MAGNETIC FLIP RELEASED

1984 was a dismal time for progressive rock. The music press and the major labels had all but wiped out the genre. The revived King Crimson was on it's last leg, Rush was at the very end of their most progressive period, and Genesis was now Phil Collins' backup band.

Indy labels were the protectors of the spirit of prog. Boston's Ace Of Hearts Records found a truly unique band, born from the ashes of the punk band, Mission Of Burma. Billing themselves as electric chamber music, this band had more in common with Henry Cow than the Sex Pistols. Using a combination of guitar, piano, organ, synthesizers, a drum machine, and anything they could bang on, Birdsongs successfully created their own style, a curious blend of rock and avant garde classical.

Not to be missed on this record are (excerpts from) The Rite Of Spring and a wild version of The Theme From Rocky And Bullwinkle. The rest of the album is great. too.