Quiet Sun-Mainstream

Let's see who's involved with this prog rock (of the Canterbury persuasion) delight. Well, Brian Eno is involved. There's Phil Manzanara of Roxy Music fame. Charles Hayward of This Heat is there too. There's also people connected with Robert Wyatt and Matching Mole. And yes, this is a real album. I know it sounds like some dream band, but you can hear it for yourself. And you should. While I'll admit that I like probably like all the other bands and musicians more than this one off, but still, that's only because I love those other bands so much, not that I dislike this or anything. If you've heard the 801 album then I guess you can use that as a point of reference. Maybe a more aggressive Soft Machine or something.

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Taj Mahal Travellers-July 15 1972

Why not a little more Japanese psych? And this has got to be one of the better ones. I've previously mentioned Kosugi in my Astroboy soundtrack post and his awesome fluxus work. He's another group he was affiliated with. And it sounds much more like some contemporary hippie collective than some 70s Japanese rock. It's experimental and weird, for sure, but if that isn't necessarily your thing, there's no need to avoid this. The fantastic website Ubuweb has the entire documentary made on their 1973 tour. You should check it out here. And while you're there, you might as well check out all the other amazing treats to be found there as well.

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Les Rallizes Dénudés-Blind Baby Has Its Mothers Eyes

Umm...can this be the most influential band that no one has heard? It's taken me years to find albums by these guys (all of dubious legality), and while I've got a ton of their shit, I know there's still some super limited cdrs and cassettes that I'll never see. To me, they've always have been this mythical band everyone likes talking about but, pre-internet mind you, were nearly impossible to find. It seems like if you know this band (and have actually heard them) you probably already have this one, seeing as it's the one with probably the widest distribution (thanks Julian Cope). If you haven't given them a listen then imagining a Japanese version of V.U. wouldn't be that far off. The history of this band is pretty sketchy, but one thing everyone mentions is their affiliation with the Japanese Red Army and their hi jacking of a plane. So there I mentioned it. If you want some awesome psych/noise/distorto mess, then prick up your ears.

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Peter Walker-Rainy Day Raga

People seem to have interest of late in getting more albums up by dudes who can play some serious guitar. And this here delicious morsel is for those with such an appetite. Title & cover alone will clue you into the sounds. Like Sandy Bull, John Fahey, & Robbie Basho (the acoustic holy trinity), Walker traverses similar regions of acoustic explorations. This guy should be much more popular. I might be off on this too, but I thought I read somewhere that he was like the personal guitarist to Tim Leary or something like that. I think he still owns Karen Dalton's guitar. I also seem to remember a pretty psychedelic looking cover to some Fahey LP I have that was credited to a Peter Walker. But I can only guess that it's the same person. So there's plenty of speculation there with little hard facts. But I'm not a fucking journalist. Today is warm and sunny. This is the proper sound track.

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Sam Gopal-Escalator

Who doesn't love Lemmy? Idiots maybe. And that's about it I guess. While ever swinging dick knows that prior to Motorhead Lemmy was in Hawkwind, but some people forget about this other classic that he played on (and, of course, you can't forget the Rockin' Vicars). It's not some biker scuzz or some outer space levitation, but a much more psychedelic affair than you'd expect from the massive moled wonder. Part of that comes from Gopal's awesome tabla work. The rest is just because this is a rad psych disc. It's still primitive and a little thugged out at times. Long live Lemmy. He's still one of the coolest.

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Chris Morris-Blue Jam

This is often described as ambient radio comedy, and I guess that's what I'll go with too. If you have any interest in British comedy (and if you don't than go watch the Hangover or some other frat boy bullshit), than this will probably be for you. This is from the guy who had a sketch called "Christ's Cock and Balls" so you know it can't be all that bad. Brian Eno, Labradford, Aphex Twin, are just some of the artists these surreal sketches are laid over. Why the hell are we content to have such stupid comedies when things like this are successful elsewhere. Instead we have Judd Apatow and other half tards that churn out the same formulaic garbage. People, wise up. We can actually have humor again. So take off that stupid white baseball cap. Swap out those cargo shorts. Tuck in that button down shirt. And just hide that tribal tattoo (ooh, so tough). It's time to stand up and demand comedies that don't treat us like the idiots that we are.

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Randy California-Kapt Kopter and the (Fabulous) Twirly Birds

Don't like Spirit? Well then sir, you may go fuck yourself. How can you not love that fucking band? The drummer was super old and bald. They were ripped off heavy by Zep (check Taurus and then listen to Stairway to Heaven). And I've seen band photos that featured Randy California in a speedo. I mean, what's not to like? And while there's serious guitar mastery here (as with Spirit) this seems much more stoned to my ears. I'm not super convinced by the covers, but originals like Downer make this worth the minute or two of download time alone. And jeez, just look at how cool musicians used to look. Now, most look like models or accountants. Or have that horrible little fin hair cut (I think you know what bullshit I'm talking about). Or that shitty weak beard that looks like they glued a few pubes on their faces. Where did we go wrong?

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Quasimoto-The Unseen

Astral rap? Perhaps. I've read that this is the work of Madlib, produced after a psychedelic binge. Not sure if that's a myth or if there's some truth to it. I want to believe it to be the case since this is some pretty out there rapping. All the vocals are sped up so it sounds like a weird kid or some alien (not Alf though, thank god). And the beats..well..it's Madlib, so you probably know what you're going to get. It's a weird one for sure, but not just an oddity. It's actually a good listen. Oh rap, why do you suck so bad now? Why can't shit like this get some radio play? The kids seem to like silly voices (see auto tune), so this should play in the sticks, it just doesn't. Too bad.

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Rick Saucedo-Heaven Was Blue

Here's my farewell post for my birth city. Chicago psych is fairly underrated though there were some really great discs. This is a prime example. Rick Saucedo garnered a much greater fame once he became El Vez, the Mexican Elvis impersonator. But this was his early psych work out. And man, it doesn't disappoint. It gets forgotten, like most Chicago psych does, despite the fact that it really has some serious moments of mind fuckedness. It's a little more Beatlesy and popish than it is a full on mind melt, but it's still worth a listen, and then some. And this recently soundtracked one long skating session, and it somehow completely worked. I must be getting soft or something. I guess shredding doesn't always need some punk/metal soundtrack anymore. But then again, I cry now more than ever so what the fuck do I know.

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Krzysztof Penderecki-The Saragossa Manuscript

I love Polish movies. And I don't just think it's some genetic predisposition. Of all the Pole films I've seen, I think the Saragossa Manuscript may be the best. But I don't want to turn this inot some Cahiers du Cinema essay or something. All I can say is, if you haven't seen it, watch it. Especially for this amazing soundtrack work. Penderecki has got to be one of my favorite modern day composers. If you only know him from his excerpts used in The Shining, a few Lynch films, etc. than this could be the entry into a dark strange world. This sounds almost more like some weirdo hippie collective of today than some stuffy academic composition.

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Richard Thompson-Grizzly Man O.S.T.

Following Fahey, I should probably post something by my possibly all time favorite guitarist. Fairport Convention, paired up with his former wife, and solo, Thompson always destroyed, and still does. Unfortunately, he's often spotted now wearing bad hats and covering Britteny Spears. But here is where he shines. Truly amazing instrumental music for a film that doesn't even need music to be entertaining. Even if you don't like the movie (you would be stupid though) you can still enjoy this blessed work. Proof that old dudes are still worthy of owning instruments. Take note kiddies.

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John Fahey-City of Refuge

Should I just assume you already know who this is and just post this? I've got 30 or so Fahey discs and i'd be happy posting any of those in this ones place. But for some reason, this is the one i'm in the mood for today. I memory serves me, I think this was the album in which Fahey tried his hardest to escape the folk & new age labels by incorporating sampling and noise. He'd always been a provocateur, but this was the one that really challenged peoples' assumptions about his work. All the people who still try to rip him off need to just give up. This master cannot be bested.

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The Moving Sidewalks-Flash

Of course, there's plenty of love around here for those beautiful Texass bastards known as ZZ Top. Prior to the awesome beardage, Billy Gibbons went all psychedelic Texas style on this disc. It lacks the great choogle of the Top, but the guitar, as you'd expect, is still dynamite. More than just an interesting curio, this album is actually worth it. And just look at that young beard just beginning to grow. Do you think that at the time it would have realized that it would later become one of the most famous beards in the world?

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Miles Davis-Dark Magus

Being back home seems like a fitting time to post my all time favorite Chicago musician (big claim I know, but this dude just tears it up). Last time I saw Pete Cosey it was on some day time court room show, where he was suing a promoter or something. I try to block that image out of my mind and remember him for his serious shredding he used to lay down like on this album for example. And find some images when he was playing with Miles at this time and it's just evident that he was one super cool motherfucker. And while I have nearly every Miles' album, this is one that still shines. It's really some dark, drugged out guitar onslaught (the band had 3 guitarists at this time). And I have this theory that the more invested in drugs Miles became, the larger those sun glasses became. Look at the distorted image on the cover, and tell me that he wasn't more that a mountain of coke wrapped in skin topped with some massive shades.

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Shin Jung Hyun-In-A-Kadda-Da-Vida

So, so bored. Being home at this age loses all its luster. So why not just post something else, drink a beer, and wait until I finally fall asleep. Now, you've looked at the cover and you still haven't download this yet. What else could be more compelling than the sweet Korean psych font and those bad ass pictures? This really is a no brainer. While Hyun is fucking prolific, I only have this and one other album. But as far as I know, those are from his weird psych era. But I can't read Korean, so my knowledge is fairly limited on this subject. And, yes, the title track is a cover of In A Godda Da Vida, and while I wouldn't want to suffer though any more Iron Butterfly at the moment (okay, I'll cop to liking some of there other tracks), this is much, much better. Apparently Hyun is known as the "Godfather of Rock" in his native climes. And I won't begrudge him that title. This shit rules.

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Baby Huey-The Baby Huey Story:The Living Legend

I figure I'll wrap up the postings on my favorite day with another favorite. And perhaps it's even sweeter knowing that this beautiful fat ass is another Chicagoan (well born in Indiana but moved there later). Just look at that cover. The picture alone is worth the download, right? Originally appearing on Curtis Mayfield's short lived Curtom label, this is a great piece of Chicago psych-soul. I guess it wouldn't surprise you to hear that the 400lb heroin addicted Huey only lived to 26. But his sole album, which has been sampled to death, definitely proves this big'n was blowing some minds for real.

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Homostupids-Brutal Birthday 7", Cat Music 7", The Edge 7", The Glow 7", The Intern LP, The Load LP

Okay, so this is basically all that this band has put out barring their new release (buy Night Deacon 7"). This has to be one of the best bands out and about nowadays. And from Cleveland? I hope people don't get all teary about the band name, and if you do you're an idiot who doesn't even understand that this isn't some sexual epithet. Save the tears Francine. That being said, this band certainly does hit the misanthropy pretty hard. At times, this can be some of the most savage hardcore I've heard in years. But these basement dwellers aren't content with generic labels. This even gets into some serious fucked Chrome like weirdness. Yeah, really, they can get that out there. Nearly every e.p. sounds different that the others. But I love em all so I figured I'd put them all up at once and you can find your favorite.

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The Chameleons-Script of the Bridge

Is the reason this band never received all the hipster cool points because their album covers have always sucked it hard? I'm not sure what accounts for the reason why this amazing album can still be found in the dollar bins, yet so many of their peers get all the hype. So don't fall for the shitty cover, this is really a must have (if you don't already have it). It has all the elements that makes dark British post punk so great. It's melodic, and depressing, and yet still rocks. It's not an album that wallows in sorrow, but it definitely isn't some cheery romp in the sun. The band pretty much went down hill after this as they put in their bid for mainstream success, but you can't fault them for this one.

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Opal-Early Recordings

The Rainy Day post went over pretty well. I assume it's because I mentioned Beach House and people are really developing a crush on that shit lately. That being the case, I suppose this should be equally of interest since this is what Rainy Day became. It's still Kendra & Dave doing the whole dream pop thing, which became Mazzy Star, which influenced Beach House, etc. So there's the brief chronology. If anything of these names pique your interest, then this is one for you. SST was always one of my favorite labels, and there's certainly plenty of surprises in their catalog, but this one always seems extra anomalous to me.

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Martyn Bates & Mick Harris-Murder Ballads (Incest Songs)

This is a volume from a three album cycle that can be had for a few dollars. I say download it, but you might want to cough up a few bucks and get the rest since it's so good. Martyn Bates might be known to some as the voice behind Eyeless in Gaza (another great band), and Mick Harris should surely be known to many of you (Napalm Death, Painkiller, Scorn, Lull, etc.) But don't expect anything grind. This is a hard one to draw analogs with. Maybe later day Scott Walker when he's at his most experimental. This album sets traditional English ballads (in this case all of them address themes of incest) against dark, drifty, sound scapes. It almost feels like you're falling into a vortex when this comes on. Oh, so dark.

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Big Black-Sound of Impact

So here's a classic bootleg from a classic band. Still here in Chicago, so why not post something by the Chicago band that probably most affected my musical taste. I'm pretty sure this was compiled from a few shows in 1986, but I might be off on that. But lord, this one just slays. All the classics are here, and they might even top the studio versions in terms of intensity. I don't think I need to explain much more about how crucial this group was. So I won't. Just grab it while you can.

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David Crosby-If Only I Could Remember My Name

Sneer if you will, but this album is top notch. Sure Crosby has made himself an easy target for ridicule over the years. His erratic, drug addled antics are ripe for ripping on, but before we get into all of that we should not forget how amazing and truly haunting this work is. After this album, I pretty much lose interest in all of his work, but making just one album of this quality is surely enough to justify one's career. At moments, it can be spacey and creepy as the ghost of his recently deceased girlfriend looms over several of these tracks. And of course, the whole disappointment stemming from the failures of 60s hope and drug burn out also give this an unsettling feel. All the usual canyon dwellers appear here (Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, the Dead, etc.) if that matters to any of you. I also have a big file of demos/outtakes from these sessions as well as Crosby playing the whole album backed with the Dead if anyone's interested.

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The Sleepers-The Less an Object

Part of this post is just an attempt to get more boobs on the site. And for some reason, any time boobs appear the albums seem to be download much more. Don't you people know that you can find porn on the internet. It's really quite easy. But boobs aside, this is a must own. After forming Flipper, Ricky Williams made this band, who is often called the American Joy Division. But I'll admit, when I'm in the mood for such sounds, I reach for this 8 times out of 10 over J.D. It really is that good. And I have no idea why this isn't heralded as one of the best American bands from the 80s. This is a comp of all their recorded work, but I tagged it by album and 7"s.

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Jack Smith-Les Evening Gowns Damnées and Silent Shadows on Cinemaroc Island

This one might sound like a hoax, but believe me when I say that Tony Conrad, and V.U. alums John Cale & Angus Maclise are all involved with these recordings. Smith is probably more well known as being a scenester more than anything, and a director secondly. But this music demonstrates an ear aimed at the firmament. There's some sound poetry, some screechy strings, some down home primitivism, and general weirdness. If any of the aforementioned names mean anything to you or if you have interest in the whole late 60s New York scene, then you should get this.

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Hackamore Brick-One Kiss leads to Another

April Fools Day must be one of the best days of the year. As a lover of pranks & hoaxes a day devoted to chaos, mischief, and misdirection is super appealing. But I promise, I'll resist the urge to post something jokey and claim it's up to snuff, or make some stupid comment that is intended to mislead you readers. Instead, I'll be content with taping paper fishes on unsuspecting people's backs and posting some of my favorite albums in honor of this day. And here's another all time favorite. This lp was given to me by a friend who later insinuated that I stole it from him (I didn't). But anyways, I'm glad I ended up with a copy of this and it's definitely worth the price of a friendship, since this is some amazing rock. This might have been the first band to really draw from V.U. and still make it their own. Kinda like the Modern Lovers at times, but with a 70s soft-ish rock edge. I think after years of fan begging this made it onto cd a few years back. Makes me wonder what took them so long. And I like the guy on the left's socks.

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