Recently I came across a nifty web bauble that allows you to select nine albums that are important to you* and, within a few minutes, create a dandy little poster-image. As this coincided with me diving, constraint free^, into the Vinyl Connection Collection I thought there might be the germ of an idea there. I’ve listened to over 120 LPs (and a few CDs) this month, and I thought I’d share some highlights. Apart from release dates, I won’t say much, but you are free (in fact, encouraged) to observe, comment or ask about any of these entries.
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Heldon — Stand By [1979]
Heldon was the hybrid electronic/guitar band featuring the fabulous Richard Pinhas. This is their seventh and final album (M. Pinhas went solo) and it’s a corker. Part bad acid space rock, part industrial, all arresting.
Robin Trower — Bridge of Sighs [1974]
The Procol Harum guitarist’s second solo album. Yes, yes, there’s a strong Hendrix affiliation. But Mr Trower is fabulous and this is one of his best.
Talking Heads — Little Creatures [1985]
This and Fear of Music are my favourite Heads albums. Feel free to differ.
Ashra — New Age of Earth [1977]
Dropping the Tempel and merging the Ra to his Ash, Manual Göttsching re-invented his legendary Krautrock band for this smooth and tasty electronic feast. A perfect companion to the more aggressive Heldon LP.
Split Enz — Mental Notes [1975]
Still surprisingly inventive, creative and delightful, the debut from New Zealand’s best export really is top class. The nicely curated three LP box that prompted this spin is wonderful for fans.
Lou Reed — New York [1989]
One of Lou’s best. Gritty, shitty, inspired.
Ozric Tentacles — Technicians of the Sacred [2015]
Long-running UK psychedelic space hippies have released a lot of albums since their 1985 debut. This is a good one.
Etta James — Tell Mama [1968]
It’s Ms James. Pay attention.
Pat Metheny Group — American Garage [1979]
I love Pat’s fluid, melodic playing. This album is super accessible and seriously foot tapping. A fine jazz-rock entry point for the uninitiated.
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* The title of the poster is not editable, so a little photo-manipulation is needed to re-name your selection.
^ The constraints that have either loosened or entirely exited (stage left, pursued by a bear) are writing about music. Regular album reviews have been part of my life for over eleven years (here on WordPress) and eight years (for Discrepancy Records, the paid gig). I admit, comrades, it is deliciously feeing to spin records without that quill-into-inkwell part of the brain saying, ‘Now how will you describe this?’.
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