LUV MACHINE-LUV MACHINE-

This Psych/Hard/funk rock Quartet originated from Barbados but relocated to UK in 1968 trying out their luck in the Swingin`60´s with a no ever match of welcomed Psych/hard/funk rock with a tasteful flavour of the caribbean. This release from 1971 Influenced by the Contemporary bands of Jimi Hendrix, Cream and Creedence is just as wacky as is sounds. A Perfect contender for the Odd album of the year of ´71.

The production is above avarage with a flirt towards English popculture. The Vocals are splendid together with the steady rhythm section. Fresh input by keyboard and piano lifts this album to an exciting experience in the “happy mood” department. Very Nice!! The unique soundframe just brings a great smile to your face and the songs are strong with that psych touch that just almost is about to annoy you. Great walk on line here!!!

Whatabout the drummer, Errol Bradshaw?? This is a follower and does his best to hide it. The backbeating and striking is ok but there is a great loss of drive and you can hear that this drummer is out of timing together with the bass player. The hit ratio and Dynamics are fine but sorry to say it doesn´t add up.. This is the “avarage” man by the textbook impersonated.

Sad this outfit dissolved Before the release of this megacool input to the UK Music scene during the early 70´s. This had the potential to reach to something much larger than it did. If you´re in for that perticularly album that you though never was recorded, this is It! The fresh flavour of caribbean seasoning to the Psych/hard/funk rock melodies just gives this album a major thumbs up! Prices for this Oddball is skyhigh and rightfully so. You just don´t stumble upon such a gem everyday. Worth every penny in my book just for the albumcover alone!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

-7-VERY GOOD!!-GAME, SET AND MATCH-

MASON-HARBOUR-

As the great year of 1971 released many faboulus records this one´s a true great mystery. This outfit called Mason originited from Virginia USA and had been around since ´68 and this their only release. It´s said that you have your whole lifetime to write your first album and this is such a perfect debut that you ask yourself, what the fuck happened?? Why did this record not make it..just one of those mysteries of Life. The funny thing is that in the end of  Mason´s career the played in front 15 000 people so lets put the “I” in irony here.

The Music steers towards Prog/blues/hard/psych/folk/jazz rock elements with an exceptional production. There´s no way you can tell this is powertrio due to the rich fat sound, great vocals and that faboulus hammondorgan just guiding everything into Place. The key songwriter Jim Gaylon brings a powerful impact both on sax, flute, bass, keyboard and handled the guitar, both accustic and Electric….´nuff said. Steve Arcese plays the Hammond with such a drive that this is a bitchslap in the face for such keyboard wizards like Jon Lord and,  he take cares of the headvocals with excellence to…Salut you!! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, Morgan Hampton?? Well This is one of those moments in Life when you get a religious epiphany listening to a fellow drummer. Here you got Everythings that Worth fighting for. Brilliant Dynamics, striking abilities Worth dying for and the timing and hit ratio just leaves you baffled. The technical level is up among the best ever recorded and I can say with Clean concious, this is one of the best drummers I´ve ever Heard…. Is This Jesus on drums???

If you´re into prog/blues/hard/psych/folk rock Music from the early 70´s this must be the one to measure other releases to. Nothing is lacking on this masterpiece and I honestly must say I regret starting to listen to this album…I can´t  quit…  🙂

As you may reckon this is an album hard to find. Great copies are out there with 3 figure sales prices and rightfully so. This is just that holy grail Prog gem you just hope to find in a fleamarket, stucked away only for you to find….never stop believing… 🙂

-8-EXCELLENT-HEAD ON RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES COLLISION WITH A FREIGHT TRAIN.