Jox - Joxifications (1982 France). A super find from the always surprising FLVM label. Starts off heavily in the French folky bag recalling Troisieme Rive’s “Banlieues” or Manu Lannhuel, but after about 5 minutes, the mood changes and the music moves into a primarily instrumental direction. In the end, you come away feeling like you’ve just heard a French Gryphon circa “Red Queen to Gryphon Three”. Just replace the bassoon with an oboe. Other than the last, and short, 3 minute instrumental, the album does not use drums (a primitive drum machine was applied on the last track, for no purpose it seems). The music is driven by piano, acoustic guitar, Moog and best of all, a very rocking bass, that keep the music driving forward. In this way, I’m reminded of Circus’ amazing “Movin On’” album. Great, and memorable melodies, also define this album. Musea should dip back into the reissue market with this gem.
Roland Hollinger - Bardo Thodol (1978 France). Primarily haunting and dark electronic music in the 70’s tradition. Some accent instruments pop up here and there like guitar, piano, saxophone and percussion, but primarily “Bardo Thodol” is a pretty bleak work. A logical companion to the two Jean Baptiste Barriere albums. Would make for an interesting CD reissue.
Odin – SWF Session 1973 (1973 Germany-England). I really don’t have much to say here (search for my review of the self-titled album elsewhere on these pages), but I wanted to call out this superb archival find by Long Hair. The SWF Sessions have proven to be a treasure chest, and both Garden of Delights and Long Hair have done a good job of mining the lode. Odin themselves are a band that managed only one release in their lifetime (on Vertigo, released in Germany only). Even though they featured English members amongst their staff, the band seemed to have immersed deep into the German scene of the time. This means long sections devoted to organ and guitar soloing over shifting meters. There’s also a strong love for Zappa, as represented by two lengthy cover tunes, including “King Kong”. Great liner notes and sound add to the designation of “must pick up”.