Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Mad River - S/T (1968 Capitols this re Sundazed 2008)



Long and jamming "Wind Chimes" and "The War Goes On" (sounds occasionally like King Crimson before King Crimson) make this album. They sound so fresh that it is hard to believe the album was made in 1968. Mad River sounds ahead of their times. Very, very good album indeed.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Yvonne Elliman - S/T (1972 CBS)



Elliman's first album was issued in 1972 i.e. it was in most parts recorded after her Jesus Christ Superstar era and before she went more to disco. So this album is not disco and there are only two songs from the musical. Yvonne E. was a fan of Jefferson Airplane. Later she worked with Eric Clapton and sings backing vocals e.g. on I Shot The Sherrif. There is only one her own song on this album and the others are from Dave Mason, Jim Capaldi, Steve Winwood (Traffic), John Kongos, Marc Benno, David Spinozza (sw-producer who worked with McCartney and Lennon) and Bruce Epstein (who is Bruce Epstein?) Spinozza also plays guitars on this album. The other musicians are Hugh McCracken, a session musician who has played with numerous top artists e.g. Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, Bob Dylan and VanMorrison (guitars and harmonica), Henry Ascher (organ and piano), Stu Woods (bass) and Rick Marotta (drums and percussion). Stu Woods and Rick Marotta (what a drummer!) were a part of a group called "Brethren". In addition to the main band behind Yvonne, there are many addiotional players too, playin congas, french horn, violins, viola, cello, fluegel horn, trombone and flute. Can't find my way home (Steve Winwood): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=638yKMWuPVM&feature=related
Sugar Babe (Stephen Stills): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYOUg1vBLuA
World in changes (Dave Mason): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA7SJGgt7-I&feature=related

Randy Sparks - Angel Unchained (1970 Air)


I used to have a 50cc moped in early 70's. My "Tunturi" was otherwise made in Finland but had the very strong Austrian "Puch" motor on it. It worked in every weather and situations. Later, much later i purchased custom style Yamaha. A bit frisky-freaky song called "Bemusement" kick-starts this otherwise quite mellow moped music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11wzmpX58FA&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL9EAE3C3CD252F697