy) for a reasonable price (even harder). You're probably aware that technically this isn't even an Amon Duul record; their name was attached only upon a 2nd CD re-release. It began as one member's solo project and then the AD principals jumped in and helped. Thus, in hindsight, calling it an ADII record isn't too much of a stretch. The music itself is pleasantly all over the place. 'Alice' sounds kind of like Kevin Ayers w/a bad sore throat. 'Nasi Goring' sounds like grooved-out '60s Italian soundtrack music. 'Deutsch Nepal' is 'Stonehenge'-era Spinal Tap as hell (including the tongue-in-cheek aspect). 'Jazz Kiste' sounds like a '70s Miles Davis track (think 'Big Fun' or 'On The Corner' but not as repetitive). The rest is maybe a bit more conventional but certainly listenable. The version I have is the Gammarock CD. It includes some bonus tracks. Two are pretty awful (circa '97 recordings; trying way too hard to sound contemporary), one is yet another version of 'Deutsch Nepal' (OK but sort of 'who cares'), and the last three are actually songs by the band 18 Karat Gold (which included somebody from ADII). I assumed these would be pure dreck but 2 of them ('Goldrush' and 'Star Eyed') are quite good. The bottom line I guess is this is worth buying if you have the first 4 or 5 ADII albums and want to add a decent little coda to your collection.&nbsp;</i><br /><i>From RYM (themouthbreather)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotfile.com/links/128828646/0003530/utopia_1973_utopia_%28or_ammon_duul_II%29.rar.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8739850974841106902?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-44156427825976855752011-09-01T22:30:00.000+02:002011-09-01T22:30:00.436+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/highdelberg/highdelberg/"><img alt="Highdelberg - Highdelberg" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s2667090.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1917159403/highdelberg%20-%20highdelberg%28%201974prog%20jazz%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-4415642782597685575?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-89011721519759977292011-08-29T08:36:00.000+02:002011-08-29T08:36:00.602+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/gladstone_f1/gladstone/"><img alt="Gladstone - Gladstone" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s223960.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1917158610/gladstone%20-%201972%20-%20gladstone.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8901172151975997729?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-295944594461917122011-08-26T07:34:00.000+02:002011-08-26T07:34:00.631+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/fortune_teller/inner_city_scream/"><img alt="Fortune Teller - Inner-City Scream" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s471217.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1917158344/fortune%20teller%20-%20%5B1968%5D%20-%20inner%20city%20scream.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-29594459446191712?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-89315571861760205802011-08-24T08:27:00.000+02:002011-08-24T08:27:00.481+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/brian_short/anything_for_a_laugh/"><img alt="Brian Short - Anything for a Laugh" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s849984.jpg" /></a></div><i>The mood here is pitted somewhere between the seemingly lighthearted title and the solemn, somber album art. It all starts off quite reminiscent of The Band, and stays that way throughout, vocally. Check for "Emily," sampled on the Cunninlynguists' Dirty Acres track titled "Dance For Me." Short's got a way of making songs that are at once chilled and somewhat gloomy, yet quite epic. Sometimes the sound is loungy, sometimes it's baroque-folky, and a very cool sax leads the way out on "Blue Tuesday". Meanwhile it's just straight up guitar 'n' piano classic rock on "Don't You Need Me Anymore". And it all just somehow reminds of Joe Cocker's version of "A Little Help From My Friends". It's a great obscure little album, in fact I don't even remember how or why I got it... From RYM (jaybird)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1917158160/brian%20short%20-%20anything%20for%20a%20laugh%20%281971%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8931557186176020580?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-66845488128230251342011-08-22T04:59:00.000+02:002011-08-22T04:59:00.522+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><span style="color: #336666; font-weight: bold;">(Unit) Gloria - Ultraiectum (1971 hol psych)</span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/unit__gloria/ultraiectum/"><img alt="(Unit) Gloria - Ultraiectum" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s362446.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><i><b><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=E8LJMYG0">unit_gloria_-_ultrajectum_nl_psych_71</a></b></i></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-6684548812823025134?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-55610799991188255712011-08-20T10:14:00.000+02:002011-08-20T10:14:00.282+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/strawberry_path/when_the_raven_has_come_to_the_earth_f1/"><img src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s283382.jpg" alt="Strawberry Path - When the Raven Has Come to the Earth "></a><br /><br /></div><i>As the awesome fuuzy, bluesy pump of "Gotta See My Gypsy Woman" gets grooving, you'll feel like you're in old school heavy heaven. And this Japanese band certainly had their hearts in the right place when it comes to this kind of old school heavy ambling about. "Woman Called Yellow" and "Five More Pennies" are great, with plenty of power and energy, the latter bringing a slightly less cranked out MC5 to mind, and the same goes for "Leave Me Woman," which is superchanged R&B that just makes you shake whether you want to or not. But as much as I hate to pigeonhole bands on the basis of national origin, Strawberry Path did do the typical Japanese deal, and included a couple of ludicrously sappy numbers as well. But just as quickly the get back to business. There's even a "Moby Dick" style drum solo workout called "Spherical Illusion." Damn good record. And if you're motivated enough to find it, I'd also grab Blues Creation's second album, and Ranmadou's 1971 album to get a nice picture of early Japanese heavy stuff. From RYM (cirithungol)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1917043309/Strawberry%20Path%20-%20When%20The%20Raven%20Has%20Come%20To%20The%20Earth.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-5561079999118825571?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-75563443175246403272011-08-20T07:30:00.000+02:002011-08-20T14:11:59.249+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Decennium - Song of the Sad Times (hol 1974 soft prog)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/decennium/song_of_the_sad_times/"><img alt="Decennium - Song of the Sad Times" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s192247.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><i><b><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S6PTCEN4">decennium_-_1975_-_songs_of_the_sad_timeholP1soft_prog</a></b></i></div><div style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><i><b><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SRZ50BKW">decennium_-_1975_-_songs_of_the_sad_timeholP2soft_prog</a></b></i></div><span style="color: #336666; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-7556344317524640327?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-50371728902613105272011-08-17T08:09:00.000+02:002011-08-17T08:09:00.144+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/morganmasondowns/morganmasondowns/"><img alt="Morganmasondowns - Morganmasondowns" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s474957.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><i>Really gentle balladeerish folk that doesn't have any particular draw for me. It's rather straight ahead and weepy, but a few good songs here and there. From RYM (valis666)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1917019928/morganmasondowns%20-%20morganmasondowns%201970.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-5037172890261310527?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-20042311768831941022011-08-14T10:05:00.001+02:002011-08-14T10:05:00.882+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/rock_island/rock_island/"><img alt="Rock Island - Rock Island" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s219368.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1917020086/Rock%20Island%20-%20Rock%20Island%20%28US%20Heavy%20Rock%201970%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-2004231176883194102?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-35215542570062089762011-08-12T09:02:00.000+02:002011-08-12T09:02:01.070+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/moonstone_f2/moonstone/"><img alt="Moonstone - Moonstone" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s719673.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1916263189/Moonstone%20-%20Moonstone%20%28us%20hard%20rock%201977%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-3521554257006208976?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-9574786163100132602011-08-10T15:00:00.000+02:002011-08-10T15:00:18.424+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/privilege/privilege/"><img alt="Privilege - Privilege" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s427716.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1916263785/Privilege%20-%20st%20%28US%201973%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-957478616310013260?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-5240965143008166992011-08-08T08:54:00.001+02:002011-08-08T08:54:00.408+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/color_humano/vol_2/"><img alt="Color Humano - Vol 2" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s197418.jpg" /> </a><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/color_humano/vol_3/"><img alt="Color Humano - Vol 3" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s356431.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><i>"Color Humano 3" seemed to re-find the creative songwriting of the first album, perhaps featuring a better production for their 70s' heavy prog rock, and quite interesting instrumental passages, for instance in the long "Las historias que tengo".<br />The tongue-in-cheek "Mañana por la noche", "Hace casi 2000 años" &amp; "Cosas rústicas" (aka "Coto de caza") must be the highlights of this final Color Humano's album...not a big fan of the Edelmiro Molinari's vocals, nevertheless I like the album, it's quite ace during some passages, a bit so-so at times though.<br />Color Humano never reached the excellence of other Argentine bands of its time, like Invisible, Almendra, Vox Dei or Manal, but will be reminded as part of the idealized 70s, and for albums like this one.<br /> From RYM (death metal doll)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ul.to/c44vru1e"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-524096514300816699?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-12197601846957455552011-08-05T08:42:00.003+02:002011-08-05T08:42:00.502+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/piska_mig_hart/elisabet/"><img alt="Piska Mig Hårt - Elisabet" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s525038.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><i><br /> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1916263520/Piska%20Mig%20H%C3%A5rt%20-%20Elisabet%20%28Swedish%20hard%20prog%201974%29%28pre%20eldkvarn%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1219760184695745555?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-81732531812627738042011-08-03T07:13:00.000+02:002011-08-03T07:13:00.198+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><b><br /></b><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/maranatha/soon/"><img alt="Maranatha - Soon" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s585709.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1916262993/Maranatha%20-%20Soon%20%281971%20US%20west-coast%20psych%20%29%20@320.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Link</span></i></b></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8173253181262773804?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-16299586291764245112011-08-01T08:07:00.000+02:002011-08-01T08:07:00.062+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/mushroom_f1/early_one_morning/"><img alt="Mushroom - Early One Morning" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s95867.jpg" /></a></div><i>Once again, we find Tovan's opinion blending seamlessly with that of all the other reviewers! This is a mix of traditional style folk driven prog, and some harder, semi-comm. prog. It's a good album in the genre, and certainly worth seeking out by folk/prog fans. Grades - 4 B's, 2 B-'s, and 3 C+'s, consistent too. From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1916263353/Mushroom%20-%20Early%20One%20Morning%20%28Good%20Irish%20Heavy%20Progr%201973%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1629958629176424511?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-61168514094845190132011-07-28T08:04:00.000+02:002011-07-28T08:04:00.814+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/la_clave/la_clave/"><img src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s721560.jpg" alt="La Clave - La Clave"></a></div><i>La Clave are a studio collective on Verve that are quite mysterious. This rare and valuable LP is filled with amazing latin grooves and funky soul-rock. Santana fans should keep a look out. From RYM (sleepobsessed)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1916262734/la%20clave%20-%20la%20clave%20%281973%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-6116851409484519013?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-41082603744769425492011-07-25T08:57:00.000+02:002011-07-25T08:57:00.287+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/galaxy_f1/visions/"><img src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s208250.jpg" alt="Galaxy - Visions"></a></div><i>This is somewhat commercial sounding prog with some garage influences and fairly typical for it's vintage, soft-into-hard style on many of the cuts. Inconsistent quality too; of the 8 tracks, 1 cut gets a B+, 4 get B's, 1 B-, a C+, and a C-. I guess with better than half at or above the dividing line between good and average, this is overall a decent album. This reissue comes with the giant Germ/Eng. booklet that most of the issues on this label have. Hardcore krautrockers may have a tough time with this, but if you have leanings towards late 70's proto-metal, this may be more up your alley. From RYM (tymeshifter)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1916262411/Galaxy%20-%20Visions%20%281978%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-4108260374476942549?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-7728678455991988102011-07-22T08:51:00.005+02:002011-07-22T08:51:00.204+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/murahachibu/live___1/"><img alt="Murahachibu - Live + 1" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s1197431.jpg" /></a></div><i>Why are there no reviews for this band? I own an album of theirs called 'Live' from 1973 and it is wonderful.The rhythm guitar riffs have a definite Keith Richards influence. The drumming is really strong and 'on the money'. If you enjoy the sound of a real, nonproduced, basic, infectious drum kit then this is the album for you.There are copies of Chuck Berry-type songs and stuff like that. Some of it puts me in mind of The Stooges. Of course the singing is all in Japanese but with music this good, who cares?I would recommend this to anyone who likes good basic no-nonsense real music. From RYM (xvgi)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ul.to/h9im5tlo"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-772867845599198810?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-83938329404130179122011-07-18T08:46:00.001+02:002011-07-18T08:46:00.717+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/cromwell__irl_/at_the_gallop/"><img alt="Cromwell - At the Gallop" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s301054.jpg" /></a></div><i>Like the Luxembourg band Cool Feet, Cromwell's sole album is one of the most sought after, and expensive, European albums out there. And also like Cool Feet, the album isn't really that special. A guitar based trio, who play a combination of hard rock and boogie rock. Save for some good leads, most of this can be easily forgotten. Comparable to many rare albums here in America. Indispensable for fans of the rare private press genre, but only to them. From RYM (ashratom)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1916262321/cromwell%20-%20at%20the%20gallop%20%281975%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-8393832940413017912?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-26222851768148236272011-07-16T09:54:00.000+02:002011-07-16T17:27:29.643+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/oz_knozz/ruff_mix/"><img alt="Oz Knozz - Ruff Mix" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s336021.jpg" /></a></div><i>One of the better US private press progressive (alliteration allegation) rock albums from the 1970s. Coming from Houston, but having that amateurish production, vocal style (Id's "Where Are We Going" leaped to mind) and overall approach of any US 1970s group from anywhere. Like most bands of the era, the idea was to throw out a few different styles to see if something would stick. Of course the theory was a major label would hear their private album by chance and want to sign them up for a 5 album contract so they could open for Led Zeppelin or Foghat's next US tour. What separates Oz Knozz from the others, is a strong compositional component, with plenty of original ideas and superb instrumentation (especially the guitar work). My favorite track though, has to be the groovy and infectious horn rocker, which sounds as dated as the movement itself and easily could have been from 1969. The fact these guys tried that in 1975 is the equivalent of Genesis releasing a "Foxtrot" like album in 1982. Which explains why Oz Knozz disappeared practically without a trace. Love it. From RYM (ashratom)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1915985809/oz%20knozz%20%28v%20good%20hard%20rock%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link fixed</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-2622285176814823627?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-36439999057017669812011-07-16T08:43:00.000+02:002011-07-16T17:26:07.545+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/altona/chickenfarm/"><img alt="Altona - Chickenfarm" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s225499.jpg" /></a></div><i>This is so my style of Jazz Rock song lengths that are within the 4-5 minute range with the exception of the wonderful 10 minute title track song. This album has a lot of catchy tunes and great singing from Karl Heinz Blumenberg for serious Jazz lovers this album wont be to their liking it isnt adventerous enough. However for this guy who does not like crazy heavy jazz fusion i consider that stuff way to hard on the ears this album is great. I believe there are a few different types of Saxaphone's on the album no trumpets and trombones. I like five songs from this album the slower ballad (Lover's Tale) and the uptempo Elephant Walk, Back Again &amp; Ramadam and of course the moody title track. Check this album out its very good From RYM (classicrockman)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1915986325/Altona%20-%201975%20-%20Chickenfarm.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link Fixed</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-3643999905701766981?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-14834056818499065222011-07-11T07:50:00.000+02:002011-07-11T07:50:00.533+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/q65/revolution/"><img src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s63955.jpg" alt="Q65 - Revolution"></a></div><i>Pretty impressive garage rock from this band from the Netherlands. The opener, "The Life I Live" is an excellent opener which, like almost every song, has a very garage feel to it. "I Got Nightmares" has some great rhythmic drum and bass while "Just Who's in Sight" has a definite Eastern feel to it, mostly because of the vocals, droning guitar, and some sort of flute interlude in the middle. The sax on "Mr. Pitiful" is well done as is the pounding rhythms and accompanying harmonica on "I'm a Man." "Summer Thoughts in a Field of Weed" is an excellent down tempo number and "Sour Wine" is another gem with haunting organ and acoustic guitar. "Bring it on Home" is a longer, bluesier thirteen minute jam that is great at times, but not at others, and needed to be about six or seven minutes shorter. From RYM (branting)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ul.to/ehk15d44"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1483405681849906522?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-66075611645513733232011-07-05T08:39:00.000+02:002011-07-05T08:39:00.583+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/ax_genrich/highdelberg/"><img alt="Ax Genrich - Highdelberg" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s271915.jpg" /></a></div><i></i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1915986118/ax%20genrich%27s%20highdelberg%20-%20same%20%281975%20german%20psych%20prog%20rock%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-6607561164551373323?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-58670440693211990192011-07-02T08:34:00.000+02:002011-07-02T08:34:00.245+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/antares_f3/over_the_hills/"><img alt="Antares - Over the Hills" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s344836.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1915986022/antares%20-%20over%20the%20hills%20%28ger%201982%29.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-5867044069321199019?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-61156308410733399492011-06-30T08:16:00.001+02:002011-06-30T08:16:00.702+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/potter_st__cloud/potter_st__cloud/"><img alt="Potter-St. Cloud - Potter-St. Cloud" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s223736.jpg" /></a></div><i> </i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1915985938/potter%20st.%20cloud%20-%20st%201970.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-6115630841073339949?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-38305068129033451912011-06-27T08:38:00.000+02:002011-06-27T08:38:00.334+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/gash_f1/a_young_mans_gash/"><img alt="Gash - A Young Man's Gash" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s225819.jpg" /></a></div><i>This album is an unexpected surprise! I can think of few albums that start so horribly and end so incredibly! “Angel and Mother” is SO appalling on every level (soppy music, terrible lyrics, cheese-grater-to-the-eardrum vocals) it nearly made me want to throw the disc out of the window when I first heard it! But I stuck with it through the balance of the A-side (“Twentyone Days” is nearly as bad, but “In The Sea” is slightly better, sounding like one of Jane’s cast-offs) to make it to the “A Young Man’s Gash” suite.People, let me tell you this is one of the most amazing, fascinating and one-of-a-kind half-albums I have ever heard! It almost sounds like a completely different band! A blend of haunting rock &amp; roll, orchestration and dark textures (the crazed screaming in Part 2 makes this a must to play around Halloween time!) that sound like nothing else I’ve heard before or since. Wow!Worth hearing for the mind-blowing title suite, but you might want to give the first three tracks a pass. From RYM (progbear)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.easy-share.com/1915802778/gash%20-%20a%20young%20man%27s%20gash%201972.rar"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-3830506812903345191?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-37154192485915496522011-06-26T08:15:00.004+02:002011-06-26T08:15:01.087+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/noir__70s_/we_had_to_let__you_have_it/"><img alt="Noir - We Had To Let You Have It" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s265567.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="left"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This is a very difficult record to describe. To start with, it’s different than anything else I’ve heard from this period. Overall the record is heavy on the keyboards (organ, piano) and is VERY percussive in nature (no drum solos though). Plenty of good wah-wah and fuzz guitar solos as well. The 9 minute opener is dog slow with an almost gospel tinge to it (the vocals throughout have this spiritual, almost Native American feel). It picks up the pace considerably from there. Has a strong white boy R&amp;B vibe, as if Rare Earth recorded an album for the Dawn label. Also hear slight references to Indian Summer as well. (RYM Ashratom)</i><span style="font-size:large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b> </b></i></span></div><br /><a href="http://ul.to/czg1t3l6"><span style="font-size:large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>New Link</b></i></span></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-3715419248591549652?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33117283.post-17299052239872436052011-06-24T07:27:00.000+02:002011-06-24T07:27:02.485+02:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b></b> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/banana_and_the_bunch/mid_mountain_ranch/"><img alt="Banana and the Bunch - Mid-Mountain Ranch" src="http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/s24967.jpg" /></a></div><i>Snippets of bluegrass, rock, jazz, and lachrymose ballads put together in the same laid-back style that characterized the last few Youngbloods sets. Recorded at a point where the group's east-coast-era inventiveness was just beginning to be overwhelmed by their west-coast-era laziness. It's a huge plus to hear Youngbloods-style music not dominated by Jesse Colin Young. From RYM (ochsfan)</i> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotfile.com/dl/119769613/a34b650/banana_and_the_bunch_-_mid-mountain_ranch.rar.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;,sans-serif;"><b>Link</b></i></span></a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/33117283-1729905223987243605?l=orion-awakes.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Betelgeusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06695686149403749820noreply@blogger.com0