FRAME OF MIND

3.5 stars. Some diverse opinions about this German band's only album from 1972 with two collaborator's giving this 2 stars and the other 5 stars. I really like this album but it's not a 4 star record in my world despite some really enjoyable tunes. A five piece including the vocalist, this is more heavy psychedelic than Krautrock, sounding British mostly. So yes English vocals done very well and the keyboardist adds spinet, mellotron, organ and piano. Some killer guitar too on this one.

That opening title track sounds like something that could have been on the radio in the late 60's I quite like it. Uplifting with vocal parts contrasted with the instrumental sections. There is one long track at over 11 minutes, almost a dirge really about losing a lover. Not a favourite but "If" is with those powerful vocals and heavy sound at times is.

There's mellotron on "Winter" another dirge-like piece about how awful winter is. I get it! Folky at times and not a favourite. But "Penny For An Old Guy" and "Children's Freedom" certainly are favourites. Two short ones that hit the spot especially the emotion on the latter. The album closes with an experimental mellotron-brass outburst for 18 seconds.

Again I like that opener, such a feel good piece while melancholy rules this recording for the most part. A good album that was produced by Dieter Dierks.