Harvey Mandel – Cristo Redentor
Harvey Mandel – Light’s Out
Harvey Mandel – Wade In The Water
When I’d originally put this on facebook, I’d wanted to post Barry Goldberg’s Reunion LP from the same year, but couldn’t find any of the music from that record online (though I’ll rectify shortly). Harvey Mandel plays guitar on that record and so this record, his debut as a solo artist from 1968 seemed a fitting fill-in. This record from Mandel is one of my all-time favorite psychedelic rock records, I’ve owned it at least three or four different times, traded it with friends, even just given to someone, since first hearing it in the mid-90s.
I hesitate to even call it a “rock” record, cause the sounds are so diverse and drawn from so many sources. It’s virtually all instrumental, save some wordless singing on the title cut, and Mandel showcases every aspect of his playing, gorgeous sustains, wacked out wah-wah, super clean blues/jazz/country/rock lines, overdubs upon overdubs upon overdubs blending together in exceptionally rich and layered music. He’s helped out by good friends from the Chicago scene, including Barry Goldberg (organ), Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica on a seriously wicked “The Lark”) and a monster drummer who rarely got his due, “Fast” Eddie Hoh (he’s also featured on the Goldberg record I mentioned above). (more…)
Jarvis Cocker – I Never Said I Was Deep
Jarvis Cocker – Caucasian Blues
For his second proper solo release, Jarvis Cocker is clearly not playing around. This is not to say that he’s cleaned up his act at all, I simply mean that for a man that has rarely held anything back lyrically, he’s really pushed himself towards wild, reckless, abandon on Further Complications. In a similar fashion to Nick Cave’s Grinderman project, this record presents Cocker fronting an often tough, muscular and very rocking group, in nice contrast to the largely smooth and demure affair that was his first solo release. The first single “Angela” roars with garage fuzz, as do the aptly titled “Fucking Song,” the lyrically deplorable (and I mean that in the best possible way) “Caucasian Blues,” the title track, “Homewrecker,” (which musically sounds like it could have been borne out of an alternate session for the Stooges Funhouse record, minus the Asheton wall of sound, RIP) and the mostly instrumental “Pilchard” which sounds like it would make for a killer opening live show number. (FYI Jarvis comes to LA July 27th!) (more…)
One of my clear favorites for this year and a perfect record for this season, even though it was released in the spring. I’m not sure if we’re still calling this “twee-pop” or not, but Camera Obscura always deliver solid 60′s style pop sounds and their latest LP is a sugary sweet summery affair. Standouts include “The Sweetest Thing,” “Honey in the Sun,” “French Navy” and the title track.
They were in Los Angeles back in June and stopped by KCRW for a performance, which I highly recommend watching. In addition to the fine music and their Glaswegian accents, which are truly adorable, one of the members sole purpose on multiple songs is tambourine duty and you just have to love that…
Become a fan on Facebook or drop me a line with the icons below
