Pharoah Sanders - Pharoah (1978)

 

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Sander's 14th effort shows him and group exploring a slower, almost psychedelic vibe on Side A. There's definitely something spiritual and meditative in the droning. Side B is a bit more upbeat and features the brilliant guitar work of Tisziji Muñoz and keys player Jiggs Chase trading solos, and even Sander's himself sharing his vocals.  You need more Pharoah in your life. I know I do. 

Pharaoh

Frank Lowe - Fresh (1975)

 

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Frank's 3rd album features the help of the Bowie Brothers in churning out a pair of Monk tunes, and 3 Lowe originals. There's moments of far-reaching freakouts, and moments of clear and concise jamming. I've been really enjoying the U.K. based Black Lion releases pretty constantly over the years. It's always a treat when the internet gods bless me with a new find, and I hope this share gives you the same feelings

Fresh

Paul McCartney - Ram (1971)

 

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For his 2nd solo record Paul wrote some of his catchiest and in my opinion, best material. Despite backlash and shotty critics handing out poor ratings, I think this record stands up pretty well, even 50+ years after its release. Each track is carefully constructed and catchy enough to get stuck in your head for weeks. My personal favorites are Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey, Ram On, and his most playful tune on the record, Monkberry Moon Delight. 

Ram

Sun Ra - Deep Purple - (1973)

 
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Recorded at various times and locations between 1953-1973, Deep Purple [also known as Dreams Come True] showcases some wonderful jazz tunes, that aren't too far-out reaching like some of  The Arkestra's later works. A friend of mine once described Ra's later 1970's work as "Space Blowing its Nose", and I couldn't agree more. This collection is shortly after Ra set up shop in Philly, and before he really started directing space traffic. 

Deep Purple

Don Cherry - Brown Rice (1975)

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Don was one of the hardest working musicians in the business. He'd play with virtually anyone, on any idea, no matter how far reaching or controversial. This set, and in my opinion his greatest recording, features some of the usual suspects; Frank Lowe on sax, Charlie Haden making an appearance on bass, and Billy Higgins holding down the drums.  The direction on this recording touches on jazz fusion and world styles, all wrapped neatly together in 4 tracks. Sometimes its very pensive, and almost meditative. Other times all you want to do is shake your ass. I believe this record represents all of the influence of his career for the last 25+ years. There are a few moments on this recording that remind me of another great trip. I enjoy this record the most when I'm walking on a brisk day through the crowded streets of downtown Chicago.

Brown Rice

Noah Howard - Live in Europe - Vol. 1 (1975)

 

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We briefly touched on Howard a while back, with his The Black Ark record. This set was recorded during his tour of Europe in the early 70's, featuring once again Muhammad Ali on the drums. The set is far reaching, sometimes spiritual at times. Which shouldn't come as a surprise, considering he covers Coltrane's Olé. Overall this is a solid record with a lot of great moods to hold your attention. 

Live in Europe - Vol. 1

Tomasz Stańko Quintet - Purple Sun (1973)

 

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There's an incredible amount of energy on this record. Stańko blows some expressive phrases that will lodge themselves into your psyche, and show up at some of the most in inopportune moments. Like when you're at the store, shopping for toilet paper and you start scatting those same phrases out loud, unbeknownst to yourself, in a crowded isle. 

Purple Sun

Joni Mitchell - Blue (1971)

 

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Joni's 4th release and one of my personal favorites. Her voice is iconic on this record. It rises and falls over each track, like waves on the ocean, and I get lost in it with every spin. It's a short trip, but always a pleasant one. It borders on sad bastard music at times, but damn if she doesn't make it sound sexy. Acid, booze, and ass. Needles, guns, and grass. Lots of laughs.

Blue

CAN - Tago Mago (1971)

 

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CAN has gone through a few style changes throughout its existence. From krautrock, to avant-garde, and ending somewhere near ambient; these dudes made some pretty heady and great tunes. I enjoy their latter works, but nothing hits like the records they did with Suzuki. His voice was the jittery, sometimes mumbling glue that held the albums together, in my opinion. I circle back around to this record every other year or so, and wear it out over the course of like a month. Mushroom is my jam.  The history behind the recording is pretty dope. The band stayed in a castle, rent-free for roughly 3 months. It's also named after an island that has something to do with Crowley? Creepy.  Grab this and freak out. 

Tago Mago

Big Youth - Chi Chi Run (1972)

 

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Here's another one for our friend John John. Technically BY's first recording, released shortly before his studio debut, Chi Chi Run is more of a feature of artist produced by Prince Buster, however it still features Big Youth on easily half of the album. There's no pretense about this record, it's just 12 tracks of a bunch of artist having fun around BY. I've just learned that John Lydon and Big Youth were quite the acquaintances and that makes me very happy. Of course this means that I'll have to follow up with some PiL soon. Enjoy!

Chi Chi Run

Spherical Objects - Past & Parcel (1978)

 

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I've been obsessing over this record for the better half of this week. There's something about the cheesy keys and jangly guitars that make this so fucking fun to spin. Not to mention Solamar's weirdo vocals, that's an experience in of itself. They sound familiar, but I can't place from where. It's all just neatly packaged into a great listening experience. Standout for me would definitely have to be Lover Flow and it's absolute perfect placement on the record. Grab it, jam it, love it.

Past & Parcel

Indian Summer ‎– Indian Summer (1971)

 

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How about another delicious 1970's gem? There is virtually no information on these guys other than the above link and the old faithful discogs page. Evidence points towards only a single record that was picked up by a bunch of different labels, but nothing else released. Which is a bummer because these guys play super tight, almost psychedelia at times, kick ass jams. I especially enjoy Secrets Reflected, and it's slightly Third vibes. Do yourself a favor and dig into this record. 

India Summer

Gypsy - In The Garden (1971)

 

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Gypsy's sophomore album is a delicious slice of straight-up 70's proggy goodness. There's a few extended passages, some great guitar work, and an organ that wraps itself around my heart and smoothers me with those oh so magical nostalgia feels. The kind that bring pangs and maybe a few good tears. Treasured memories of making cookies with my siblings at the beginning of the fall. Trying not to burn down the kitchen. Witnessing the leaves change colors in the Midwest. Those feels are heavy with this record. Get it, spin it, feel the love. 

In the Garden

Terumasa Hino ‎– Journey To Air (1970)

 

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Side A [Journey To Air 1] resembles a massive traffic jam at midday, during the summer. Everyone is in a hurry, honking their horns, edging slightly forward, almost dangerously too close to the car in front of them. This of course is causing even more panic, followed by more honking. This is complete and total chaos. That's exactly what Side A sounds like to me. 

Side B [Journey To Air 2] starts kind of sparse, fusionesque and definitely more laid back. It's a welcome relief from the absolute madness of the first track. It does pick up, but not nearly as aggressive. There's a bit more rhythm, and the instruments are much easier to separate. It's quite the sonic workout. I'm honestly not too familiar with Hino's work, but I hope to change that in the months to come. Here's the ticket, now take that trip.

Journey to Air

Arthur Jones - Scorpio (1971)

 

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BYG Records: Acutel Series released some of the most interesting recording of the late 1960's/early 1970's. A French label specializing in free-jazz and avant-garde music whom purportedly did some shady shit, but despite the history, they've started reissuing their Actual Series which includes one of my favorite records. Jones is at peak performance on this recording, blowing his religion into the air and ears of those who will listen. Scorpio takes off  right out of the gates, and ebbs and flows over 4 tracks. Sad Eyes, in my opinion is the highlight and most tender effort on the record. Grab it, have a seat, and take that ride. 

Scorpio

Ryuichi Sakamoto - Thousand Knives (of) (1978)

 

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Here be Sakamoto's debut, right before his career with YMO exploded. Speaking of, Sakamoto has had one of the most interesting careers, to date. He's credited as the Godfather of Techno & Hip-Hop, an Olympic opening composer, and even worked with some big name pop stars, like David Sylvian, Fennesz, and even acted alongside David Bowie, just to name a few. Here on Sakamoto's debut [styled Thousand Knives, Thousand Knives of, and 千のナイ] he shows his absolute love for all things moog. It feels a little dated at times, but still so refreshing. The guitar work all over this album is amazing. Give it a whirl. 

Thousand Knives (of)

Prince Far I - Dub to Africa (1979)

 

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A collection of dancehall tunes by one of Kingston's more prolific deejays. This is Prince Far I's 8th studio release, and my introduction to him. Working his way from a guard to a bouncer, and finally a deejay and producer, Price Far I had quite an impressive decade from the mid-70's through early 80's until his untimely death in 1983. Minor introductions at the beginning of each track, but other than that it's just straight dancehall gems. Take it for a spin. 

Dub to Africa

Big Youth - Screaming Target (1972)

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My good friend John John played Big Youth for me way back in the early aughts and that primal scream is what turned us on the most. It just feels raw and real, not like the watered-down shit those trust funds hippies sold us in our adolescence. 

Screaming Target

David Bowie - Station to Station (1976)

 

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I like to move through Bowies work whenever I can. He never stuck to one sound, but if you heard something in passing you'd immediately know that was him. Recently Station to Station has been in heavy rotation. It's really easy to move to this record. My favorite part of the history of this album is that Bowie had little to no memory of the production, yet the music and vocals are so tight, you'd swear he was there in person the whole time.

Station to Station

Mystic Siva - Mystic Siva (1970)

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Nostalgia inducing hard blues with elements of psychedelic. A very short lived 70's Detroit outfit. There's limited information on these guys, but the album is definitely worth a spin. Especially on lazy ass Sunday afternoons.

Mystic Siva