FÖR ÄLDRE NYBEGYNNARE

I own a compilation called Schlagerns Mystik/För Äldre Nybegynnare which consists of the two Zamla Mammaz Manna albums from 1978. Given the nature of the material on För Äldre Nybegynnare I hesitated to review it back-to-back with the other two Zamla Mammaz Manna albums, allow me to elaborate:

This album consists entirely of live improvisation sessions that were recorded in 1976-77 at six different performances spread out over towns Göteborg, Stockholm, Uppsala and Linköping. In other words För Äldre Nybegynnare is anything but a studio release. As a huge fan of King Crimson's live improvs from the Starless And Bible Black-era I originally assumed that if I gave this album just the right amount of time it would settle in but I have now given up on that idea all together.

The whole 40+ minutes running-time of this release seem pointless to me. Yes, I understand that the recording is nothing more than a product of its time and I should appreciate these free spirited performances for that they represent. But in what way do these compositions supposed to be connected to one another? Do they share a humorous bond? After listening to most of SMM/ZMM releases I should be able to recognize when the band is being playful which doesn't seem to be the case here. I actually find the contrast between Schlagerns Mystik and För Äldre Nybegynnare to be the only amusing factor; where one is warm, humorous and generally appealing while the other one is quite the opposite.

This release is on the verge of being tossed with the rest of completionists only material but since I've given it so much time I will stretch it to a collectors/fans only just because there might be fans who are interested in improvised performances from a RIO-band.

**** star songs: Urmakare 1 (3:41) Urmakare 2 (2:31) Kort Påbrå (1:55) Tycker Du Som Jag? (5:14)

*** star songs: Funkfällan (2:49) Moderna (6:18) Timlig Är Du (2:36) Till Ovala Metern (3:47)

** star songs: Seldon In Memoriam (12:30)