Friday, August 04, 2006

Titus Groan - Titus Groan (1970)

Not quite a "masterpiece," but almost. Titus Groan were an early (they formed sometime in 1969 and released their only album and single in 1970) art rock/ progressive band who sounded uncannilly like a cross between Czar without the mellotron and The Move circa Message From The Country with a bit of Jethro Tull thrown in for good measure. This means high energy melodic songs with lots of guitars. sax, vocal harmonies, and great percussion work/drumming. There's occasional organ and electric piano, but mainly a much earlier guitar battling with flute, sax, and oboe sound. The first song "It Wasn't For You" is very bluesy and grooves along with a restrained hard edge. The vocal sounds eerily like Ian Anderson and this is true for the lead vocals for the whole album. I have no idea which of the four band members took care of lead voice, but he has a great one and if you love Tull (I do) you'll love this. The guitar, which is strong and confident, also brings to mind that group, while the bass and percussion have a jazzier approach like Cream or King Crimson. The hard hitting attack balanced with good melodies always reminded me of Czar, and that can only be good. Every song is excellent. The only problem is a "rushed" quality that leaves me salivating for more. It sounds like Titus Groan were a confident band who hurried into a studio and gave it their very best and succeeded in making a fantastic album. (progarchives.com)

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The Rolling Stones - The Chess Sessions (1964-1965)

"2120 South Michigan Avenue" - the song's title is an homage to hallowed ground - it is the street address of Chess Studios, where many of the band's R & B idols had recorded. After a disappointing first half of their inaugural American tour, the Stones were brought to Chicago for these sessions. The first day, June 10, the Stones were thrilled by the appearance of several visitord in the studio - Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry and Willie Dixon. When the band arrived the next day, none other than Muddy Waters helped them lug guitars and amps into the studio, and stayed around to chat with the boys, who were astonished by the whole experience." (Back Cover) This is a great boot of the Stones doing some fantastic versions of their early Rhythm and Blues material. 26 tracks.

Part 1 Part 2


Gun - Gun (1968)

Gun was a part of the first wave of British hard rock, the wave that brought us bands like Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. While lacking the star quality of Clapton Hendrix, guitarist Adrian Gurvitz was a dang fine player in his own right. The hard rock on this album has some psychedelic/progressive crossover, and will appeal to fans of late 60's and early 70's hard rock.

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Amon Düül II - Tanz Der Lemminge (1971)

Amon Düül II's third album, following "Phallus Dei" and "Yeti" is probably the crowning jewel in their discography. This is some kind of milestone in psychedelic/ progressive rock. No krautrock fan should be without this and I highly recommend buying the CD . My rip @ 320.

Part 1 Part 2

Jimmy Page - Lucifer Rising Soundtrack (1972)

Jimmy Page was hired by underground film-maker Kenneth Anger to do the score for his short film "Lucifer Rising", but Anger fired Page after three years for not being dedicated enough or something. Anger then hired Manson family associate Bobby Beausoleil, who recorded a brilliant soundtrack for the film - while he was in prison for murder. Anyway, this is some eerie sounding stuff, very ethereal and spooky. Never officially released, I have heard though that bits were used in Page's soundtrack for the film "Death Wish III"!!. I think the sound quality might be a bit lacking, but what the hell! This is pretty cool stuff. (vinyl ripped and cover art created by Lord Cornelius Plum)

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Ashra - Dream And Desire (1977)

Dream & Desire belongs more with the Virgin Years era. It's not easy to relate it to New Age of Earth or Blackouts, since is has its own unique atmosphere. The compositions on Dream And Desire are Manuel Gottsching in his most sublime and contemplative style, words that could describe it: flowing, moody, gentle, peaceful, comforting. It lacks the agressiveness of Blackouts or Belle Alliance, it's way too gentle, but that's what makes Dream And Desire so special: take the best peaceful moments in New Age of Earth, and then multiply it by a 100, that's how Dream And Desire feels.

One track that could resemble Dream And Desire in its effectiveness is perhaps Ultramarine on the The Best of The Private Tapes sampler. The use of electronics and sequencers in Dream And Desire is more prominent than Ultramarine, and with sound textures that should satsify fans of the 70's analog music (VC3 synthesizer is used heavily). But at the end, the beef is in the music, and it is lovely.

IMHO, I think Dream & Desire is a signature album by Manuel Gottsching, one of his best and perhaps his most personal. Highly recommended.
(Sufian Irhimeh, Belgium)

Download

Asterix - Asterix (1971)

Asterix was a German band that put out this one album, then added singer John Lawton and changed their name to Lucifer's Friend. This is some real good early 70's hard rock, though without the experimentation and progressive leanings that marked Lucifer's Friend's early albums.

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Benny Goodman - The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert

How about something a little different? This is the entire concert, featuring various small groups, ensembles, and of course the Benny Goodman Orchestra. Possibly the best live recording from the swing era. This version of the BG Orchestra has got some of the greatest musicians of all time - Harry James. Count Basie. Teddy Wilson. Lionel Hampton. Gene Krupa. Cootie Williams. Bobby Hackett. Lester Young. And others! Vocals by Liltin' Martha Tilton. Highlight is the 12-minute version of "Sing Sing Sing (With A Swing) on disc 2 in which pianist Jess Stacy delivers what surely must be one of the great solos of all time. He tinkles out some seemingly off-the-wall figures with Gene Krupa pulsing and pounding underneath, then the band explodes into the chorus. I mean it's kinda awesome. Note: there is some slight surface noise, and some light crackling and popping - this is in the source material. My rip @ 320.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Pink Floyd - Pompeii 7-10-71

Great Pink Floyd bootleg @ 320

1. Pompeii Intro
2. Echoes (Part 1)
3. Careful With That Axe, Eugene
4. A Saucerful Of Secrets
5. One Of These Days
6. Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun
7. Mademoiselle Nobs
8. Echoes (Part 2)

Part 1 Part 2


Nektar - Journey To The Centre Of The Eye (1971)

"Although my mind is gently weeping" cries Nektar from their absolutely stunning Kraut-Rock'ish materpiece of 1971. Journey is just that and lands with perfection in my opinion carrying some of Nektar most treasured musical moments. Journey is in a slightly different vein from later Nektar albums, delivering more of a psychedelic/underground flavour. Journey is a wonderful conceptual work of art which really feels like you are on a journey to the centre of an eye. As usual musicanship and song writing is superb with a nice compliment of instruments including the beloved Mellotron! Journey has amazing guitar playing on it throughout and I love the spacey grooves that they get into....some very memorable treasures here. Countenance is the 3rd tracks and in my opinion is one of the greatest prog rock pieces they ever wrote! In my opinion Journey is essential progressive rock.....(wonderful world of progressive rock)

Download

29 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Garcolga, so happy to see you back and the wonderful blog open again. Just one minor problem. My computer seems unable to open the new "http://RS.DR.AG" protection link, could you also offer the "payless" link? Thanks!

8:58 PM, September 17, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow man... What's happening? It's 18 September in the real world but here it's only August. Where are all those great posts.
Confused? I am...
:\)

10:10 AM, September 18, 2006  
Blogger GarColga said...

Hi freddie - can't imagine why your computer is having trouble with those links. I only used that service for a few files anyway.

Hi anonymous - no posts are missing. I made the top one after I shut the blog down because I already had uploaded the files - I just sat on it til now!

4:08 PM, September 18, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Garcolga, unlike payless link, when I click into the page there's only blankness and an ad, which can be closed but nothing happens afterwards. I'm quite confused. I like all the albums you've posted and this week's selection is so great. So what a pity!

7:03 PM, September 18, 2006  
Blogger GarColga said...

freddie I tried those links with Firefox & IE - no problems.

Are you giving the page time to load?

Plenty of other people are downloading those files.

Does your browser need an update? I really don't know what to tell you.

8:18 PM, September 18, 2006  
Blogger Miss F said...

hello freddie, i dont know if this is gonna be of help, but w0uld like to mention anyway: i also had problems w/ these stuFF some time ago (in another blog). i remember, one of them told me that perhaps my FirefoX is blocking the pop-uPs from payless or rApidshare links...anD i disc0verEd that he's right~

however, i kinda forgot what i diD to unBLOCk and aLLow access to these websites.

anyway im so happy to see this blog resurrecTted from the undead, MAY LONG YOU LIVE AND HIGH YOU FLY!


j0urneYing to the center of the eYe,
Fredda

9:14 PM, September 18, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello Garcolga, happy to see you back !

I've got the same problem with the RS DR AG system on one of my PCs. But not on the other one. It seems (but not sure) that the problem may come from your firewall or some programs fighting spywares.
Try to link to RS... after putting the firewall down. If it doesn't work, put it off again and try to close one of your security program, and so on...
And be patient...

12:52 AM, September 19, 2006  
Blogger GarColga said...

I never knew there were problems with that rs/dr/ag thing - I'll change them over as I have time.

5:57 AM, September 19, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Problems are based on the fact that those sites (RS... but also Payless... and others) use pop-up windows for advertising, combined with spywares trying to see where you are (USA, UK, Mars, Moon...) and to put "appropriate ads" on your screen.
If you use anti-spyware soft or a firewall, and if you don't allow your browser to open pop-up windows, those sites don't work normally. That's the price of "free stuff"...

6:20 AM, September 19, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, welcome back! Looking forward to more good stuff. Because of your blog, I'm on the search to buy Harmonia's De Luxe. I also picked up a bunch of Faust. See, music blogs drive commerce!

4:05 PM, September 19, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Fredda, thank you so much for the advice!

Hi Garcolga, you are so kind to make the changes on links! Glazie!

To all the anonymous guys, your information is highly appreciated!

7:45 PM, September 19, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Liam,

Glad to see you back with 8daysinapril! Hope your journey will smoother this time.

A couple of things to mention:

1. Missing Link - Nevergreen - all tracks are badly skipping.

2.Sperrmul - Sperrmul - the first link (part 1) is not download-able. It's only leading to a strange Payless page & that's all. No link appear after that to get re-directed to Rapidshare. You can check it on your own?

Since both these albums are awesome, could these little problems be fixed?

Regards
Aveek

4:13 PM, September 20, 2006  
Blogger GarColga said...

Hi Aveek - I just downloaded that Missing Link and didn't notice any skipping - can you be more specific as to track and time?

I fixed that Spermüll link a few days ago. Maybe refresh the page or something.

5:41 PM, September 20, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yow! When you come back, you come back strong. Good to see the activity. - Elaine

6:05 PM, September 20, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi garcola, happy to see you back. Thanks for this week music !!

7:42 AM, September 21, 2006  
Blogger Fauni Gena said...

i'm looking for a band called "age," they're an obscure belgian group in the same vein as Tangerine Dream and Jean-Michel Jarre. With the regular kind of stuff I see on here, I just thought you might have better luck.
They have two albums "Landscapes" (1980), and "Dimensions" (1982), and they've got a single with two tracks not on the other albums called "Singapore / Sunset Dance." If you care to actually look, and find anything (or even not find anything) let me know on my blog. thanks!

8:26 AM, September 21, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm finding it impossible to download anything on your blog due to the paylesssofts hidden links. I never get the actual link - it just takes me to all these other sites for porn, software downloads and the like. Why not just post the actual rapidshare links like many other people do? Most seem to have no problem with their links being deleted. All it does is make it harder for people to hear the music.
I wouldn't recommend anyone using the internet these days WITHOUT a firewall, so if the only way to get this music is to not use one - then that's no good.

8:08 PM, September 21, 2006  
Blogger GarColga said...

Hi Elaine - thanks!!

Hello m.w.a.

Hi Fauni Gena - never heard of that band!

Hi anonymous - The days of me posting the actual RS links are over. Firewall has nothing to do with it I'm sure. You didn't ask for help so I won't offer any.

8:38 PM, September 21, 2006  
Blogger Mirco said...

Welcome back garcolga, I'm glad your blog has returned!

4:23 PM, September 22, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, glad to see you're back! We've all missed you. This Lucifer Rising Soundtrack is the best thing I've heard in a while, and a thousand times better than anything Led Zep ever did. If memory serves me correctly, this would go well with the film, though I can't remember the soundtrack that was released. Thanks!

OK
RC

4:56 PM, October 04, 2006  
Blogger GarColga said...

Hi Mirco - glad to be back!!

Hi RC - thanks. I posted the soundtrack that was actually used on Oct. 24 2005. Bobby Beausoleil & The Freedom Orchestra.

8:06 AM, October 06, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

glad you all liked the lucifer rising soundtrack. the rip was mine, from a vinyl copy owned by a friend a few years ago, and the cover is totally my own creation, drawn by hand in the days before i had a computer. this is the second blog ive seen it posted on. its very flattering.
lord cornelius plum.

12:14 AM, October 21, 2006  
Blogger GarColga said...

Hello lord cornelius plum!

4:38 AM, October 21, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

is there any password available? thanks!

2:18 PM, October 21, 2006  
Blogger GarColga said...

None of the files in this post need a password!

2:25 PM, October 21, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for Asterix!!

2:36 AM, September 14, 2007  
Blogger pen said...

I bought the Asterix (1971) LP when I was a kid. I was clueless about Krautrock (they did not sing like the other bands though). I found Asterix in your previous '8 days in April'. Did they sound better the first time around? I can remember listening to 'Paladin' on Radio Deustche Welle in the '70's after reading about them here. I got the name wrong and tried to find them on the Web with 'Palladium'. One thing's for sure, you guys have heard more rock music than I could ever imagine.

7:18 AM, September 24, 2007  
Blogger vanDiemerbroucke said...

Wow. What a post. It's hard to decide what to download first. Thanks in advance.

5:46 PM, March 26, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Some great stuff here, many thanks.

3:15 AM, May 25, 2010  

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