Various - Psychedelic Underground 4


Year of Release: 2000
Label: Garden Of Delights
Catalog Number: CD 040
Format: CD
Total Time: 57:07:00

Eulenspygel, whose Ausschuß I've reviewed, are featured here with a track from Eulenspygel 2 (CD 037) called "Till." This was their first album as Eulenspygel, the 2 coming about "due to the fact that the band's predecessor, Royal Servants, had already released an LP [....]" (see above). Rockier psychedelic music is this, with hints of the Yardbirds and Jethro Tull thrown in. Rather meaty compared to the rest of the sampler, and closest to much of the 70s rock most folks are familiar with - The Guess Who also come to mind. One of the few bands in this genre at this time to sing in German.

"Mogadischu" by Prom is lifted from Fooled Again (CD 038). Apparently, only 78 copies were pressed, making this a rarity ... which can now fetch US$1000. The song goes from a very gentle, pastoral acoustic guitar intro, with distant, echoing vocals, but two minutes in, electric guitar and percussion come crashing in. Um ... like in Phil Collins' "In The Air Tonight" or "I Don't Care Anymore," but don't fret (those who might), this doesn't sound like either or anything by Collins. The majority of this 11-plus minute track is blues-guitar. Now, note is made about the sound quality, and while it isn't studio polished, it does have the effect of making it feel very live, such that you can feel Klaus Fallert's guitar solo, feel the emotion in every note. On that alone, this is terrific! This is one monster guitar solo ... so emotional in fact, it will make you weep. If you think that's a bit of hyperbole, having once had thoughts of being a guitarist, I've focused on many a lead - this one is so good, so sweet ... I'm feeling it! The outro for this returns to the beginning.

Closing out the album is Arktis, with a track from the compilation More Arktis Tapes, "Picture." The album represents tracks there were recorded in 1975, but not used on their second album Arktis Tapes. The track starts out being mainly shimmering guitar by Klaus Blachut, soon accompanied by the low-key Robert Plant-like vocals of Karin Töppig. Drums and percussion and bass to make appearances later on, most noticeably when the song breaks outs - the guitar leads come more to forefront, the percussion more assertive.

The only drawback is that the Siloah cut is rather short and gives you only a hint of their sound, rather than a taste, but otherwise this does serve as a good introduction to these Germanic progressive/psychedelic bands.


Tracklisting:
Royal Servants - Latin Underground (12:40) / Agitation Free - Deliverance (4:22) / Siloah - A Landlady's Dessert (0:46) / Pentagon - A Sad Song (5:13) / Gila - Viva Arabica (5:24) / Eiliff - Journey To The

Musicians:


Discography:


Genre: Psychedelic/Space Rock

Origin DE

Added: November 27th 2000
Reviewer: Stephanie Sollow
Score:
Hits: 2507
Language: english

  

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