PHALLUS DEI

Incredible debut by these Krautrock pioneers. This was one of only two albums to feature British-born bassist Dave Anderson (who would leave this band in order to join HAWKWIND for a short time - and in the 1980s running the Demi Monde label, the label that gave OZRIC TENTACLES their first real record deal). This album was the result of the AMON DÜÜL commune breaking up. The first half was more in the politics and community, but they did record a series of albums all under one jam (excludin 1970's Para Dieswierts Düül which was a separate recording session). Those AMON DÜÜL albums are said to suck (except possibly Para Dieswierts Düül). Then the other half of the AMON DÜÜL was of course, far more musically inclined, and of course that was AMON DÜÜL II.

"Phallus Dei" was the beginning, a wonderful psychedelic offering. Certainly the vocals aren't the best, but most of the time, they chose to sing in German on this album. The sound quality, I hate to say it, is rather trash-can quality, but I guess I expect that with a then-unknown band and the budget they had, and it was 1969. The album has four cuts on side one and a side-length cut on side two. It's with the side-length cuts that show you what the band would be up to on following albums. It stars off in a rather experimental style, not unlike what's on "Tanz der Lemminge", then they go in to a lengthy guitar jam. There's extended use of bongos, before they get in to music.

It's also pretty safe to say that "Phallus Dei" is to AMON DÜÜL II what "Monster Movie" is to CAN: both being their most '60s sounding albums. "Phallus Dei" is a wonderful debut and I particularly recommended this album to those who like the more psychedelic end of Krautrock.