Here we are again! Another week of great downloads -

The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation - First Two Albums (1968-1969)

After quitting John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, and after a stint in the Jeff Beck Group, drummer Aynsley Dunbar formed his own band. This 2-for-1 CD has the first two albums - "The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation" and "Doctor Dunbar's Prescription". Often overlooked, or even slagged as 'ordinary', by critics, this is some damn fine low-key, low-down British blues. Although Dunbar is best known for his work with Frank Zappa, Ozzy Osbourne, Journey and Jefferson Starship, the four Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation albums are very very cool.

High VBR w/artwork Part 1 Part 2

Baby Huey - The Baby Huey Story (1971)

James Ramey, otherwise known as Baby Huey, weighed 400 pounds and died of a heart attack not long after the tracks for his first album were completed. Produced by Curtis Mayfield and featuring an awesomely tight band, The Babysitters - this is a great mix of soul, horn-rock, and rhythm and blues. Baby Huey was a gritty and talented singer, and he knew when to leave the band alone - there are some sublime instrumental jams on this thing, including a brilliant cover of The Mama's & The Papa's "California Dreaming". The first track, "Listen To Me" is a real stand-out, along with a 9 minute version of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come". This album is too short by far, this is some great stuff. I scanned the very informative booklet.

High VBR w/artwork Download

Arktis - Tapes (1975)

Having failed to attract the interest of any major labels, Arktis released a limited pressing of "Tapes" in 1975 as a promotional effort. Consisting of tracks recorded in their rehearsal space in 1974-1975 I find the music is powerful - Klaus Blachut's guitar playing is great, the band is gung-ho, and Karen Toppig's tough vocals are a perfect match to the music. The band broke up after this also failed to attract any attention. What a shame, these guys were real good.

Bitrate 320 w/artwork Part 1 Part 2

Cyklus - Planet Of Two Suns (1979)

Featuring guitarist Jens Fischer, who would later play on the Tri Atma albums, this is some very tasty progressive jazz-fusion. The other members of Cyklus had played or would play with Aera, Muck Groh, Eloy, and maybe Kraan, not sure about that one. Whatever, this is definitely worth checking out.

Bitrate 192 w/covers Download

Love Cry Want - Love Cry Want (1972)

Love Cry Want was a fusion band located in Washington D.C, USA in the early 70's, led by guitarist/inventor Nicholas who plays a heavily processed guitar otherwise known as a synth guitar. There are two percussionists on this, Joe Gallivan and Jimmy Molneiri. Hammond organ is played by Larry Young, who played on the first three Tony Williams Lifetime albums, Miles Davis' Bitches Brew and others. Anyway, this was recorded live in Lafayette Park - directly across the street from the White House! The music was so loud, so wild, that President Nixon personally had the concert cut short. What was he afraid of? Listen to this monster of psychedelic jazz/free rock and find out.

Bitrate 192 w/small front cover Download

Midnight Circus - Midnight Circus (1972)

Midnight Circus was an obscure German duo, helped out here by guest musicians, who played a gentle, cosmic kind of progressive folk, similar to Witthüser and Westrupp but with English vocals and a bit more rock oriented. Atmospheric and sometimes dark, this is very appealing, the tracks featuring mellotron might bring to mind early King Crimson. Some sweet guitar, recorder, and trumpet (!).

Bitrate 320 w/front cover Download
Check the comments for a link to better covers, courtesy of Barmaleyy!

OK Bye! See you next week.