44 SPECTRUM — Miles Ago
The second album by Australian progressive outfit Spectrum was an ambitious work that sprawled across four sides of vinyl. Displaying the downbeat wit of songwriter/leader Mike Rudd, the album was hugely ambitions and largely successful. Sometimes the laid back style is hypnotic and as relaxed as a hot Aussie Saturday arvo, at others a little more focus may have helped. But the playing is dedicated and the musicianship unarguable and it is an album treasured by fans of the particular variant of progressive rock practiced Downunder. Spectrum were the band that launched a thousand spliffs. Hightlights: “Love’s my bag”; “What the world needs (Is a new pair of socks)”.
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43 ISAAC HAYES — Shaft (OST)
Mostly instrumental, but what a wonderful trip. Lounge, funk, soul, a touch of disco… Isaac Hayes gathers some great players and writes a seminal soundtrack that may owe a lot to other musicians (a big nod to Burt Bacharach on “Early Sunday Morning”) but manages to perfectly create an early 70s vibe. And of course there’s the title song. No-one understands him but his woman, don’t you know. Highlights: “Theme from Shaft”; “Cafe Regio’s” and for those who like a solid jam, try the twenty minute “Do Your Thing”. [Released July 1971]
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42 CURVED AIR — Second Album
There was a huge buzz around Air Conditioning, the debut LP by Britain’s Curved Air. Nay-sayers sneered that it was the picture disc (the first ever) winning over record buyers, but that is neither accurate nor fair. The original vinyl sounded shit yet the music was great and people loved it. There was intricacy (Darryl Way’s violin, Francis Monkman’s keyboards) yet it came across accessibly due in no small part to the beguiling presence and strong voice of Sonja Kristina out front.
Much of the above (other than the picture disc) could be said about their second outing, which is often dismissed as an uninspired follow-up. That isn’t fair either. Opener “Young Mother” has thrilling instrumental interplay between Way and Monkman killing it on an early synthesiser. “Everdance” is classic Curved Air. In fact, it is a satisfying album full stop. The original UK packaging—horrendously complicated and prone to tearing—was simplified for the US release, whose gatefold photo featured lots of bare chests. Highlights: “Everdance”, “Back Street Luv”. [Released September 1971]
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41 STRAWBS — From The Witchwood
There is a bit of everything on this Strawbs album. Some folk-based rock songs, a little (slightly late) psychedelia, tendrils of mystic Avalon, and of course Rick Wakeman’s keyboards. A really interesting album. Highlights: “Witchwood”; “Sheep”. [Released July 1971]
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40 GROUNDHOGS — Split
Filched from the net
This rip-snorting psychedelic rock album got the treatment a few months ago, so we’ll simply include a link for those who’d like to refresh their memories. [Released March 1971]
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vinylconnection.com.au 
I only know Shaft, but you have me interested in The Strawbs and Curved Air.
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That’s the spirit. (Spirit of ’71!!)
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Has the Spectrum album been reissued on CD?
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It has, Richard. That’s it as the ‘feature image’ (visible via Reader view).
Aztec Music put it out (with some nice bonus material) in 2008.
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Another one for my wishlist!
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Just heard some of this album. Reminds me of Atomic Rooster.
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Perhaps the organ sound? I can hear that. It is less ‘heavy prog’ than the marvellous Rooster, and certainly more experimental in parts. Touches of Soft Machine Third, here and there. Thanks for sharing your response!
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I had Curved Air records. In a brain fart I moved them on, with a bunch of other stuff that would probably hurt your soul. I dunno. I don’t always make the best choices.
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Ah, we’ve all been there, my friend. The regrets of the music collector. 🙁
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Nah, not really regrets. If I kept everything I’d ever lugged home, by now we would have annexed the neighbour’s houses. On both sides of ours.
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😂😂 That doesn’t sound so bad!
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True, especially at the costs of housing these days!
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I just listened to the ‘Hogs’ album a couple days ago. Enjoyed the experience.
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Shaft and the Hogs in one post, good combo Bruce.
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VC, thanks for posting about Spectrum — had not heard of them before — will plan on looking them up on Spotify.
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That’s great! Delighted to present something new. 🙂
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Also agree with you on Curved Air’s Second album — undeservedly overlooked.
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🙂
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