Cosmic Rock レコード& CD

Review: Brute Force was a unique jazz-funk group that released their only album in 1970 on Mann's Embryo label and had it produced by the legendary Herbie Mann. They bridged the gap between heavy rhythm and blues and the emerging jazz-rock revolution led by Miles Davis and their connection to Mann was strengthened by the inclusion of guitarist Sonny Sharrock, who played on the album's first half while also part of Mann's supergroup. Featuring Richard Daniel's distinctive electric piano and his trumpet-playing brother Ted, who went on later to become a key figure in New York's downtown jazz scene, this one has a captivating and timeless atmosphere to this day.

Review: Following his departure from The Sons Of Adam, Randy Holden joined forces with Jeff Nowlen, Geoff Western, Larry Brown, and Danny Woods to form The Other Half, a band that significantly shifted from garage rock to a powerful, big-stage sound. Relocating to San Francisco, the band made a mark with their Yardbirds and Rolling Stones-influenced style, performing at iconic venues like the Avalon Ballroom and recording an album alongside several singles between 1966 and 1968. Highlights include a blazing rendition of Arthur Lee's 'Feathered Fish,' and tracks like 'Flight Of The Dragon Lady,' which showcases Holden's guitar reminiscent of the Yardbirds' Jeff Beck/Jimmy Page era. The album also features powerful cuts such as 'I Need You' and 'Oz Lee Eaves Drops,' reflecting Holden's transition from The Sons Of Adam's sound to a heavier, more psychedelic approach. Fans of psychedelic rock will rejoice at being able to get a copy of this on vinyl to appreciate. Holden's relentless pursuit of his musical vision is in evidence here in abundance.

Review: Much as it may surprise some, this isn't a new and wryly political band putting the climate crisis front and centre. Instead, Relatively Clean Rivers are a relatively poorly remembered band in the annals of mid-20th Century tunes, although digging a little deeper makes you realise just how much mythology and mystery surrounds this, the one album they gave to the world.

Headed up by Phil Pearlman, of The Beat of The Earth and The Electronic Hole fame, RCR takes you on a peyote-laced trip into the Californian desert to explore more experimental, dream-like ends of 1960s folk rock 'n' roll. Vivid enough to ensure you can pretty much smell the hemp, it's crucial to note this isn't just another one of those stoned hippie albums. The quality of what's on this (originally privately released) record is so good it went on to inspire the likes of Wilco.