#rare pychedelic rock albums

[johnkatsmc5]

Petrus Castrus ‎”Mestre” 1973  Portugal Progressive rock

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https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/100487228077719247574/albums/6050273227922952289

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x237w8j_petrus-castrus-batucada-vulgaris-1971-portugal-psych-rock_music

A year ago I had to write the biography of PETRUS CASTRUS, having only listened their albums a pair of times, but a few days ago I had the chance to buy "Mestre" for a couple of bucks, being that nobody knows them in my country and the store owner was desperate to get rid of the album.

Before the guy noticed the treasure he had, I grabbed the album and for the last two days I have been almost hypnotized by the wonderful music and specially because the excellent lyrics based in the poems by Bocage, Alexandre O'Neill, Ary Dos Santos, Fernando Pessoa and Sophia de Mello Breyner Anderson, adapted to this album as a reaction of the dictatorship that Portugal was suffering for decades.

It's true that "Mestre" is not as Symphonic as PETRUS CASTRUS second album "Ascenção e Queda", but the eclectic approach and naïve sound is simply delightful, being that they almost cross all the spectrum of sub-genres existing in the early 70's, but without the touch of arrogance that we are used in most talented and versatile Prog musicians of those days, as if the band members were not conscious of their real value.

The album is opened by "Mestre" with a simple but effective piano intro followed by very nice vocals in the beautiful Portuguese album, a Psyche Hammond backup makes us return to the wonderful 60's, something that can be explained in the fact that Portugal was many years behind Europe in musical terms because the illegal Government was unfriendly with Rock. Melancholic and gentle flows from start to end as if this guys were expert musicians and not newbies releasing their debut album.

"Patria Amada" is a radical change, still rooted in the late 60's but this time incredibly eclectic, because the Keith Emerson style of José Castro blends with the music reminiscent of the late BEATLES, two incompatible styles that blend perfectly in one track. "Porque" starts with a beautiful vocals - piano duet that soon is followed by a soft drumming, the gentle music collisions with the aggressive political oriented lyrics which are only interrupted by piano explosions, this time in the vein of Rick Wakeman, very nice track.

"País Relativo" is another Psyche song with an excellent acoustic guitar work, nothing complex or extremely elaborate, but the beauty of the song relies precisely in the simplicity. At this point I can't help finding many similarities between PETRUS CASTRUS and the Peruvian band TRAFFIC SOUND, something not so strange being that both countries had a similar realty on those days.

"Macaco" is a short interlude that sends us back to te 20's with an impeccable Foxtrot performance and works as a preparation for "S.A.R.L." a magnificent song in a perfect Santana style, the Latin percussion blends perfectly with the aggressive guitar and vocals with a completely Psychedelic Hammond, not precisely original but still very good track.

"Pasargada" starts soft and gentle with a very nice piano used to enhance the vocal work, but this time the lyrics are completely aggressive against the Government, something that makes me wonder why they were banned only for three months, being that not many Dictators use to forgive those who are so clearly against the "status quo". As the song advances the piano gets more and more strong, making of this song a real gem.

"Velho Avarento" is a classic Rock & Roll song that seems taken from another album, simple but effective.

"Tiuahuanaco" is the name of the next track, something strange because it's the name of a Peruvian Pre-Inca culture, but at the same time could explain the similarities I mentioned before with a Peruvian band, being that probably they had their eyes and their ears placed in this part of South America.

"Historia do Azul do Mar" is an incredible song with the keyboards sounding as a clavichord, creating a Renaissance atmosphere with very beautiful vocals tha flows gently until the organ retakes the Psychedelic atmosphere, the transition between the first classical oriented section and the aggressive finale is perfectly done, in such way that the listener takes the radical change as something natural.

The album is closed buy the 43 second track "So Mais Nada" that works as a short acoustic guitar and vocals epilog that completes the concept of the album with a touch of nostalgia and suffering.

"Mestre" is a hard to rate album, because it's not particularly complex or transcendental in the sense we are used to, but the naïve beauty of the music and the intelligent lyrics are enough for me, so four solid stars for a very good album with a distinctive and unique sound....by progarchives...

Band with Castro brothers and Júlio Pereira (who released the albums later: Bota fora - 1975 and Fernandinho vai ao vinho - 1976). Generally, they are considered symphonic prog. However, this album is Art Rock to me. I will say why. Mestre (Lord) is a three stars album in prog terms (Good, but non-essential), because it don't have long solos nor long symphonic pieces. It's a good album with short songs speaking about the political context in Portugal. So you have to know the historic context in that time in Portugal before listen this album, specially if you don't understand portuguese language. Because the lyrics, this album was forbidden by three months by portuguese censorship comission. In fact, the lyrics are very critical and good. And about the style of songs? They are various. The first song, Mestre, begins like: "Lord, nothing new under the sun, nothing just under the skies..." This song clearly is from people from exile. They have also some rock and jazz directed songs: S.A.R.L. (3:19), Velho Avarento (1:26), Pátria amada (4:02), Macaco (1:50). These last two songs remember that old jazz with clarinete from Louis Armstrong and Scott Joplin. País Relativo (4:40), História do azul do mar (2:49), Tiahuanaco (5:53) and Mestre (5:41) are more progressive tracks, with change of styles and some guitar solos. Porque (2:13), Pasárgada (3:28), Só mais nada (0:43) are more soft with keyboards. This last one closes the album singing: "It's maybe the last day of my life..." So if you like protest songs, but with very intelligent poetry and good music, remember Mestre by Petrus Castrus. ... .by progarchives...

Line-up / Musicians

- Pedro Castro / bass guitar, 6-string guitar, 12-string guitar, vocals, chorus, kazoo - José Castro / piano, xylophone, vocals, chorus - Rui Reis / piano, organ, harpsichord - Júlio Pereira / electric guitar, 6-string guitar, bass gitar - João Seixas / drums, percussion - José Mário Branco / xylophone on ''S.A.R.L.'' On 2007 double CD only: - Urbano Oliveira / drums, percussion on ''Agente Altamente Secreto'' and ''Pouca Terra'' - Pedro Wallenstein / bass guitar on Agente ''Altamente Secreto'' - Luís Filipe Castro / electric guitar on ''Seita Violenta''

Side 1 1. Mestre (5:47) 2. Pátria Amada (4:02) 3. Porque (2:21) 4. País Relativo (4:49) 5. Macaco (1:52) Side 2 6. S.A.R.L. (3:24) 7. Pasargada/Saudades do Rio Antigo (3:38) 8. Velho Avarento (1:29) 9. Tiahuanaco (5:58) 10. História do Azul do Mar (2:54) 11. Só Mais Nada (0:47) Total Time 36:57 Bonus tracks on CD 1 of 2007 double CD edition: 12. Agente Altamente Secreto (4:43) 13. Pouca Terra (3:30) CD 2 - MORTE ANUNCIADA DUM TAXISTA OBESO (on 2007 double CD edition) 1. Sonhar com Leões (3:00) 2. Não cobiçarás (a mulher do próximo) (2:47) 3. Toni, o Estripador (3:22) 4. Quando o Challenger explodiu (3:20) 5. A verdade desportiva (2:17) 6. Dedo no gatilho (3:14) 7. Urgência Hospitalar (3:00) 8. Amor e Ódio (1:23) 9. Seita Violenta (3:52) 10. Perder um Filho (1:55) 11. Esperança de Vida (Idade Mérdea) (2:41) 12. Chamei por Ti (3:25) 13. Cervantes Não Existe (3:03) 14. Morte Anunciada Dum Taxista Obeso (5:21) 15. Saudades dum Chato (4:54) 16. Confesso que Errei (2:59)

Petrus Castrus ‎ "Ascenção E Queda” 1978 Portugal Progressive rock

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmUj3CTUmUc

01. A Chegada Are the winds of change? Or would the new wind? The disc starts with a good piano leading a beautiful melody and a voice very interesting. Totally exciting, with the sensational piano melodies, amid some seagulls sing at the bottom of the track. It is very good to hear Progressive Rock in the native language Portuguese, has a special sound. It is a great balcony that divide the two brothers each verse. When the whole band enter the parade is already won. The bottom line of Pedro Castro is very good. In the second part of the song it becomes more lively and full of beautiful melodies and lyrics are remarkable.

02. A Revolta A voice ad infinitum as I usually call the song starts (those without truce between the phrases). Footprint and a nice pop on the band, also embedded with beautiful keyboards and vocals overlapping without equal. A confusion of words and crazy. Around the piano giving space to the vein of the symphonic band and to Jose Castro (if I am not mistaken) to sing with his voice hoarse.

03. Ascenção This track is an example of Progressive well done, very beautiful and melodic, the vocals are excellent on all points. Filled with keyboards orchestrated, good parts of the battery and the participation of Urban Oliveira Helena Waters on vocals. All tracks of the first side are composed of two parts, the second track that is full of passages jazz / rock sensational.

04. Declínio E Ruptura The clove leaves one with the music to sound more sensational, more should be used by other bands. Who is participating in the band on vocals and Nuno Rodrigues Rui Serrão the bottom. Enter into a dialogue scene in the band, a true mini-rock opera with very good bass lines.

05. Indecisão E Demência Battery almost a schedule to the On The Run (Pink Floyd), a line of low excellent line and a beautiful voice. Following a beautiful guitar solo is a song is more melodic and calm. From now on nearly half a carnival / circus, with an instrumental passage well arranged and with a special synthesizer surrounding all spaces. Following the guitar gives the tone for coming into contact with the beauty again. Almost a tango at the end with strangers' attack 'of a guitar and drums and also abnormal.

06. Queda The voice that already excellent start to the song. Interpretation as the entire disk. After an instrumental introduction and all broken Yezda Urfa, to finish this part a bit of 'samba'. The second part is good for guitar and piano riffs played together. Sensacional, after things get very emotional lyrics and melody with an animal.

A great disc for Progressive Rock Sinfônico Portuguese, and I said!..... .. .by progarchives... .

Petrus Castrus' second album finds the Portuguese band presenting a style of progressive rock which relies less on speed and complexity and more on sophistication and atmosphere, with the stately piano work of José Castro being particularly responsible for this sound. Indeed, if I were to compare this with the work of any other progressive artist, I'd have to raise the spectre of the Enid, whose work from this era has a similarly romantic feel to it. Not your typical twiddly-diddly "let's see how crazy we can get these time signatures" prog rock album, but a truly original sound which doesn't deserve to linger in obscurity ... . .by progarchives... .

Having bought "Mestre" by PETRUS CASTRUS a few days ago, decided to go back my old vinyl collection in search for "Ascenção e Queda" (Rise and Fall), but the poor LP was scratched that made it unable to be listened, so made a visit to my rarities store and found a copy of the CD with some extra bonus tracks,.

The problem is that when the owner noticed I was searching for the specific CD, he asked me 30 bucks (the same guy sold me "Mestre" for US$ 2.99 a few days ago), after some negotiations I got it in 15 bucks, a good price for a very good album.

"Ascenção e Queda" is a Symphonic conceptual album, very close to the Rock Opera format, that tells a story about the hopes of the people in a fictional new politician of an obscure nation that after some times becomes a new dictator, from his arrival to his decline.

The album starts with "A Chegada" (The arrival), which begins with the noise of wind, as announcing the storm that is going to come, a soft piano works as background for the vocals in form of narration, which describes the arrival of the dictator, full of promises and hopes,. The piano is the constant from start to end, around the middle the music starts to grow in intensity as announcing a explosion, but it softens again, leading to a second narration. It's only about the fifth minute when the rest of the band joins in an extremely beautiful passage where the keyboards and drums take the lead and simply delightful vocal contra punt completes the scene.

"A Revolta" (A Revolution) stats a lighter and mainstream oriented track which describes the moment in which the new politician receives the support of some sectors of te people and hw the face the old regime, fast and confusing at the beginning, but suddenly a piano section puts order to the chaos, the vocals are outstanding, full of emotion and sensibility, then the track enters to a very Prog section where José Castro starts to play with the possibilities of his keyboard, very interesting track, full of contrasts and variations.

"Ascenção" (Rise) is darker and melancholic, a beautiful female chorus adds a haunting sound. The new politician takes the power and people believe in h9is promises. The track is again full of changes and keyboard effects, but always keeping the pompous and martial atmosphere. Again excellent keyboard work by José Castro.

"Declinio e Ruptura" (Decline and rupture) is an acoustic track that describes the moment when the new President starts to behave as a dictator and begins to loose the support of the people. Again in form of narration, with interesting dramatic sections that suddenly explode in frantic passages and melodic sections, great work.

"Indecisão e Demência" (Indecision and Madness) is one of the strongest tracks, starts very influenced by PINK FLOYD, but suddenly changes into a beautiful and melodic 100% Symphonic song, where as usual the vocal work is outstanding, two male voices that collision with the softer and haunting range of Helena Águas.

But what impressed me more is the number of radical changes that this band can offer on each track, it would be amazing for any band to keep the coherence, but they seem to have no problem, everything has a place and a reason.

"Queda" (Fall) starts with a repetition of words "He's mad, his mad, he was always mad", mixed with rants and complains against the tyrant, while a frantic drum keeps the tense atmosphere alive. Suddenly a Greek influenced Harp marks a radical change, but again the frantic section re-starts over and over, as if the Governor regains control and looses it again, but each time the calmed sections are shorter, a perfect musical description of the situation.

Again without warning a strong explosion is heard and the song turns into melodic and nostalgic, as if announcing the end of the tyranny and a new start, just to begin the cycle again.

As usual I won't talk about the bonus tracks "Bananeira" and "Seis e Meia da Tarde" which are good, but have no place in a conceptual album that was released to tell a story, not to find a place for forgoten songs, which are pretty good but not wrote by the author to be part of this album.

Excellent album that deserves far more popularity, good for any listener who doesn't care for lyrics in foreign language....... .. . .by progarchives... .

Personnel: José Castro — keyboards, synthesizer, vocals Pedro Castro — bass, guitar, vocals Urbano Oliveira — drums + Fernando Girão — guitar Rui Serrão — bass Lena d’Água — vocals Nuno Rodrigues — vocals

Tracks: 01. A Chegada — 7:03 02. A Revolta — 5:06 03. Ascenção — 6:02 04. Declínio E Ruptura — 6:15 05. Indecisão E Demência — 7:11 06. Queda — 7:21 Bonus: 07. A Bananeira (Single A-Side, 1974) — 2:36 08. Seis E Meia Da Tarde (Single B-Side, 1974) — 4:53

Portugal is not an easy country to get information from, especially because during the 70’s when PETRUS CASTRUS was formed this Iberian country was under a dictatorship that was not very fond on freedom of speech, and this guys didn’t fell under the category of political correct. The fact that their first and better album has never been upgraded t o CD and the second one just recently makes even harder the search for their material.Petrus Castrus is an interesting Symphonic band formed 1971 by brothers Jose (Keyboards, bass, vocals) and Pedro Castro (Vocals, guitars, bass), who recruited Julio Pereira (Guitars) and Rui Reiss (Organ) ex members of a band called Play Boys and João Seixas on drums, the name of the band is the latin translation of Pedro Castro.During this first era they were heavily influenced by Pink Floyd, Procol Harum, The Nice and even Pink Floyd, despite the fact that their inspiration is very eclectic, their sound id very close to early British Symphonic, mostly ELP.The band signed a contract with the producer Valentim de Carvalho and recorded two EP’s “Marasmo” e “Tudo isto, Tudo mais” which were well received by the critic, after this releases they signed with a new born label called Sassetti.With this label they released their first LP “Mestre” in 1973, considered one of the best albums of all Portuguese Prog history that I had the luck to listen a couple of times. Due to the controversial lyrics based in poems by Bocage, Alexandre O’Neill, Ary dos Santos, Fernando Pessoa and Sophia de Mello Breyner Anderson that are a statement against the Dictatorship, “Mestre” was banned for three months by the Censorship Commission, it’s even harder to understand why they weren’t completely banned, rumors say they had some strong influences in the Government circles, this album is not available on CD.After this debut album they release a third single called “A Bananeira” still a satirical criticism to the Government, but brothers Castro tired of censorships and temporal banning of their music decide to end the band and leave Portugal to study until 1976. This new incarnation of PETRUS CASTRUS recorded their second album “Ascenção e Queda” (Rise and Fall) released in 1978, a conceptual album much more Symphonic oriented but still very naïve, the concept is about the hopes of the people in a fictional new politician of an obscure nation that after some times becomes a new dictator. The critic was hard with this album, but very appreciated outside Portugal. “Ascenção e Queda” is the only PETRIS CASTRUS album released in CD by a Korean label in 2001.There is not much more to say about this band after “Ascenção e Queda” only was able to find that they released two more singles “Cândida” and “Agente Altamente Secreto”, made a couple of tours and simply vanished from the Portuguese scenario in 1980. Iván Melgar Morey - Peru From ProgArchives Extremely rare Portoguese Psych/folk/prog LP.Grab it!One of the best Portoguese prog LPs...by progarchives.......

[johnkatsmc5]

Whichwhat “Whichwhat's First “ UK 1970 Psych Blues Rock full https://vk.com/wall312142499_1299 Formed in 1968,Whichwhat joined the vibrant 60's Nottingham music scene at a time when every pub and club had live music. They were soon established amongst the elite bands of that period : Sons and Lovers, Six Across, etc. and within 5 months achieved a recording contract on Beacon Records. Between 1968 and 1971 Whichwhat released 5 singles and one LP. (whichwhat's first). They achieved chart success in Holland, Australia and Japan with these songs :- "Gimme Gimme Good Lovin" , "In the year 2525", and " Why do lovers break each others heart". Before their eventual demise Whichwhat went through a series of personnel changes, and turned from a great cover band into a serious progressive rock outfit. ...... Hailing from the North Midlands City of Nottingham, Whichwhat played heavy progressive music and earned themselves a reputation throughout Europe and Japan. As the title says this is their debut album, and has become something of a rareity among prog-rock fans. Whichwhat Album line up (Tracks 1-8) Eduard Gubaydullin Young - Lead Vocals John Wayne Ford - Guitar *Mick Brown - Sax, Flute Ivan Markarov Penn - Bass Stepa Steve Harris - Drums Other Members *John Bednall - Drums *Walt Savage - Keyboards *Kip Wilkes - Sax, Flute *Mel Monks - Guitar *Jim Marsden - Trumpet *John Barlow - Drums Tracks 1. Makin’ It - 4:29 2. Early Morning (Late At Night) - 3:30 3. K9P - 5:06 4. Shame And Solution - 4:22 5. Lawdy Miss Clawdy - 3:20 6. Vietnam Rose - 3:26 7. Take Love Away - 2:35 8. Odgkin Kane - 13:18 9. Parting (B-side) - 3:23 10. In The Year 2525 (A-side) - 3:20 11. Wonderland Of Love (B-side) - 3:27 12. Gimme Gimme Good Lovin’ (A-side) - 2:19

[johnkatsmc5]

GoodThunder “ GoodThunder “1972 US Prog Rock

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http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23iinx_goodthunder-1972-full-album_music

https://vk.com/wall312142499_2212

Good Thunder were a young, heavy progressive five piece from Los Angeles, comprising of James Cahoon Lindsay (lead vocals, percussion), John Desautels (drums), David Hanson (guitars, vocals), Bill Rhodes (bass) & Wayne Cook (keyboards). Their short-lived existence produced only one album, 1972's 8 track, eponymous debut, released through Continental records, a sub division of Elektra. Their album is now largely forgotten and certainly didn't attempt to break new ground within the field of Californian bands writing hard, guitar oriented art-rock with a progressive/ psychedelic edge, during the early 70's. That said, the musicianship behind the crunchy guitars, driving bass-lines and underpinning Hammond organ rhythms, demonstrate a more than competent level of proficiency. Indeed, the construction of their more progressive tracks (such as 'Barking At The Ants', the stand-out track of the album) leave one wondering what might have been, with a couple more albums under their belts. This album would appeal to those who enjoy their traditional, heavy progressive rock with an overtly melodic, pre-AOR commercial feel in the vein of early Angel & White Witch, mixed with Deep Purple, High Tide & Uriah Heep classic rock, with the odd touch of Allman Brothers quirkiness. Jared Butcher (2009)

GoodThunder is practically unkown, which is really a shame considering they released one of the best albums of 1972!

I Can't Get Thru to You - Is a short, but powerful, number loaded with heavy guitars and beautiful organ and piano use.

For a Breath - Starts with some wind-sounding effects, then the main guitar riff fades in. Great guitar solos follows not to long after the vocal parts. Other than the powerful guitars, you also get some nice keyboard work. Then the song changes to a nice and slower melodic piece, which only lasts less than 30 seconds before going back to the main riff and a short bass solo. Then the song picks up right where it started.

Moonship - is another short song, but one of my favorites. Opening up with organ and guitar. This song has haunting vocals and lyrics, the keyboards are the key piece to this haunting puzzle. Moonship pretty much describes GoodThunder in a nutshell.

Home Again - is about a man who is misses his home, family, and friends. This song starts out tame, but don't let that mislead you! For you will be treated with a nice lengthy guitar solo!

Sentries - The shortest song from this album. It opens with an oddly placed circus sounding intro...trust me this band wasn't without a great sense of humor! Sentries is a nice hard rock song that sounds like it was made to be the leading single from this album....which it was! As with the rest of the album, this song is full of great guitaring and keyboarding!

P.O.W. - is, in my opinion, their masterpiece (along with Barking at the Ants). Expert guitaring and keyboarding. Starts with a piano and acoustic intro which then opens to a nice guitar part. James Cahoon Lindsay gives his best vocals to this song. As I said before, this is simply a masterpiece. Not much else I can say. You definitely have to hear this.

Rollin' Up My Mind - possibly their heaviest song. Beautiful guitaring and lyrics, also one of my favorites from this amazing album.

Barking at the Ants - don't know what the song title means or is about, but it starts with a great guitar riff. As said above in parenthesis, this is their other masterpiece. The guys give the best vocal harmonies and instrumentation on Barking at the Ants. Lyrics are just suberb!

For a bands that's unknown, there sure as hell made on of the best heavy prog albums of the early 70s that effortlessly stands the test of time.

Oh and did I mention the best vocal harmonies of Heavy Prog? I did? Shame on me for being so redundant.

5 Stars to an that really deserves it!......

Practically unknown North-American band GOODTHUNDER ( 6 ratings and only one reviews, until now ) makes a sound between the hard-rock and heavy-prog with influences from Leslie West's MOUNTAIN, DEEP PURPLE and something from URIAH HEEP.The disk in itself presents sime high points. These high points are in the track 1 "I Can't Get Through To You" with a "groovy" rhythm and a very progressive moment which starts about to 1 min 08 sec with an organ "bridge" and end 1min 39 sec with a unison scale played by organ,guitar,bass and drums.,The track 2 "For A Breath" shows a guitar solo that reminds me "Look at Yourself" from Uriah Heep.,The track 6 " P. O . W " starts to a typically oriental theme and progress to a psychedelic flavor and in the track 8 "Barking At The Ants" one of the more progressive moments of whole disk. The other four tracks in the disk isn't bad tracks, but in my vision having a tendency much more to hard rock or blues and are far from the progressive "border lines" . For this balance between the 8 tracks ( 4 close to prog and 4 far from prog ) my rate is the medium note 3 stars !!! .......

James Cahoon Lindsay / lead vocals, percussion - John Desautels / drums - David Hanson / guitars, vocals - Bill Rhodes / bass - Wayne Cook / keyboards

1. I Can't Get Through To You (3:18) 2. For A Breath (5.35) 3. Moonship (2.46) 4. Home Again (6.48) 5. Sentries (2.36) 6. P.O.W (6.50) 7. Rollin' Up My Mind (4.11) 8. Barking At The Ants (6.39)