Record Reviews

INCREDIBLE STRING BAND ~ ACROSS THE AIRWAVES HUX 087 (Barcode: 682970000879) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1974 Released: 2007 Incredible String BandFind albums by this artist was one of the most bizarre phenomena on the UK Folk-Rock scene. Formed in 1966 by two folkies Mike HeronFind albums by this artist and Robin WilliamsonFind albums by this artist the band carried on until 1974 with ever changing lineups and kept releasing albums and building up a cult status. They were quite unique in their approach to music, expanding the basic folk roots (both UK and US) into Psychedelic and World Music areas as well as Brechtian cabaret. They always preferred experimentation and hippie attitude to music perfection. The band often included members with very limited musical abilities (girlfriends, roadies and dancers) with off-key singing and seemingly sloppy musical approach, but thanks to the extraordinary songwriting by Heron and Williamson it all worked out magically. One might put the ISB in the same camp with other weird Folk-Rock based ensembles like Third Ear BandFind albums by this artist, Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist or ComusFind albums by this artist. This album is of immense importance as it collects for the first time recordings of the ISB BBC sessions recorded between 1969 and 1974. As with all other matters, ISB approach to their BBC appearances was quite different from most bands. They used the sessions to perform new material, which was mostly not included on any of their albums, therefore making most of the music included here available for the first time. For all ISB fans this is quite a revelation of course and they’ll surely be delighted to put their hands on this album. For people not familiar with ISB output, this is a wonderful opportunity to try them out. Recommended.

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SHIMSHON MIEL ~ ORCHARD OF THE WHISPERING EMBERS ARS 001 ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1977 - 2002 Released: 2007 This is undoubtedly the rarest and most esoteric Israeli Prog release ever. Shimshon MielFind albums by this artist recorded and privately released his solo album in 1977 – something that was practically almost never done at that time. The 200 copies of this legendary LP disappeared almost completely from the surface of earth over the years and the few remaining ones are listed among the rarest of Prog collector’s items, reaching astronomical prices on the market. However, the rarity of the album is not the only reason why this piece of music is so unique. Miel’s Avant-Garde and completely unique approach to music making had only a few parallels at the time (artists like ComusFind albums by this artist, Third Ear BandFind albums by this artist and especially Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist come to mind). A mixture of Folk, Prog, Psychedelics and Mysticism all combined into a strange and fascinating amalgam. Miel plays all the instruments by himself, multi-tracking acoustic and electric guitars, some percussion instruments and vocals, which are harmonized beautifully. Of course at the time of its release the album had no commercial potential whatsoever (not that anything has really changed in that department since) and was ignored completely, only to emerge 30 years later in its full glory. Kudos to Ozi Ezrati (ex-MIOFind albums on this label Records) for digging out and releasing this gem as a brave act of Prog archeology. The bonus tracks include several home recordings made by Miel over the years. An absolute must for all lovers of weird music and Israeli Prog collectors.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

T. REX ~ T. REX (DELUXE EDITION) A&M 600753473221 (Barcode: 600753473221) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by the British group T. RexFind albums by this artist, which in fact is a second incarnation of the duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded by singer / guitarist / songwriter / poet Marc BolanFind albums by this artist. Initially it included only Bolan´s partner from Tyrannosaurus Rex, Mickey FinnFind albums by this artist, but was later expanded to a quartet. This edition of the album includes a plethora of bonus tracks, including radio broadcasts, home recorded demos and alternate takes of the album tracks and more than triples the playing time of the original album. The music on this album presents the transformation of the group from its almost anarchistic roots of Psychedelia, poetic suites with complex verses and lots of weirdness into a wide audience oriented sleek hits producing machine and fashion setting Glam act, which the group was to become in its immediate future. Although the album itself does not include any hits, the bonus tracks include the first hit single, which brought T. Rex (almost) to the top, "Ride A White Swan", which reached number two on the British charts. From now on everything was a rollercoaster with Bolan at the steering wheel, writing all the music and the lyrics. He managed to stay at the centre of attention right up to his tragic and unnecessary death in 1977. Bolan´s friendship with David BowieFind albums by this artist and their occasional musical cooperation was not incidental. They both shared a love of the eccentric and both were trend setters. Bolan and Bowie also shared their manager (Tony HowardFind albums by this artist) and producer (Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist) which made things easier. Bolan was among the first British stars to expand the usual Rock appearance with the vaudeville tradition, wearing colorful, often outrageous garments and using heavy makeup, similar to what Bowie and slightly later Elton JohnFind albums by this artist would also do as part of their act. Therefore he is often credited with the initiation of Glam Rock movement, which later on contributed also to the formation of the Punk culture, as means of protest against the glittering decadence. Musically this album is a bit weaker that the four Tyrannosaurus Rex albums, which were completely innovative and uncensored, taking the listener by complete surprise if not giving him a shock treatment. The slicker production tricks, overdubs and improved vocals made everything definitely easier to swallow but at the same time much of the magic was lost in the process. On the other hand the songs themselves don´t have the zest and catchiness which was part of the later material. As stated earlier, a transitional album, which is a historic document more than it is a source of musical delights, but certainly worth revisiting.

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ A BEARD OF STARS (DELUXE EDITION) A&M 600753473290 (Barcode: 600753473290) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2014 This is the fourth and last album by the British duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded by singer / guitarist / songwriter Marc BolanFind albums by this artist after his previous band called John`s ChildrenFind albums by this artist collapsed. The duo, which included Bolan and percussionist Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist, recorded the three earlier albums, and Took was later replaced by Mickey FinnFind albums by this artist, who appears on this album. This edition of the album includes a plethora of bonus tracks, including radio broadcasts, home recorded demos and alternate takes of the album tracks and more than triples the playing time of the original album. The music of Tyrannosaurus Rex was a strange amalgam of Folk, Psychedelia, Avant-Garde and Rock, completely outlandish and different from almost anything else on the British scene at the time. Bolan, who had one of the prettiest faces among his musical peers, which resulted eventually in his idol status among the young ladies of the time, was also blessed with probably the most appalling voice, which could wake dead listeners and sounded off tune at all times. And yet, as the saying goes, that peculiar voice was so ugly it became beautiful. On this album the music is slightly more accessible that the earlier material, with extensive usage of electric guitar, which also sounds quite weird by the way, and more Rocky rhythms, resulting in more listeners getting interested in the group´s music, which would later turn into a raging success, after Bolan changed the name of the group to T. RexFind albums by this artist and released several highly successful albums in the early 1970s, which pioneered Glam Rock and even Punk to some extent. The Tyrannosaurus Rex recordings are a wonderful example of the times they were recorded in, when Major record labels recorded completely non-commercial material and supported the artists all the way. The freedom of artistic expression was never in better shape and sadly disappeared soon after when the corporate management methods started to call the shots. In retrospect this was a musical experiment more than anything else. Regardless of the actual musical value of this music, its historical importance signifies open-mindedness, experimentation and courage to express your ideas, all the qualities that contemporary music lacks so badly.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ A BEARD OF STARS (EXPANDED EDITION) A&M 9822512 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2004 This is the fourth and last album by Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist. It marks a certain change in the stylistic approach, being closer to rock and using electric instruments. Mickey FinnFind albums by this artist replaced the original percussion player on this album and additional instruments were used to create a richer sound, but the link to the acoustic material and the mystical / Avant-Garde approach is still very strong of course. Some of the songs are somewhat more accessible, but the overall effect remains unique all-Mark BolanFind albums by this artist craziness. Following the release of this album Bolan took a sharp turn, when he renamed his band to T. RexFind albums by this artist and became a most successful artist in the early 1970’s, being one of the pioneers of Glam Rock. However, his Tyrannosaurus Rex years are still a beautiful musical experiment in retrospect and the reissue of this album is most welcome. The expanded edition more than doubles the contents of the original album and is definitely worth investigating.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ MY PEOPLE WERE FAIR AND HAD SKY IN THEIR HAIR… (DELUXE EDITION) A&M 600753538876 (Barcode: 600753538876) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by the British duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded and led by singer / guitarist / songwriter / poet Marc BolanFind albums by this artist, which also included percussionist Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist. Bolan was one of Britain´s most idiosyncratic and prophetic Pop stars and his short stay on this earth (he died tragically in a car accident a couple of weeks before his thirtieth birthday) was comparable to a comet passing us by. Blessed by a highly unusual voice Bolan was involved in music since his early school days, first coming to wider attention as a member of the short-lived group John`s ChildrenFind albums by this artist. After the group fell apart Bolan formed Tyrannosaurus Rex, a duo playing and singing a weird mixture of Folk and Psychedelia, which was completely unique and Avant-Garde, even for the Flower Power era. "Adopted" by the American (who just moved to England) producer Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist, who encouraged Bolan and produced almost all his albums, the duo recorded four sensational albums before shortening their name to T. RexFind albums by this artist, which later became one of the pioneers of British Glam Rock and brought Bolan fame and fortune. The fact that albums such as this one were released by a major record label and even managed to achieve chart success is a wonderful document of the short period of time, when anything could happen on the music scene and of course the incredible musical creativity that flourished at the time. Some critics see in this album the last part of the great Psychedelic Trilogy, which started with DonovanFind albums by this artist´s "A Gift From A Flower To A GardenFind albums with this title" and continued with Pink FloydFind albums by this artist´s "The Piper At The Gates Of DawnFind albums with this title". This might be a little exaggerated, but the days when such Avant-Garde music, which featured bizarre vocals, chanting, gibberish, associative poetry and a full blown Psychedelic aura was accepted as "normal" by the majority of listeners were definitely miraculous and sadly very short-lived. Because of its uniqueness the music on this album is completely timeless and lost absolutely nothing of its effectiveness and beauty over time. Of course if it was released today, the number of people ready to give it an ear would probably be infinitesimal. This Deluxe Edition includes a plethora of bonus material, almost quadrupling the original album´s contents, including BBC sessions recorded before the debut album was recorded and other BBC material, stereo version of the original mono album, home demos etc. The accompanying booklet includes an essay by Boland´s biographer Mark PaytressFind albums by this artist, the album´s songs lyrics and a many wonderful photographs, justifying the reissue effort in full.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ MY PEOPLE WERE FAIR AND HAD SKY IN THEIR HAIR… (EXPANDED EDITION) A&M 9822509 (Barcode: 602498225097) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2004 This is the debut album by one of the most esoteric musical outfits on the UK scene during the heydays of the Psychedelic explosion. Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist were a duo led by Marc BolanFind albums by this artist, who was a member of the band John`s ChildrenFind albums by this artist before forming this band. Firmly based on the folk tradition, the duo expanded their unique sound way beyond the basics of folk by using elements of world music rhythmic patterns, chanting, gibberish and of course the outlandish vocal qualities of Bolan’s voice. Shortly after the band was formed, they were spotted, while performing at London’s legendary UFO Club, by Tony ViscontiFind albums by this artist, who produced all their albums, They scored a surprising hit with the song “Debora” (their debut single) and had a dedicated following. After releasing four very interesting albums Bolan shortened the name of the band to T. RexFind albums by this artist and later on became a mega-star with his group during the Glam Rock Period. He died tragically in 1977 in a car accident. In retrospect this is one of the most surprising debut albums of the period and although not an easy listening, its intrinsic qualities make it a gem well worth remembering and repeated listening. The expanded edition more than doubles the contents of the original album and is splendidly remastered.

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ PROPHETS, SEERS & SAGES THE ANGELS OF THE AGES (DELUXE EDITION) A&M 600753538234 (Barcode: 600753538234) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2014 This is the second album by the British duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded and led by singer / guitarist / songwriter / poet Marc BolanFind albums by this artist, which also included percussionist Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist. Bolan was one of Britain´s most idiosyncratic and prophetic Pop stars and his short stay on this earth (he died tragically in a car accident a couple of weeks before his thirtieth birthday) was comparable to a comet passing us by. Released just a few months after the debut, this album is a natural continuation of the stylistic and aesthetic approach initiated there, but in many respects it offers a more focused, better recorded and certainly better written material. Bolan´s unique voice and the duo´s unprecedented delivery has crystallized with this second outing, eliminating the "one hit wonder" status that many music critics tried to apply to the duo with the release of their debut. Both musically and textually the duo´s material remains completely unconventional and uncompromising, as appropriate for true Avant-Garde. A mixture of Folk, Psychedelia and Bolan´s weirdness, the music is dissimilar from anything happening at the time on the British scene, and it precedes the ComusFind albums by this artist debut album, which is the closest kin of this music, by a couple of years. Bolan´s lyrics / poetry developed swiftly and his tests are definitely more complex and intricate then on the debut album, still including Fantasy references, but becoming more and more personal. Overall this album is a more solid effort than the debut, but of course it lacks the element of surprise and novelty that the debut created. In retrospect it is still a gem worthy of revisiting and an important document of the time when it was created, which was about the only time such bizarre material had a chance of acceptance and even certain commercial success. This Deluxe Edition includes a plethora of bonus material, almost quadrupling the original album´s contents, including BBC sessions, interviews and other BBC material, stereo version of the original mono album, alternate takes, etc. The accompanying booklet includes an essay by Boland´s biographer Mark PaytressFind albums by this artist, the album´s songs lyrics and a many wonderful photographs, justifying the reissue effort in full.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ PROPHETS, SEERS & SAGES THE ANGELS OF THE AGES (EXPANDED EDITION) A&M 9822510 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2004 This is the second album by one of the most interesting UK groups Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, sadly quite neglected as far as most Prog fans are concerned. Formed by singer / guitarist / songwriter Marc BolanFind albums by this artist after leaving his first group - John`s ChildrenFind albums by this artist, Tyrannosaurus Rex was basically a duo: Bolan and percussion player Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist (a pseudonym of course and a character in J.R.R. TolkienFind albums by this artist’s novels). They played a completely unique kind of British folk heavily spiced with Psychedelic influences. Their usage of Avant-Garde techniques (loops, backward tracks, random noises, gibberish, nonsense, etc.) puts them on the forefront of the most adventurous music makes of the era. Bolan’s unusual voice and singing / phrasing remain unmatched to this very day (the closest that comes to mind is the gorgeous debut album by ComusFind albums by this artist). The lyrics, mostly based on mystery and literature (Bolan must have been the first musician to be obsessed with Tolkien’s work), are often incomprehensible, which of course makes then even more enjoyable. In short this is a lost classic, finally available again – the expanded edition more than doubles the contents of the original album. Highly recommended to the more adventurous listener.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ UNICORN (DELUXE EDITION) A&M 600753539170 (Barcode: 600753539170) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2014 This is the third album by the British duo Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist, founded and led by singer / guitarist / songwriter / poet Marc BolanFind albums by this artist, and the last to include the founding member, percussionist Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist. Bolan was one of Britain´s most idiosyncratic and prophetic Pop stars and his short stay on this earth (he died tragically in a car accident a couple of weeks before his thirtieth birthday) was comparable to a comet passing us by. Released again just a few months after its predecessor, this album marks a continuous process of development and gradual change in the duo´s sound and aesthetic approach. The most obvious change is the use of electric guitar by Bolan and a full drum set by Took, as well as introduction of other instruments, like the piano, harmonium, bass guitar and studio sound effects. All these new elements create a bigger and more diverse overall sound, slightly moving away from the initial folksy / acoustic ambience. Overall this album is solid effort, definitely more accessible to a wider audience than the first two releases, with more of clear melodic content, vocal harmonies, instrumental hooks and so on. However this was still highly individual and original music, which had no parallel on the scene. The group enjoyed commercial success and toured heavily, playing bigger venues. This took a tall on the relationships between Bolan and Took, eventually leading to Took´s departure, who was replaced by Mickey FinnFind albums by this artist. The three albums Bolan and Took recorded together remain as some of the most interesting, original, unique music ever recorded and in retrospect are a document of a brief time slot, which never again allowed for an explosion of creativity of such magnitude. This Deluxe Edition includes a plethora of bonus material, almost quadrupling the original album´s contents, including BBC sessions, interviews, stereo version of the original mono album, alternate takes, demos for the next album, singles, etc. The accompanying booklet includes an essay by Boland´s biographer Mark PaytressFind albums by this artist, the album´s songs lyrics and a many wonderful photographs, justifying the reissue effort in full.

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

TYRANNOSAURUS REX ~ UNICORN (EXPANDED EDITION) A&M 9822511 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2004 This is the third album by Tyrannosaurus RexFind albums by this artist and the last to feature the original Mark BolanFind albums by this artist / Steve Peregrin TookFind albums by this artist lineup. Shortly after this album was released and then toured the US for the first time the tensions between Bolan and Took resulted in Took being replaced by Mickey FinnFind albums by this artist. The band expands the basic sound by Bolan using electric guitar for the first time and Took using the full drum set in addition to the percussion instruments. The musical formula remains similar to the previous albums – a mixture of folk, Psychedelic influences and Fantasy (Bolan’s obsession with the writings of J.R.R. TolkienFind albums by this artist). It is all a strange brew, esoteric and enchanting, absolutely unique and sounding surprisingly fresh after all those years. The expanded edition more than doubles the contents of the original album and is splendidly remastered.

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend