Record Reviews

ELECTRIC PRUNES ~ I HAD TOO MUCH TO DREAM (LAST NIGHT) COLLECTORS` CHOICE 132 (Barcode: 617742013221) ~ USA ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1966 Released: 2000 1st album by the excellent US group Electric PrunesFind albums by this artist, one of the most important precursors of the American Psychedelic movement, which is full of bold musical statements and unprecedented studio techniques, and which paved the way for many other groups following in their steps in years to come. Distorted guitars, backward loops, early electronic sounds and other pioneering sound effects incorporated into the band´s songs was their trademark and considering the time of the recording it was all done way ahead of others. But with studio wizardry aside, the band also wrote great tunes and performed them with passion and flare, which still sound charming. This debut album includes early efforts, which are all superb examples of garage psychedelia at its best and although mostly forgotten, truly deserves to be heard and appreciated. Connoisseurs of Classic Pop will definitely find this charming album worth listening to and include in their collection. Warmly recommended!

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ELECTRIC PRUNES ~ MASS IN F MINOR COLLECTORS` CHOICE 134 (Barcode: 617742013429) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2000 3rd album by the excellent US group Electric PrunesFind albums by this artist, one of the most important precursors of the American Psychedelic movement, which is full of bold musical statements and unprecedented studio techniques, and which paved the way for many other groups following in their steps in years to come. Distorted guitars, backward loops, early electronic sounds and other pioneering sound effects incorporated into the band´s songs was their trademark and considering it was all done way ahead of others. But with studio wizardry aside, the band also wrote great tunes and performed them with passion and flare, which still sound charming. This album presents the band´s most famous magnum opus, a religious mass especially written for the band by composer David AxelrodFind albums by this artist. Sung in Latin and performed by the group augmented by brass and string ensembles, it is a very experimental and unprecedented attempt to combine Contemporary Music and Rock, which somehow miraculously works, in spite of being probably the first of its kind attempt to do so. Although not directly "in line" with the band´s earlier material, they remain committed to the task and their performance is brilliant. In retrospect this album still remains one of the most interesting moments in American Rock and is a timeless classic. Unfortunately, following the recording of this album the group disbanded, making it the last entry in their great legacy. Although a couple of albums were released under the Electric Prunes moniker, they had nothing to do with the original group. This album is a minor masterpiece, making it essential listening!

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ELECTRIC PRUNES ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES RHINO 081227965181 (Barcode: 081227965181) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1967 - 1969 Released: 2013 This Box Set collects all five albums by the legendary American garage / psychedelic group The Electric PrunesFind albums by this artist, released between 1967 and 1969. They are: the eponymous debut "The Electric PrunesFind albums with this title" from 1967, "UndergroundFind albums with this title" from 1967, "Mass In F MinorFind albums with this title" from 1968, "Release Of An OathFind albums with this title" from 1968 and "Just Good Old Rock And RollFind albums with this title" from 1969. The original lineup of the group recorded only the two brilliant first albums, disintegrating amidst the recording of the third album, which was a complex religious concept project featuring Latin lyrics, composed by David AxelrodFind albums by this artist. A new lineup of the group without any of the original members recorded the fourth album, also composed by Axelrod, and then yet another lineup recorded the fifth and last album. The original group reformed in 1999 and released several albums since. The music contained on the first two albums is a brilliant and pioneering psychedelic Rock, which includes stunning instrumental work and use of novel instrumentation. The two concept albums are also interesting attempts to combine Rock and Classical music and profound subject matter. The fifth album is exactly what it says in its title, which at that period means quite a lot. Overall this is a brilliant trip down the memory lane and sadly another proof of the fact that they don´t make music like that any more… What a bummer… Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 05/04/2024Posted:

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ELECTRIC PRUNES ~ UNDERGROUND COLLECTORS` CHOICE 133 (Barcode: 617742013320) ~ USA ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1967 Released: 2000 2nd album by the excellent US group Electric PrunesFind albums by this artist, one of the most important precursors of the American Psychedelic movement, which is full of bold musical statements and unprecedented studio techniques, and which paved the way for many other groups following in their steps in years to come. Distorted guitars, backward loops, early electronic sounds and other pioneering sound effects incorporated into the band´s songs was their trademark and considering it was all done way ahead of others. But with studio wizardry aside, the band also wrote great tunes and performed them with passion and flare, which still sound charming. This album presents the band in the fully blossomed form, performing their best material, which is truly excellent. Connoisseurs of Classic Pop will definitely find this great album worth listening to and include in their collection. Warmly recommended!

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