"Die Laumäckse" was a school band from the small german town named Koblenz. I picked this album up at a local flea market. Although I had never heard of the record I gave it a try as one of the cover versions they do on there is a interpretation of a Mombasa song (German afro-funk band). Therefore I already felt like it could be a promising pick. A first impression which wasn't disappointed. The record is a mixture of all varieties of jazz.

The outstanding tracks though are the ones where the schoolboys get funky, mostly on self composed tunes such as the incredible "Ottientalisch", or "Dear Simone" performed by "Die Laumäckse II" the younger generation of the school's band (the liner notes say those kids were 13-15).  I just picked those three songs randomly. There are at least 3 more songs on the album that are great. Mind that this record was recorded in 1980. Usually not the best release time for funky raw jazz. Read more

I still don't quite know what to make of this after a few years and quite a few listens. According to the liner notes "after 8 years of living in the wilderness of her Adirondack farm" the 1940's movie starlet was spontaneously inspired to write and record music "as the result of some happening". Bewildering, right? Well, the sounds housed within the ancient home-pasted jacket are equally puzzling. Aside from the patriotic theme (with unexplained male vocal) that opens the lp, and an esoteric keyboard instrumental, it's a showcase of "Erica's" rather inept vocals and Hawaiian guitar playing. Overall it's a unique and intimate trip with a strange, sometimes creepy vibe, and a few truly inspired moments. The most logical conclusion I've come up with is that this was intended as some sort of songwriting demo. Read more

This is a Christmas EP sampler from the RA label featuring a rather out of place cut (We Three Kings by Indiana Highway) There is a crudity in terms of recording and even some timing slips which for me at least only add to the sound. I have the other Indiana Highway EP which is fairly straight Mod / R&B, however on this Christmas sampler, the band seems to have morphed into modal Jazz waltz maestros! Based in Devon 20 miles from where I live, Indiana highway toured the local clubs and seemingly engaged in session work on some other RA releases. Until recently I had never seen or heard this recording, personally due to the sound, obscurity and local connection I’m buzzing on this one right now.

"We Three Kings"

The Dove Project No. 9 compilation is one of the most obscure artifacts of Canadian psychedelia. The main individual responsible for this excursion into the remote recesses of rock's underground was a young and aspiring musical businessman named Doug Wong. In 1969 Doug was a leading member of the student newspaper published at his high-school. Unlike many student rags of the time, Doug's paper was able to turn a profit at the end of their 8th issue by writing atypical articles about the local and foreign music community; articles people liked enough to purchase. Initially, the newspaper volunteers wanted to blow their profit on a huge party at the end of the year but their plans were thwarted when the principal of the school demanded the money be used for next year's paper. To hell with that, thought Doug! We'll blow this money on the last issue of the paper. But how? Ideas such as a glossy, colour newspaper were thrown around before the ingenious Doug stated "why don't we package the newspaper with a record!" Read more

I brought this home last month tucked in a pile of ordinary slack-key & ukulele jammers. With the first needle drop it was fairly apparent this was a whole other thing. By the time I'd finished side 2 I was less sure than ever what on earth I'd just listened to. One thing's for sure though, the mysterious "Haku" just keeps coming with one uniquely disorienting idea after  another on this bizarre no-label 1976 lp. New Age synth washes with nonsensical fairy tales? Check. Kraftwerk-esque Hawaiian electronica? Yup. Excursions into deep space with ethereal female vocals? It's here, dudes. The one common thread being that you've probably never heard much else quite like any of it before. I hadn't.