ROSE, MY ROCKET BRAIN!

"Rose, My Rocket Brain!" was the three song, 14 minute cd they sold on the "Margerine Eclipse" tour. The most recent reissue of the "Margerine Eclipse" recording comes with a second disc that includes "Rose, My Rocket Brain!" and the Ep "Instant O In The Universe". And as band leader Tim Gane relates in the liner notes, this reissue contains everything they recorded during the "Margerine Eclipse" sessions.

The biggest difference in my opinion between the three songs here and the main album is the lack of electronics on these 3 tracks. And it hasn't been given the Tim Gane makeover after the fact, like the main record. And I would put these three tracks over any from the main album. That's what makes this extra disc so special, and I'll talk about the Ep "Instant O In The Universe" soon. I should mention too that the song "University Microfilms International" is the unedited version, so it's actually 1 1/2 minutes longer than the original.

All three tracks are fairly subdued yet uplifting. Relaxed happy songs. I can't help but feel good listening to this music. "Banana Monster Ne Repond Plus" features lots of percussion and organ. Of course the vocals lead the way, including some wordless singing. I'm surprised at the experimental sections on this one. "University Microfilms International" is another feel good tune but a little different with all those intricate sounds, the guitar and keyboards too. Vocals and wordless vocals again. The closing title track opens with bass which is very satisfying as relaxed vocals join in. Catchy but laid back. Organ then guitar as it builds. Active drums and the vocals come and go. They go off on a detour after 2 minutes then back to happy.

It's perfect that this is included with the other Ep giving us over 36 minutes of bonus material on that second disc, all from the "Margerine Eclipse" sessions. Nice.