PATTO-PATTO-

Lets raise the bar for awhile and get into a dear but almost forgotten masterpiece from 1970. Mike Patto set this band together with members from Timebox and got signed to new label Vertigo. Their first album was recorded live in the studio and outqualifies most albums from this year. Highly acclaimed by reviewers and fans this album fell short when it got to sales figures. Hard to say why but the Music is more advanced and maybe a touch of to “jazz” coloured.

The style in Hard/prog/psych/ rock with superman skills on the instruments just´s upset you why more people don´t recognize this album. The feeling of  high above all others but so below in recognizion is just eminent.

The guitar works are phenomenal and the vocals are stretch to the limit. Funky notes from the bass just add´s up when the drummer steals the show. This is not only good, it´s f**king fabolous!! 🙂 The production is a bit hollow due to the live session but that is something secondery because the songs are so strong. I can´t pick out any standout song and the reason is that all tunes are strong in style and deliverence. Talk about slap in the face effect!! 🙂

Whatabout the drummer, John Halsey?? High drive and jawdropping striking abilities signify´s this drummer. The hitratio is just like mechanical monkey and this is just what Í´m been waiting for. Just enjoy laidback and Closed Eyes to indulge the terrific drumming. There´s something going on in every song so it won´t be a bore. This is high class drumming and especily with the knowledge that this is a live session in the studio. Two thumbs up!!! 🙂

Prices wary between great copies and reissues but there´s no hesitation you should get this record if you´re in for Hard/prog/psych rock Music from Britain with a Heavy dose of “jazz” seasoning. This one of those great surprises in Life and I can only smile when this album presents itself on the turntable. Happy, happy… 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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

PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC-GET IT ON-

This outfit originated from California USA and their story Begins in 1967. This, their first recording, was released in 1968. Perhaps viewed as one in a dozen blues albums by the time, this recording contains not just one of the late 60´s best guitarworks but also an astonishing vocal performance by  their drummer, who became the frontman and himself replaced as a drummer!

The infamous Glenn Schwarz on guitar, fast recognized a reputation as “The White Hendrix” and for sure this is a fellow who know his way´s around the fretboard. The bizarre future for Mr. Schwarz would contain both abuse and membership in a religous cult which almost cost him his Life. The Production for this album is very good to it´s Contemporary albums with a funky steady rhythm section wich lift this recording several notches. Very nice!!

Whatabout the drummer, Frank Cook?? As this is a guitar and vocals album the drummeraction follow suite. With a steady bassplayer by his side this is an avarage perfomance. The striking ability and Dynamics are fine but with a bit of anxious input in the slower songs. The Hitratio and drive are there but nomore than just an Another apple in the barrel. Nothing to cheer for.

If you´re in for some great American blues from the late 60´s this is a great record to compare to those best Selling albums from the same timeperiod. I don´t Think you will get dissapointed. Great issues is to be found out there for literally no Money at all. This is a great oppertunity to impress your friends with a forgotten guitarwizard in Glenn Schwarz. Enjoy with a beer and good Company. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

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