Iris - Litanies (1972 France). Major label French pop/psych/le progressif. With cool organs, blistering fuzz, and Carnaby Street harmony vocals, Iris fools absolutely no one in trying to make the Hit Parade. But, this being French and all, it still sounds delicious, and references to other like minded crossover acts such as Alice’s “Arretez Le Monde” and Atoll’s “Musiciens-Magiciens” would not be entirely out of line. Beautiful lilac cover art. No legit CD exists.
Vecchio - Afro-Rock (1971 Spain). Vecchio is lead by one Luis Vecchio, resident of the Canary Islands, and his album for the Sound Library label DeWolfe is one that is frequently mentioned in hushed reverence amongst the beat digger DJ collecting crowd. And it’s easy to see why, given its massive brass charts, funky bass lines, fluttering flute, choppy organ and additional hand tribal percussion. Unlike most incidental film music, the album works as a whole and isn’t just a disparate bit of sounds and rhythms. Up there in the big leagues of rare groove with Mandingo, The Feedback, and the Roland Kovac Set. No CD.
Warrior - Invasion (1972 England) Demo release. This one has an interesting past and features a well-known 1980s pop star in Howard Jones. Yes, that Howard Jones! I contacted him and spoke with his publicist, who mentioned the album received some coverage in a Record Collector article (a UK specialist magazine). Musically, a mix of early 70s pop rock and long psychedelic journeys with Moog synthesizer and guitar solos. Long album, over 50 minutes. Though I now suspect that my CD-R copy includes some late 1970s demos as well. No CD for this, and I suspect that Jones would just assume keep it that way.