John Bassman Group – Filthy Sky. 1971. D: 8. In the late 1980s, at the point I first started collecting “heavily”, the Netherlands’ John Bassman Group was a new discovery for many of the catalogs and big name dealers. But unlike many such “new” discoveries, “Filthy Sky” pretty much disappeared right away. So almost 20 years later, I’m finally hearing it. Could’ve gone another 20. Mostly run of the mill blues rock – a couple are closer to the barn than to the brick alleyways. There are a couple of great tracks – especially the second one, which has some of the coolest wah wah effects this side of Amon Duul II’s “Tanz Der Lemming”. Mix of XX and XY vocals. Might appeal to fans of Affinity and Goliath, but it’s not that meaty really. 8 is generous.

Malachi – s/t. 1972. D:10. Been told the group is from England, Wales and Belgium and then all the above. No matter, it’s always been hard to track down – and I’ve known about this record for 15 years at least. Was it worth the effort? Sure! Combines the feel-good groovy instrumental organ rock of Eden Rose with the more measured introspective UK scene like Cressida or Still Life. Sounds a bit dated for 1972, more like 1969 – probably due to the “carnival” sound of the organ, which is the dominant instrument. Flute is put to good use as well. No guitars, which is unusual for the era. Also pick up some Julian Jay Savarin in places. Yet another creative version of “Eleanor Rigby”. A good one.