Record Reviews
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  | SLAPP HAPPY ~ ÇA VA
VOICEPRINT 509 (Barcode: 604388336029) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1997 Released: 2009
In the early 1970s the trio Slapp HappyFind albums by this artist, which comprises of German vocalist Dagmar KrauseFind albums by this artist, British keyboardist Anthony MooreFind albums by this artist and US guitarist Peter BlegvadFind albums by this artist, was part of the early RIO movement, closely associated with the British group Henry CowFind albums by this artist. The two bands recorded a couple of brilliant albums together and Slapp Happy recorded two albums of their own (on their debut they were supported by the German band FaustFind albums by this artist), which are all considered absolute classic of Avant-Garde rock. When the band re-united to record this album, expectations were sky-high. The result took many of the band´s fans by surprise, as almost 30 years later Slapp Happy evolved into a completely different band, playing sophisticated, but melodic and hardly Avant-Garde material. Nevertheless the trio members lost none of their magical touch over the years as far as musicianship and composing skills are concerned. This great set of songs (and the album as a whole) is beautifully performed and crafted, with sophisticated lyrics and enchanting melodies. It is hard to determine if the passing time simply mellowed their once young and tormented souls, but they did grow up and aged well. Since one should allow artists to evolve and change, listening to this album one should "ignore" the band´s past to some degree, giving it a fair chance. With this approach I´m sure this great music can be accepted on its own terms and admired for its own merits. Excellent stuff!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SLAPP HAPPY ~ LIVE IN JAPAN – MAY, 2000
VOICEPRINT 523 (Barcode: 604388337422) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2009
In the early 1970s the trio Slapp HappyFind albums by this artist, which comprises of German vocalist Dagmar KrauseFind albums by this artist, British keyboardist Anthony MooreFind albums by this artist and US guitarist Peter BlegvadFind albums by this artist, was part of the early RIO movement, closely associated with the British group Henry CowFind albums by this artist. The two bands recorded a couple of brilliant albums together and Slapp Happy recorded two albums of their own (on their debut they were supported by the German band FaustFind albums by this artist), which are all considered absolute classic of Avant-Garde rock. When the band re-united in 1997 to record the splendid “Ça VaFind albums with this title” album, expectations were sky-high. The result took many of the band´s fans by surprise, as almost 30 years later Slapp Happy evolved into a completely different band, playing sophisticated, but melodic and hardly Avant-Garde material. Nevertheless the trio members lost none of their magical touch over the years as far as musicianship and composing skills are concerned. This live recording from the group´s Japanese tour finds them in great shape, performing several songs from the re-union album, as well as new versions of songs from their early 1970s recordings. This great set of songs is beautifully performed, with superb sound quality. It is hard to determine if the passing time simply mellowed their once young and tormented souls, but they did grow up and aged well. Since one should allow artists to evolve and change, listening to this album one should "ignore" the band´s past to some degree, giving it a fair chance. With this approach I´m sure this great music can be accepted on its own terms and admired for its own merits. Excellent stuff!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SLAPP HAPPY / HENRY COW ~ DESPERATE STRAIGHTS
RER HCSH1 (Barcode: 752725019026) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2004
The two groups, Slapp Happy and Henry Cow had a lot in common: both were Avant-Garde and ahead of their time musically and both shared the same social / political agenda. Slapp Happy consisted of the German singer Dagmar Krause, British pianist Anthony Moore and American guitarist Peter Blegvad. The band released their debut album (recorded with the participation of members from the legendary Krautrock band Faust) on Polydor in 1972, but when the rebel rejected their next album, they moved to Virgin, which at the time was pretty open to experimental music, and re-recorded the album, which was released in 1974. Since Virgin was the home label for Henry Cow, the bands soon met and started to cooperate and eventually record together, becoming de-facto one group. In fact Slapp Happy and Henry Cow recorded two albums together: this one and In Praise Of Learning, with the latter appearing under Henry Cow’s moniker only. Following the second album, Moore and Blegvad left the band, but Krause remained as the band’s singer till their demise. It is interesting to compare the two albums, as they are quite different even though the band is identical. Desperate Straights is almost a straightforward songs album, with 13 relatively short tracks, whereas In Praise Of Learning is highly adventurous and Avant-Garde oriented. Nevertheless this is a brilliant example of the early RIO movement and in time reached a classic status with the music remaining fresh and visionary forever. A must for all Henry Cow fans and RIO followers.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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