Some recent spins. As usual, a mixed bag of styles and eras, and some striking cover art.
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Over the years, several people whose tastes I respect have expressed a deep love of this album. Although it wasn’t part of my past and is thus free of nostalgic ballast, it is a fine example of late ’69s light psychedelic rock (in the American style).
The 801 project was short-lived but burned so very brightly, Roy. Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music) and friends played just a couple of live dates, and this album was the result.
The music is so good this re-issue added a rehearsal recording of the complete live set, in the order the pieces were played at the gigs. Despite this being essentially an extra vinyl record of the same music, it was seen by some fans as an essential purchase. This, notwithstanding their perfectly good LP and CD versions of the original 801 Live album and some of the material being on their Phil Manzanera deluxe editions. Aren’t people gullible?
John Martyn was such an interesting artist, branching out from folk roots to explore unusual approaches to the singer-songwriter craft, in particular his creative use of Echoplex guitar. Many consider this his best album, and I’d not argue.
Early E.P. (1980) from Australia’s socio-political rockers. I played this a few weeks ago while Ms Connection carved the turkey.
Procol Harum’s 1974 LP has long been a favourite. The album featured in the first of a very occasional series entitled Art On Your Sleeve. JDB—art expert as well as Vinyl Connection’s medical consultant—and I have vowed to return to this series; perhaps this is the year.
From emaciated birds via fine art to exotic beasts. John Fogerty’s 1986 LP is a mixed bag, but no-one’s going to tell that to the cover beastie!
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Any favourites here (either music or cover)? Or curiosities?
vinylconnection.com.au 
You’re making me covet the Procol Harum record, but I’m perfectly happy with the standard version of 801 Live.
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Thumbs up for both of those, Graham!
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I’ve always liked the John Fogerty cover, it’s quite metal. The 801 was bought last year and I really like it, mostly.
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There are some Mahavishnu moments on 801 Live, and some proggy bits too. But that version of TNK is boss, don’t you think?
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TNK is just incredible, in fact most of it is pretty damned good.
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I love that P.Harum album and the cover art. The covers above it and below it are a bit hideous. I’m not sure why 801 had the head of a bass for its sleeve, but it has a certain minimalist charm
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This 801 cover is an edit of the original LP photo, but the doesn’t change the perspective. I guess Manzanera was comfortable with McCormack getting a bit of the limelight!
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Even though I really dig John Fogerty I don’t know that album – come to think of it, his only solo album I know is “Centerfield,” which I have on vinyl. So I guess I’m saying I like Fogerty, I’m mostly referring to CCR.
While I’m well aware of Midnight Oil and Procul Harum, I’ve only listened to select songs from each. Of the two, I’d be more curious to further explore the latter.
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TBH, Christian, I don’t rate this Fogerty that highly. But it certainly is a striking cover!
Procol Harum are worth investigating, particularly the early albums.
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I have a few of those and one I kinda half own because my Gal has it. Does that sound legal? The chair is such a cool concept. Chairs on album covers?
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“All records under the same roof belong to the most passions vinyl lover”. Isn’t that enshrined in law somewhere?
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It better be.
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The John Martyn and 801 are favorites. Especially the John Martyn.
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Fine choices, both.
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An enthusiastic thumbs up to resuming Art On Your Sleeve this year, Bruce! You’d passed a couple of ideas on to me in the last year of so. Perhaps you could re-send? Or maybe other candidates have come to mind in the interim.
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Solid Air – fine album, with a cover that is right on the money. Bird Noises? The cover about as subtle as the music.
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🤣 So not a big fan of the Oil’s bombast, Vin?
Yeah, John Martyn was great, and this is perhaps his greatest.
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