Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Orpheus - Ascending - 1968



Here's Orpheus's second album, which in my opinion is the best they've ever recorded. Breaking slightly to the left of Sunshine Pop and actually kicking it up a notch with some good ol' psychedelic sound, this album really shines above and beyond their brethren. Their version of Walk Away Renee is quite outstanding, however their vocals on She's Not There could have been a wee bit better, in my opinion, however the backing instruments are superb, which gives this song a great rating in my book.

Track listing:

01 - I'll Fly
02 - Just Got Back
03 - Mine's Yours
04 - Don't Be So Serious
05 - So Far Away In Love
06 - She's Not There
07 - Love Over Here
08 - Borneo
09 - Just A Little Bit
10 - Walk Away Renee
11 - Roses
12 - Magic Air

Download link: Megaupload

Monday, December 25, 2006

Blue Cheer - Live in Japan



By special request...

Still psyched up after all these years, Blue Cheer is still on tour to this day. Here, they come at you with their comeback 1999 tour in Tokyo, Japan.

Track listing:

01 - Babylon
02 - Big Trouble In Paradise
03 - The Hunter
04 - Blue Steel Dues
05 - Urban Soldiers
06 - Girl Next Door
07 - Ride With Me
08 - Summertime Blues
09 - Down And Dirty
10 - Out Of Focus
11 - Doctor Please

Download link: Megaupload

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Orpheus - Joyful - 1969



This is Orpheus's third album on the MGM label, recorded in 1969. In my opinion, this one is just as good as the debut album. The price sticker says 57 cents, which makes me wonder what the members of Orpheus was feeling when they saw their third album appear at such a discount rate. If this were still the late 60s/early 70s, I'd have to say that if you're a recording artist, don't shop at K-mart. If you do, don't go through their LPs. You may not like what you see.

Track listing:

01 - By The Size Of My Shoes
02 - Me About You
03 - May I Look At You
04 - To Touch Our Love Again
05 - Lovin' You
06 - Brown Arms in Houston
07 - As They All Fall
08 - I Can Make The Sun Rise
09 & 10 - Joyful-Of Enlightenment

Download link: Megaupload

Orpheus - 1967



One of the most unusually-named album artists I've come across while working in the record store was Orpheus on the MGM label. The group was named after a figure in Greek mythology: Orpheus, the chief representative of the arts of song and the lyre, and of great importance in the religious history of Greece. I found the cover intriguing enough to take home and give a listen. Among this album were three other Orpheus albums, which I will post later on. I expected the group to be a strange psychedelic group, but to my surprise, they recorded mostly sunshine-style music...kind of like a mix between a light bubblegum pop sound and 60s folk/harmony. Nevertheless, this album was played quite a few times on my turntable. After acquiring their albums, I have been unable to find other copies of them. From the MGM recording studio to you, I offer you the same experience I once had when I first heard this album.

Track listing:

01 - I've Never Seen Love Like This
02 - Lesley's World
03 - Congress Alley
04 - Music Machine
05 - Door Knob Song
06 - I'll Stay With You
07 - Can't Find The Time To Tell You
08 - Never In My Life
09 - The Dream

Download link: Megaupload

Friday, December 22, 2006

Blue Cheer - Vincebus Eruptum - 1968



This is the debut album from Blue Cheer on the Mercury label. In my opinion, you can't get any better than Vincebus Eruptum when it comes to Blue Cheer, exploding into the psychedelic rock scene.

Track list:

01 - Summertime Blues
02 - Rock Me Baby
03 - Doctor Please
04 - Out Of Focus
05 - Parchment Farm
06 - Second Time Around

Download link: Megaupload

Blue Cheer - Outsideinside - 1968



Here is Blue Cheer's second album on the Phillips label. This would be the final album featuring guitarist Leigh Stevens.

Track list:

01 - Feathers From Your Tree
02 - Sun Cycle
03 - Just A Little Bit
04 - Gypsy Ball
05 - Come And Get It
06 - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
07 - The Hunter
08 - Magnolia Caboose Babyfinger
09 - Babylon

Download link: Megaupload

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Spooky Tooth (with Pierre Henry) - Ceremony - 1970





This album was recorded with a collaborated effort of 60s British progressive rock group Spooky Tooth, with electric instruments provided by French composer Pierre Henry. The songs all focus on a biblical nature, but even if you are not the religious type, this album is still great to listen to. Really provides a rush of psychedelic enjoyment. If you are into the macabre, I suggest playing this album in the dark.

Track listing:

01 - Have Mercy
02 - Jubilation
03 - Confession
04 - Prayer
05 - Offering
06 - Hosanna

Megaupload Download link: Megaupload