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Spotlight 35
Welcome to the Spot Light. Check out the latest psychedelic, cosmic, prog, freakbeat, folk, kraut, experimental, jazz, drone, mystical, and avant-garde sounds!
Looking for older versions of Spotlight Magazine, check the Spotlight Archive.
PSYCHEDELIC/PROGRESSIVE/FOLK
Power Of Zeus
Uncertain Destination
Previously unreleased recordings of the performances that helped get Detroit heavy psych legends Power Of Zeus signed to Motown's Rare Earth imprint. This glimpse into a window in time captures the band in a raw, ferocious state - exposing that they were more intense and powerful than ever imagined. Ancient Grease Records has unearthed this 'missing link' for hard rock fans everywhere to immerse themselves in - a revelation beyond anything we ever dreamed of uncovering. Recorded early 1970 in Detroit. Sourced from previously unheard tapes, recently discovered in POZ guitarist/vocalist Joe Peraino's archives. Made in collaboration with band members. Includes big format 8 page color booklet with photos + liner notes by Steve Krakow. The first new (old) recordings to be heard from this mythic group in 54 years! Black vinyl version.
Michael Turner In Session
Introduction/drive My Car
Michael Turner In Session was an incredible Australian heavy rock band. RIYL: Human Instinct, Coloured Balls, The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation. Recorded 1970 in Melbourne, Australia. Black vinyl record and cardstock insert in old-style picture sleeve.
Ghatt, Joe
Caper
Five years on from his impressive debut album, 'Banana Sludge,' we are buzzing to welcome back our beloved Aotearoa-based psychedelic and garage rock artist, Joe Ghatt with his sophomore album, 'Caper.' Joe Ghatt's record is a labour of love and dedication that sees the New Zealand artist evolving his jangly psych and surf-infused garage rock sound with exciting, exotic style and sounds, exploring his love for Afro-beat, Tropicalia, Bossa Nova, Peruvian and Latin music. Different to Joe's 2019 debut album 'Banana Sludge,' where he recorded and mixed the album all through his Tascam Reel-To-Reel, on 'Caper,' Joe enlisted Melbourne's John Lee (The Murlocs, Bananagun, Sunfruits) to mix and master the album, giving it a contemporary sound, while staying true to Joe's colourful, analogue charm.
Psych Fi's
Can Con
"You're traveling through another dimension - a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination." This iconic introduction is from Rod Serling's timeless and influential television program 'The Twilight Zone.' Perhaps he would also apply this description to 'Can Con,' the debut album by The Psych Fi's. The group is an offshoot of Canadian singer-songwriter Jerry Leger's rock'n'roll side project The Del Fi's. Just as The Psych Fi's describe themselves as "spontaneous psychedelic rock," The Del Fi's recorded two albums characterized by spontaneity, spirit, and trust. This time Leger brings his songs to a revolving door of musicians and singers (18 members, including Jerry, in the case of 'Can Con'). Most of the performers have not heard these compositions before recording them. They have no chance to second-guess; they must be fearless and jump in with both feet. File under: psych rock, Crazy Horse, electric Dylan.
Mouse
Lady Killer
Led by legendary prog-fusion/session guitarist Ray Russell (John Barry Seven, Graham Bond, Georgie Fame, Running Man...) and bass player Jeff Watts (Steel Mill), Mouse released their only album in 1973 for the short-lived Sovereign label. An eclectic mix of progressive sounds, hard-rock, psych, blues and glam with stunning acid lead guitar. Includes their celebrated cover of Medicine Head's 'All The Fallen Teen-Angels.' Remastered sound, original artwork in gatefold sleeve just like the original, insert with liner notes and pictures. "An infectious record, made by an excellent band who are clearly enjoying themselves." ~Giles Henderson (Galactic Ramble).
Kaleidoscope (puerto Rico)
Kaleidoscope
One of the rarest psychedelic garage albums ever, the Kaleidoscope album was recorded in the Dominican Republic by this Boricuan/Dominican band but released only in Mexico in 1969 as a tiny pressing, housed in a fantastic psychedelic sleeve designed by Bodo Molitor. Acid fuzz guitars, organ, demented vocals... Impossible to find in its original form, here's a welcomed reissue. Remastered sound. Original artwork in hard cardboard sleeve. Insert with detailed liner notes by Enrique Rivas and rare photos.
Stoned Rose
From Dawn To Jane
Heavy-progressive, proto-metal and psychedelic hard-rock from the depths of the UK underground, 1970-71. Formed in Preston by the core of Pete Hughes (lead guitar) and Mick Carroll (vocals, rhythm guitar), Stoned Rose evolved from a band called Five Steps Beyond and at one time featured Chris Allen on bass (later of Ultravox). The band worked with a London agency called Nemesis and also with Tramps from Birmingham (owned by Black Sabbath guitarist Toni Iommi). Stoned Rose played several times at notable venues like the Temple and the Cavern and also at underground and progressive clubs and Universities, sharing stage with bands like Stray, May Blitz, Blonde On Blonde... Exhumed from rare as hell acetates (including a Deroy one) and demo tapes, here's the first ever Stoned Rose album. File next to Bent Wind! Includes insert with liner notes by David Wells and rare photos/memorabilia. "...music runs the gamut from underground psych rock to blazingly heavy guitar workouts..." ~Austin Matthews (Shindig!).
Wizard
The Original Wizard
Rare and sought after psychedelic hard-rock album from 1971 by this power trio from Tampa (Florida) that opened for big names like Iron Butterfly and Mountain and even played at the legendary Goose Lake Music Festival in Michigan. Wizard consisted of Ben Schultz (guitar, vocals), Paul Forney (bass and lead vocals) and Chris Luhn (drums). Together, they conjured a heavy sound full of raw and loud guitars, powerful bass and crashing drums. 'The Original Wizard' was their only album, recorded as a "live" in the studio demo after the band caught the attention of Decca Records, finally released on the small Peon Productions label. Remastered by Tony Reed at HeavyHead Recording Co. Original artwork in hard cardboard sleeve. Includes insert with liner notes and photos. RIYL: Who, Stack, Steppenwolf, Cream, Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Third Power, Grand Funk...
GARAGE/BEAT/SURF/ROCK’N’ROLL
Swanson, Dave -'s Mystery Airship-
Nothing To Lose (black)
"'Nothing To Lose,' the single taken from the spectacular 'D.S.M.A.' debut album, is a collision of Dudes era Mott, Tommy Who and the early San Francisco sound of the Airplane and We Five. The soaring lead vocal of Jessica Horvat commands attention while the harmonies are pure heaven with a no-bullshit production that graces the likes of every record you have in your personal record collection." ~Greg Prevost, Rochester, NY June 2024.
Nix & The Nothings
Utterly Useless
Nix & The Nothings' first album, 'Here Goes Nothing,' was a pretty straight forward garage punk record with a little sprinkle of psyche. This next one is a more experimental record combining influences from a larger variety of the garage, punk and psych scene. Digging deeper into nothingness with more spaced out riffs and a lyrical tribute to all the losers and punks out there.
Fuzztones
Leave Your Mind At Home (black)
'80s garage rockers the Fuzztones had deep roots in the east coast punk scene. Frontman Rudi Protrudi got his start in hard rockers Springhead Motorshark and formed the influential DC punk act Tina Peel with organist Deb O'Nair, going on to the Fuzztones with bassist Michael Jay, drummer Ira Elliot and guitarist Elan Portnoy. Debut album 'Leave Your Mind At Home' captures the group at their rawest and most unexpurgated: recorded live on a 1984 tour of the Midwest, the group thrills the crowds with riveting takes of obscure '60s nuggets. This is where the journey starts, a loveable warts-n-all set of garage rock bangers!
Fuzztones
Lysergic Emanations (black)
The Fuzztones' sophomore set 'Lysergic Emanations' is often hailed as the best album that the garage rock band ever released. As with their debut album, the disc mixes cover versions of obscure 1960s garage rock tracks with some inspired original work, and this one benefitted from being cut in the studio, allowing us to hear the group in full-spectrum stereo, without the noisy distractions of a live setting. Keen covers of songs by the Sonics, the Yardbirds and Sonny Boy Williamson are rendered in their own image and the originals sound totally on form too. 'Lysergic Emanations' is the Fuzztones' pinnacle - totally superb!
POP/ROCK/WAVE/NOISE
President
By Appointment Of
Dutch group The President achieved notable success with their debut album 'By Appointment Of' released in 1983. The album featured several singles that received airplay and became popular. This debut album showcased their knack for blending catchy pop tunes with the electronic sounds of the time.
PUNK/HARDCORE
Angelic Upstarts
Lost & Found (black)
Formed in the northeast town of South Shields in 1977, punk/oi! band Angelic Upstarts recorded two studio albums for Warner Brothers and two for EMI's Zonophone subsidiary before being dropped by the latter. Work was begun on an abortive fifth studio album that forms the bulk of the brilliant Lost And Found, with superior versions of Last Tango In Moscow material featuring the classic Upstarts line up of Mensi/Mond/Glyn/Decca. Live tracks from the Main Event gig at the London Astoria have Mensi/Hayes/Ronnie Rocker/Max Splodge. This is required listening for all Upstarts fans. Thoroughly excellent!
Exploited
Let's Start A War... Said Maggie One Day
Reissue on yellow vinyl for the third album by the punk band The Exploited, released in 1983 through Pax Records. The title refers to Margaret Thatcher's decision to go to war over the Falkland Islands in 1982, suggesting that she did so almost on a whim. 'Let's Start A War' reached the Indie Chart Top 10 when first issued in 1983, this album also includes the single 'Rival Leaders' which hit No. 11 in the Indie Chart. A classic of the 'UK82' hardcore punk sound that provides a blueprint for the decade of punk and metal to come, and all in the space of just over half an hour.
INDUSTRIAL/EXPERIMENTAL/NOISE/NEOFOLK/GOTHIC
African Imperial Wizard
Mbuya Nehanda (black)
The armed crews repping the African Imperial Wizard collective are dropping their third album, 'Mbuya Nehanda.' "This jam is a major shoutout to CharweNyakasikana, the svikiro who served as the ultimate link between the living and the spirits during our ancestors' fight for freedom. Just like the warlord Kafundanga, our sound brigades have cooked up eight intense tracks celebrating the fierce resistance against the colonizers' creeping grip on our sacred lands and the crackdown on our customs and traditions. Despite the oppressor's pressure, we've firmly refused to convert to Christianity, abandon our faith, or give up our mystical mission. That's why, in this rebellion, we honor occult legends like Mbamawu, the voodoo creator, and the loa crew Boum'baMaza, drawing on their powerful strength to fight off the invaders. We, African Imperial Wizard, want to give a huge shoutout to our comrades who journeyed across Africa to join our recording sessions. Together, we've captured the magic of traditional instruments like the kora, mbira, oja, balafon, dundun, bougarabou, and djembe in our studio, located in the heart of the gritty streets of Luanda. Big ups and resistance to them! Big ups and resistance to all the guerrillas of Africa!"
Black Maghreb
Our Revenge Is Black (2cd)
8 panel double CD digipak. Here's the second full-lenght of TBM exploring further and deeper the hellholes of earth refering that there is no way to close the death's doors anymore. The time to die is right - Heaven is Hell now! A double CD with 21 tracks of massive industrial/PE, noise, disorienting lead synths, brooding bass lines, pulsating drones, cut-ups and feedbacks. "To the roots of the mountains I descended; the earth beneath barred me in forever!" Recorded between 2022-2024.
Baudet, Roger
Musique Electronique 1976-1992 (2lp)
Dee Dee's Picks presents - Roger Baudet's 'Musique Électronique Pour La Scène Et L'image 1976 - 1992.' Described by Swiss press as an "inventive genius marked by total unpredictability," Roger Baudet's music has preserved its freshness and spontaneity. Provoking feelings of surprise, anxiety and subjugation, he ends up bewitching you completely through his bizarre non-conformity. The oddity of the sounds is a choice of heterogeneity: the works gathered, although coming from one person, have little to do with each other. Forming a mosaic that provides a fragmented vision of atmospheres without apparent links, his music multiplies diverse rhythms and combinations, rejecting any principle of hierarchy in the musicality of the moment. The decorative music was composed as the soundtrack for theatre and ballet performances, documentaries, short films and exhibitions of paintings - a context that inevitably shines through the twenty-two pieces. Despite these classical settings, the music had a forward-facing, futuristic cadence - a precursor to the electronic genres that would later become techno or trance. This compilation from the past century is a collage of ornaments made out of sounds; stripped down, yet undoubtedly imbued with sensitivity, with hints of classical training, all suitable for contemplation. This gatefold double vinyl release comes with obi, digital bonus and contains rare photos and liner notes featuring exclusive interviews with Roger Baudet himself.
Scherrer, Mario
Squares And Crossings (2lp)
Dee Dee's Picks presents Mario Scherrer's 'Squares And Crossings'! Originally released on Calypso Now in 1986, 'Squares And Crossings' was supposed to be part of a series called 'The Guild,' a collection of music written by Swiss music critics. Mario Scherrer was the only one responding to this invitation, thus making him the sole contributor for this project. These productions are coated in punk varnish, simultaneously blending elements of new wave, pop, musique concrète, improvisation, poetry and ambient, which would only make sense coming from the same city as the home of the Cabaret Voltaire, the birthplace of the Dada movement. This album is not only an artistic diary, but also has an environmental affinity with this snapshot of Swiss history. The album is released on double vinyl with obi and rare photos and liner notes featuring exclusive interviews with Scherrer himself and Hotcha from Calypso Now.
Owelle
It's Okay
Dee Dee's Picks presents Owelle's debut record 'It's Okay.' "Owelle": frenchified word derived from the English expression "Oh well". Repurposed by Valérie Siron as her pseudonym to reflect her work ethos: serious, but without making a fuss. Surfacing from Geneva's club culture with a graphic design background, Owelle's drive to synergise the audio and the visual power her expression of creative identity. Her compositions are imagined and built without boundaries, albeit replete with nods to previous genres ranging from early 2000s breakbeat, braindance and broken beat techno. Intrigued by sensory immersion, Owelle further laces her art with interactive tools including programming, sound spatialisation and installation. Diving into a spatiotemporal journey, subtly incorporating their uses into her musical works. By blending her passion for diligent sound designing, field recordings and psychedelic vocals is how Owelle presents her approach to experimental music. Owelle's creativity offers an intrinsic connection of her tailored rhythms and melodies to birth an original hybrid of sound and visual art. The music within this record questions the importance of sound in relation to the individual's environment. To blur the border between noise and aesthetically pleasing. To ride the waves between discomfort and delight and to find the potentially hidden role of situational awareness and relating it to musical endeavours derived from the emotions within. The LP comes with an obi strip and liner notes consisting of Owelle's artistic approach in the creation of the album.
Infesta
Passerella
Dee Dee's Picks presents the debut album of Infesta - 'Passerella.' The recording of Passerella took place at the end of the summer of 2022 over one week of isolation and songwriting in a house on the shoreside of the lake Lugano. Layered with references from a contemporary approach to '80s synth pop, post-punk and dark wave, with subconscious derivations of Canzone Italiana as a foundation for a musical piece derived from Infesta's childhood listening habits. Bare genuineness, emotional and aggressive at the right places, the way in which music captures the purity of intense feelings. Infesta's work is presented in a raw quality which intimates the listener with an aspect of humanity grippingly relatable. Cemented songs with a focused vision, Infesta's dark yet familiar world is one confused but shared among us all. The conceptuality of a traditional album dissolving into a musical diary. The music within this record is a rendering of the importance of having these songs compiled side-by-side as a way of storytelling. To keep the same picture of the exposure of a person through their music. Conflicting inner thoughts frolicking side by side. A gentle hand caressed gleaned by an author to its listener. LP contains obi, liner notes (with Infesta's artistic approach in the creation of Passerella) and lyric sheet.
METAL/STONER/HARDROCK
Lion
Rain/all That I Want
Ancient Grease Records are deeply honored to now represent Al Atkins's works from the 1970s. This includes heavy rock music from his time with Judas Priest as the founder and original vocalist, as well as with his subsequent group - an incredible band called Lion, with whom he recorded many unreleased songs. In the coming months Ancient Grease will be highlighting Al's great music and contributions to heavy rock and metal history. They will bring you a treasure trove of great unreleased material, fully restored and mastered. Recorded 1975 in Pelsall, Walsall, UK. Black vinyl edition.
Smoke/doomsday Profit
Split Lp
Southern doom and heavy psych dealers Smoke (VA) and Doomsday Profit (NC) have joined forces for a split LP via Olde Magick Records. Both Smoke and Doomsday Profit have earned accolades for their previous efforts, but are taking big leaps on this split. Drawing from deep wells of Southern sludge and dark psychedelia, the split release builds upon the promise of both bands' early efforts with an increasingly exploratory approach to doom, sludge, and heavy psych - both heavier and spacier than the releases that preceded it. The strains of doom, stoner-rock, sludge, heavy psych and Southern metal that course through the split should appeal to fans of acts as disparate as All Them Witches and Buzzov-en. Vinyl edition limited to 270 copies worldwide. Pressed on blue and pink swirl vinyl.
JAZZ/AVANTGARDE
Skeidsvoll, Lauritz -'s Rapid Light-
Laurtiz Skeidsvoll's Rapid Light
"'Rapid Light' is a result of a need to create a raw, powerful and open musical landscape where the musicians can thrive and explore together. The tunes are inspired by my love for strong melodies in orchestral film music and the raw energy and creativity in American and European free jazz. I have put together a band with some of the most inspiring and interesting musicians I know and I believe that together we make up a powerful quartet, which with the help of melodious compositions, great rhythmic drive, and a sincere urge to explore, conjures up a raw and energetic primal force." Limited number of 500 hosted in silk printed cover.
Ahlroos, Jimi -trio-
Jimi Ahlroos Trio (10")
Killer youth jazz from Finland's new tenor sensation Jimi Ahlroos! Energetic rhythmical trio jazz recorded at studio Pelto. Limited edition of 350 numbered copies hosted in reused sleeve. Includes digital download.
REGGAE/DUB/SKA/ROCKSTEADY
Various
Midnight Rock's Secret Tapes
Deejay-turned-produced Jah Thomas' 'Midnight Rock' helped shift roots reggae to dancehall in the late 1970s and Thomas continued producing in the new millennium, sometimes revamping Roots Radics tracks from Channel One, and alternately cutting fresh work at King Jammy's, Black Scorpio, and Mixing Lab. 'Secret Tapes' has stellar guests like roots messenger Luciano, dancehall don Super Cat, supreme crooner Courtney Melody, Jah Thomas himself, and a collab between Pinchers and Josie Wales; Tony Curtis, Ghost and Mitch are courtesy of a Buju Banton co-production. Special request to all dancehall fans!
SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/R&B/GOSPEL
Inagaki, Jiro -& His Friends-
Funky Best
Repressed for the first time. Licensed by Nippon Columbia. Issued with an obi strip. Japan and funky-disco in the most explosive blend. Maestro Jiro Inagaki, in a particularly inspired year in which he also released the album 'Funky Stuff' also on Nippon Columbia, flawlessly manipulates the rare-groove by covering songs of Quincy Jones, Commodores, Graham Central Station, B.T. Express, Kool & The Gang, Stevie Wonder, Sly & The Family Stone, Ohio Players, Ripple & Billy Preston. The songs are arranged by himself and Hiromasa Suzuki, another high-sounding name in Japanese jazz. The musicians are experienced session men; congas and choristers are also present. Inagaki's open-mindedness and curiosity about all genres of music that surrounded him meant that over the years he became involved from jazz to popular music of the East, the hippie movement, funk, city pop, and more; and all succeeded him as original and credible thanks to his enthusiasm, perseverance, and skills as an arranger as well as a musician; even his time spent in America since 1969 helped him broaden his horizons. The purpose of this album was to have fun and entertain while engaging the listener with a strongly danceable sound. Even now the album is fresh and enjoyable for disco lovers and of course DJs. Originally released in 1975.
Kuja Orchestra
Seasons In Rhythm
Helsinki funk legends Kuja Orchestra are back with a new line-up and new set of tight grooves. Latin, soul, blues and disco-funk melt with African and oriental influences. Limited to 500 copies with obi strip.
SOUNDTRACKS/LOUNGE/CULT ETC
Various
The World Is A Party! Vol. 2
Volume 2! Here are 14 more songs to beat your jet lag to. Cool exotica sounds for intercontinental cocktail sippin' and pool dwellin' sugar daddies! Rome, Acapulco, Palm Springs, Gstaad!