Recent Finds (Feb-March)

CDs: 

Todd Rundgren - A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren - Todd
Todd Rundgren - Faithful
Julian Cope - Fried
Van Der Graaf Generator - Pawn Hearts
Kraftwerk - Trans Europe Express
Y.M.O. - Naughty Boys
King Crimson - Lizard
Rick Wright - Broken China

Vinyl:

Julian Cope - Peggy Suicide

Brain Eno - Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)

Recommendation #3: The Snow Goose (1975)

One of the least cool albums from the seventies: the Snow Goose by Camel. In my opinion one of the great pieces of prog to come out at the time, however. Soulful Guitar playing, tasteful (i.e. non-cheesy) flute melodies and an interesting concept as a backdrop make this album a truly immersive experience.

Much of the unpopularity of this album stemmed from the Old Grey Whistle Test BBC performance where the band played with a small orchestral ensemble to promote the album. Many at the time (so I've heard, clearly I have no first hand experience!) saw this conceptual/classical/prog music as incredibly self-indulgent and poncy. And, to be fair, it is both those things, but when you stop caring about what you look like listening to Camel, you soon realise the music is really very sophisticated and reaching an almost masterpiece-level of creativity and inspiration. I would liken it to Dark Side of the Moon, with Gilmour-like guitar playing by Latimer, but without the dope smoking, or Selling England by the Pound, with Peter Banks-like synth sounds, but without the focus on lyrics or vocal performance. Essentially what I'm saying is that this album is really at the same level as the aforementioned albums but has been shadowed into somewhat obscurity by associated un-coolness. A shame really. 

Bottom Line: The highest point in Camel's career, the Snow Goose is definitely one not to forget from the mid-70s period.

Recommendation #2: Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)

One of the greats, here! Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) is the second solo Brain Eno album released on Island in 1974. After Eno left Roxy Music in the early 70s, he released a flurry of fantastic solo and collaborative albums where he began exploring music with a new sense of freedom and inspiration. Most notably are the albums 'No Pussyfooting' (1973) with Robert Fripp and his first solo release, Here Come the Warm Jets (1974). Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) though was by some way the most consistent and fully realised release from this early period of his career.

The opening track 'Burning Airlines Give You So Much More' sets up the tone of the album perfectly, providing an introduction to the interesting poly-rhythms and manipulated guitar sounds that continue to play a central role in the music throughout. In fact, the 'groove' in this album as a whole is excellent, and with a quick glance at the liner notes it is clear why this is the case! Robert Wyatt features on most of the album, as well as Phil Collins who plays drums on 'Mother Whale Eyeless'. The album maintains a high intensity right up until the last farewell, 'Taking Tiger Mountain', a wistful and reflective outro that draws the listener into an almost trance-like state. On a slightly different note, The cover art for Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) is another brilliant feature of the album, and perfectly reflects the art-rock music that lies within.

Overall though, there is not much to not like in this release, even for the most casual of listeners, and is the ideal place to start for an Eno introduction. It won't be long before this album becomes a staple in your musical diet, believe me. Cheers, Will.

Show Preview (12/03/13)

'Sup guys! Just another quick heads-up for the show scheduled tomorrow. The main topic for discussion will be psychedelia. Specifically, early psychedelia around the '66-'68 time frame. If that interests you, tune in from 6 pm and let me know your thoughts. Cheers! Will.

Show Preview (05/03/13)

What's good, everyone? A new episode of You Can't Play That On Radio Anymore! is going live tonight, featuring all the best pop from the days of the LP. The show will be split into two halves: pre- and post-1970, separating the psych from the glam essentially. See you at 6pm!

Recommendation #1: Peggy Suicide

As a break from mundane report writing, I thought I'd pen a quick recommendation of an album I'm currently digging: Julian Cope's Peggy Suicide, released in 1991 on Island. Upon listening to this album for the first time last week, my initial feelings were that of disappointment - I was expecting something more, something with clear creativity and originality. But, with more listens, the infectious nature of this music eventually made me realise that the music is in fact all those things! This is not an album you can listen to in a cursory fashion and expect to understand it immediately (at least, not for me anyway) and this was the mistake I made at first, daunted by the sheer length of the double album.

The message on this album is dense and complicated, being delivered with aggression, sadness and frustration in response to political and philosophical matters. Upon reading the inside of the gatefold LP sleeve, I found that 'Peggy Suicide' is in fact a personification of mother earth, which lays down the foundation for the concept of this album. As of yet however, I am no where near even beginning to understand Julian's overall statement for this album, and I imagine many more intense listenings will be required before this is the case!

The sound of this album is somewhat indescribable - though no through lack of distinctness! If I was forced to put a label on it, to me, it sounds like a mix of Syd Barrett/Todd Rundgren/Stone Roses (and something else I can't quite put my finger on). Genre-wise, I would describe it as somewhere between folk rock and psychedelia, though with a relatively modern (90's) interpretation on these ideas. Overall, it is clear that Julian is a true music enthusiast, as well as musician, if not through knowledge of the books he's put out, then through the seamless blending of sounds on this album - truly a superb effort in my opinion!

Show Preview (26/02/13)

Hello! Next Tuesdays show will be focusing on solo artists, showcasing a few of the albums I've picked up recently on CD and LP as well as some stuff dotted about my iTunes library. Fans of Todd Rundgren, Julian Cope and Syd Barrett TUNE IN!