Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Forever Amber - The Love Cycle (UK Psych-Pop, 1969)

Forever Amber must have worn out the grooves on their copy of the Zombies' Odessey and Oracle. Their rare 1969 LP, The Love Cycle, emulated the late-period Zombies rather well with its classically influenced melodies and careful harmonies. A very derivative album, but a good one, bound to please listeners who regretted the Zombies' split after Odessey and Oracle. The Zombies aren't the easiest group to clone, but Forever Amber do a good job with their deft melodies and harmonies, as well as the classically patterned keyboard arrangements. "Bits of Your Life," had it gained wide distribution, had obvious hit potential, and rates as the best Zombies imitation ever (admittedly not a wide field). It was reissued on CD in the 1990s, although the re-releases are themselves hard to find in the US. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide

Forever Amber - The Love Cycle

Jandek For Dummies

Jandek is the kinda artist that's more heard about than actually heard from. I won’t waste your time going into his already well known tale, though like other obscuro acts like Joe Meeks or The Shaggs I gotta admit that his music sure ain’t as interesting without first knowing the back story on it. This here is a fan compiled (I think?) greatest hits collection that’s a great introduction to Jandek and might even be all you’ll ever need from him.

Jandek For Dummies