Subway “Subway” [Amber Soundroom]

morris   4/5/2006   A Library

Tripped out duo coming together from opposing sides of the atlantic. Irv is american (sf?) Malcolm is british..they hook up in sf, putz around the area playing for hipsters where ever they can…not making the scene though. Apparently France may have more to offer. They hop over there, and proceed to accomplish about the same, though not without scoring a record deal first. It’s released in ’72, and totally flops. As was often the case, unsold records were melted, and recycled, throwing this gem into obscurity. Amber soundroom has done a fine job os re-issuing with much love. Folky, psychedelic, akin to the String Band of Fairport, but just acoustic guitar and violin. Great stuff!

Philip Morris

Chatham, Rhys – “Piano Music – Echo Solo” – [Azoth Schallplatten]

morris   3/29/2006   A Library

Chatham has such a rich history…La Monte Young, Tony Conrad, Pierre Boulez, Stockhausen, all in the late 60’s early 70’s. When punk hit, he was inspired to encoporate guitar sonics into his symphonic compositions. Working with Glenn Branca (amongst other heavies in the NY scene of the mid-late 70’s) he opened up huge avenues of thought without which, bands like Skullflower, Swans, Branca, Sonic Youth, would not exist. These recording were commisioned for the Robert Kovich dance company, and are heady, prepared theory for piano. Trippy intonations, great liner notes describing the whole shabang. Check it-

Philip Morris

Pink Mountaintops – “Axis of Evol” [Jagjaguwar Records]

morris   3/29/2006   A Library

Black Mountain leader Stephen McBean offers up hook-laden jangly psych tunes on the Vancouver tip. Lots of Brian Jonestown influence, less methodone, more BC Bud. Stoked on life, playin’ with folks and tourin’ around. Solid record, can’t get enough of track 2 (Cold Criminals)…just a nice heavy bass driven tune with great hook…as is most of this release. Great stuff.

Philip Morris