SNAFU

It's such a pleasure when I find a gem like this. Especially when it's from the late sixties or early seventies. I say that because I thought I had searched that era really well, so to go back and find something so valuable is just a real joy. Bazinga ! This is EAST OF EDEN's second album from 1970 and it's just as good as their 1969 debut in my opinion. I just can't get over how much I love these guys. I mean they are so inventive with the violin, flute and sax playing an important role. And they like to experiment and use dissonance too. Plus they can be so catchy with that rhythm section. Again THE PLASTIC PEOPLE OF THE UNIVERSE comes to mind at times with that Bartok inspired violin and killer rhythm section. David Hitchcock produced this album by the way.

"Have To Whack It Up" has this catchy beat as the guitar and violin play over top. So good. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. A lot of yelling ends this opening track. "Leaping Beauties For Rudy / Marcus Junior" opens with horns and random drum patterns. Dissonance follows as things get intense. A change 2 minutes in as an uptempo melody takes over. Great sound. "Xhorkom / Ramadhan / In The Snow For A Blow" has an Eastern vibe to start. A beat with horns kicks in before 3 1/2 minutes as the percussion also joins the already existing drums and horns. Some flute then the sound turns more powerful as the vocals stop. Horns and a beat then take over again. A drum show before 7 1/2 minutes.Violin ends it. "Uno Transito Clapori" has these experimental sounds that pulse throughout. "Gum Arabic Confucius" opens with bell sounds as flute joins in softly then percussion. It kicks in after 2 1/2 minutes with a catchy rhythm and flute. Dissonant horns after 3 1/2 minutes as spoken words come in.The previous soundscape returns. Love this !

"Nymphenburger" hits the ground running as violin and drums rip it up. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes.The guitar solos a minute later then the tempo picks up after 4 1/2 minutes with violin leading. Such a catchy beat as the violin lights it up. "Habibi Baby / Beast Of Sweden / Boehm Constrictor" is exotic and psychedelic to start as distorted vocals join in. It calms down with intricate sounds before kicking in at 4 1/2 minutes.Too much ! Violins are slicing away as the bass throbs. "Traditional : Arranged By East Of Eden" is the short closer. Sparse sounds as reserved vocals come in. So cool.

Gotta love the cover art too. Amazing album.