Thursday 11 December 2008

MAYFLY - Same (Delicate Dutch Folk Psych - 1973)

In 1970, a group was founded in Bergen, N.H. by the name of Guruperide. In 1971, the name of this soft rock group was changed to Mayfly.

A delicate and soft folk rock album, similar to Tudor Lodge or The Trees but with a pop twist. Most of the songs are short, and don't tend to evolve much, with lovely instrumental passages of acoustic guitars, violin, some horns (especially flute), nice vocal harmonies and the occasional piano solos. The album flows well from start to finish, conveying a pleasant state of mind, this would be wonderful for an afternoon or a chilly evening.
(Review by bilbo1742 on rateyourmusic.com)

Members :

Gustaaf Verburg (vocals, bass, guitar and piano)
Onno Verburg (vocals, guitar)
Ide Min (vocals and electronic instr.)
Maarten Min (vocals, drums)
Huub Nijhuis (bass, cello)
Arie de Geus (piano and violin)

New link : http://www.mediafire.com/?uobnba57953f4op

This group made one of the best Dutch progressive folk albums in a poetical style similar to several British groups (Spirogyra, Fuchsia, Beatles) or even the first album by the German group Hoelderlin. What makes it so strong are the expressive vocals of Maarten Min, enchanting melodies, a reflective or sorrowful mood and good English lyrics. This is typified by tracks such as "Dawn Of An Old Man's Life" and "Lemoncake", although a few tracks are lighter in mood and more influenced by the folk-style of late 60's Beatles or Honeybus. An album that easily stands out of the crowd and therefore strongly recommended.
(Asbjørnsen - Scented Gardens Of The Mind)

LISTEN - Same - Great Xian downer Folk Psych LP (US - 1973)

Four longhaired teen guys and their excellent homemade acoustic rock endeavor with relaxed guitars-only wholesome earthy in-tune-with-nature sound. The songs are moving, sorrowful, hypnotic, melancholy, sincere, deeply meditative - the guy I got this from thought they sounded like Azitis unplugged and I’m inclined to agree. Nice dreamy atmosphere from the plaintive harmonies and interplay of the three guitars, bringing a moody surreal presence to songs like ‘Clouds And Suns’, ‘Why’, ‘Jesus Love’, ‘Forgive’, ‘His Face’, ‘Chapel’ and ‘Nows’. Upbeat strummed moods on ‘Prisoner’s Prayer’ and the brisk jangly opener ‘Spring Thing’. ‘Relativity’ and the mostly instrumental ‘The Unknown Sea’ are spoken poems backed by acoustic guitar. The guys got their start at a talent show in 1970 at Camp Lutherhoma in eastern Oklahoma. Really strikes a chord. The album has recently gotten a reputation among psych collectors and can now go for some large dollars.
(Taken from heavenly-grooves.blogspot.com)

Link : http://www.mediafire.com/?nfy7bmm770y2vqm

Another unknown gem ! Don't miss it !!!

MELLOW CANDLE - "Swaddling Songs" (Irish Prog Folk - 1972)

From Dublin, Ireland, MELLOW CANDLE specialised in imaginative psychedelic folk rock and early progressive rock, with the singing talents of two ladies (Alison WILLIAMS and Clodagh SIMONDS), in addition to bassist Frank BOYLAN, drummer William MURRAY and guitarist Dave WILLAIMS. The music displayed a prodigious degree of natural talent for songwriting, harmonizing, and arrangement.

"Swaddling Songs" debut album is rich in varied and a true sonic marvel of beauty and simple melodies, and, most of all, a blending of two of the most beautiful voices in all of music. This is a fantastic album that deserves new discovery.

Track Listings :
1. Heaven Heath (3:00)
2. Sheep Season (5:01)
3. Silver Song (4:26)
4. The Poet And The Witch (2:51)
5. Messenger Birds (3:39)
6. Dan The Wing (2:45)
7. Reverend Sisters (4:21)
8. Break Your Token (2:27)
9. Buy Or Beware (3:05)
10. Vile Excesses (3:14)
11. Lonely Man (4:28)
12. Boulders On My Grave (3:40)
13. Feeling High (2:23) Bonus track
14. Tea With The Sun (3:18) Bonus track
Total Time: 48:46

Line-up/Musicians :
- Frank Boylan / bass
- William Murray / drums
- Clodagh Simonds / vocals, keyboards
- Alison Williams / lead vocals
- David Williams / guitar, vocals

Don't miss this very great album !!!

Link : http://rs253.rapidshare.com/files/84889133/Mellow_Candle_-_Swaddling_Songs.rar

IKARUS - Same (Germany 1971)

IKARUS played progressive rock that sometimes was in the vein of VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR. The sound is dominated by emphasis on guitar and organ interplay, but the use of flute, saxophone and clarinet add more color to their compositions. A solid album.

Track Listings :
1. Eclipse: (15:24)
a) Skyscrapers
b) Sooner or later
2. Mesentery (6:11)
3. The raven (including "Theme for James Marshall") (11:43)
4. Early bell's voice (7:43)
Total Time: 41:01

Line-up/Musicians :
- Lorenz Köhler / lead vocals
- Wolfgang Kracht / bass, back vocals
- Jochen Petersen / acoustic & electric guitars, alto & tenor saxes, flute, clarinet, back vocals
- Bernd Schroder / drums, percussion
- Manfred Schulz / guitar, lead vocals (4), back vocals
- Wulf-Dieter Struntz / organ, piano

A very good addition for your Krautrock collection !!!

Link : http://rapidshare.com/files/45214928/IKARUS.rar.html

Enjoy, it's one of my favs from the german scene !!!