Another run through the vinyl piling up by the Ripple Desk. Let's decide together if it's a keeper or a tosser.
Anyone know this sludgy doomness? On the always reliable and terribly under-rated label, Ozium Records. Mats Florstam knows how to pick them. I was in the mood for something simply rib cage crushingly heavy and the lads at Angus Black did not disappoint. Like Sabbath strung out on downers but yet still maintaining a viable pulse and a sense of melody. Sinister vibes deep through loud and clear. Play loud and just try to take a deep breath. I dare you. Verdict -- Keeper
Definitely not a band we talk about often, if ever, but a cool one if you come across it. IF we’re UK’s answer to the jazz rock that was tearing through USA with bands like Chicago and Blood Sweat and Tears. But what IF did was focus more on the jazz with extremely accomplished musicians and placed them into the structure of rock songs. Tons of freeform psych jazz solos and improvisation here, overshadowing more familiar types of rock song structure. An amazing vocalist in JE Hodkinson and a relatively unknown guitar god in Terry Smith, who keeps it mainly jazzy but isn’t afraid to let the fire flare from his fingertips. Drummer Dennis Elliot later played in Foreigner. Not one for everyone, but if you can get into the crazy early 70’s jazz freak out psychedelic rock, it’s worth a listen. Verdict -- Keeper
Jack Bruce - Harmony Row
Gotta admit, I’m very much on the fence with this one. Jack Bruce’s solo catalog is a mixed bag for sure, especially for anyone who approaches his albums with a view to the history of Cream or even West, Bruce and Laing. Nothing like that is to be found here. Instead this is really a full-on prog affair very much in line with very early Genesis and more than a passing nod to Procol Harum. I mention those names as references, not to imply that this is as enjoyable as the best works from those bands. Chris Spedding on guitar was enough to entice me to pick this up but he’s mostly M.I.A.as Bruce handles the majority of the instruments here, making this very truly a solo record. Which means Bruce created the album that he really wanted to, a near stream of consciousness prog excursion. I’m sure diehard prog heads must love this, but not sure I do. I keep searching for that elusive riff or melody. It peeks through every once in a while, and Bruce always had an interesting voice, but not sure this is an album I’d toss on when I have others available.
Anyone here a fan of this album? Someone is going to tell me that this is the greatest album every recorded, but I don't hear it. Convince me. Verdict -- Tosser
--Racer
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