Electric Prunes - Artifact

Year of Release: 2001
Label: Prunetwang
Catalog Number:
Format: CD
Total Time: 61:05:00

The Electric Prunes had not recorded a new album in over 30 years. Everything is subject to change with the passing of time. Artifact is the long awaited third album that the group never had a chance to make. I find it amazing that all of the original members could reunite after over three decades and record such a remarkable project. Not only is this a great slice of psychedelic rock, it stands as one of the best albums of 2002, even though it was released last year. It is in fact in my top 10 of the year list. The word artifact has a two-fold meaning ... it indicates age and that it is valued piece of art. It puts it in proper perspective for me. One look at the cover and several intent listening experiences helped to validate those thoughts and feelings.

From their futuristic after-a-nuclear-holocaust album cover to every cut on this CD and LP, and not to mention their hilarious label name (hint of male chauvinist sarcasm), this group has returned with flair and style without exception.

Ken Williams can still crank out all of the feedback, distortion, fuzz, and sharp-as-a-razor-blade notes from his six-string, while James Lowe's snarling vocals just adds fuel to the burning flame of their eternal rock 'n' roll souls. There is plenty of sexual innuendo and conversations about society and drugs. Actually, just about everything that was on the agenda in the 60s when it all began for them becomes part of the conversation during their songs. Although society has changed enormously since then, many things are still the same.

Jumping into the 21st century, the track "Analog Life" hints at the fact that our age of technology is creating a bunch of robots like in the 1975 TV movie The Stepford Wives. In fact, the mention of an analog life and wife points to that fact. "Mujo 22" is a real ass-kicker instrumental with snappy guitar lines and psychedelic tripped out sitar sounding layered acoustic guitars to take all of you original fans back to the good old days. It does sound new and fresh, and more importantly, the roots of their 60s music become a springboard to everything that you will hear. "The Dream I Had Last Night" sounds like an updated version of their big hit "I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night." Which just suits me fine, as that song is one of the original psych garage classics that will never die. "Hard Time" is a rock yer ass off number that shows off their musical muscles with pounding piano and meaty guitar riffs. Those were some of the highpoints on an album just loaded with them. I also received a copy of the vinyl version of the album, with autographs, which there are only 20 in existence currently. The sound is just as clear and definitive on the vinyl as it is on the CD. They also have a limited edition gold version of the CD and a DVD available on their website.

I loved every song on this CD, and that is no BS folks, I mean it. This is a five star recording, and in every single aspect. Fair warning, you will not want to take this out of your stereo once you hear it. Their music is a like an addictive drug, and oh so sweet. Welcome back guys, you rock my soul.

Tracklisting:
Lost Dream (4:06) / 7 & 7 Is (3:13) / Big Stick (2:23) / The Dream I Had Last Night (4:09) / Bullet Thru The Backseat (4:21) / Phone Won't Ring (4:50) / All About Wires (5:58) / Devils Candy (2:44) / Analog Life (4:33) / Mujo 22 (8:05) / Castaway (4:30) / LeFire (3:14) / Halloween Ending (0:40) / Hard Time (5:30) / Slobodon (4:29)

Musicians:
James Lowe - vocals, rhythm guitar, harp
Mark Tulin - bass, feedback twang
Ken Williams - lead guitar
Cameron Lowe - keyboard
Quint - drums
Marc Levinthal - guitar
Peter Lewis - 12-string guitar
Joe Dooley - drums
Mike Vasquez - drums
Jim Grippo - dotar
Mark Moulin - lead guitar

Discography:
The Electric Prunes (1967)
Underground (1967)
Mass In F Minor (1968)
Release Of An Oath (1968)*
Just Good Old Rock And Roll (1969)
Long Day's Flight (1986)
Stockholm 1967 (1997)
Lost Dreams (2001)
Artifact (2001)
The Electric Prunes (I Had Too Much To Dream) (1967/?) (combines first two on one album)
California (2004)

Rewired - Live In Concert (2003) (DVD)

Genre: Rock

Origin US

Added: September 8th 2002
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website: www.electricprunes.net
Hits: 2278
Language: english