Beneath The Rhythm And Sound

The Ocean Blue

Sire

The third release from a Central Pennsylvania quartet who practice a form of dreamy pop music that's both earthy and ethereal. The group has been together since junior high and it sounds like it. With jangling guitars, soaring hooks and alluring melodies, there's not a wasted or out of place note. (CS)

 

Cerulean

The Ocean Blue

Reprise

Richly textured, ethereal music from the land of the Hershey Bar. As smooth and satisfying as the aforementioned chocolate. Each song reveals a new facet of their personality that becomes increasingly satisfying. Put the kids to bed, put the cats out and lie on the floor. Don't move 'til morning. (SC)

 

Goin' To California

Andrew "B.B." Odom And The Gold Tops

Flying Fish

The final recorded document from a powerful vocalist from the Chicago blues scene who sang with many of the blues greats over the years. Before passing away, he had joined a Canadian blues band, "The Goldtops." The eleven songs here just begin to scratch the surface of an immense talent. (CS)

 

Pomme Fritz

Orb

Island Red Label

Ahh. The ever popular genre called "Ambient Music". You've gotta love it. Great for relaxing or any other between the sheets activities. Put this on, hit "repeat" and spend the weekend in bed with your favorite "cuddle bunny." The first one to get up to pee cooks breakfast. Sounds yummy. (CS)

 

Always, Never, And Forever

Oregon

Institution

This is the eighteenth album Oregon has released since 1970. Comprised of Ralph Towner, Paul McCandless, Glen Moore and Trilok Gurtu, this eclectic quartet has made music with The Paul Winter Consort and played with Tim Hardin at Woodstock. A mix of acoustic jazz, folk and world music. Nicely subtle. (CS)

 

Bend

The Origin

Virgin

This is good stuff. An acoustic trio with lots of nice harmonies no less. And even though they hail from San Francisco you wouldn't know it. This isn't your typical "California" band. At first listen I heard traces of influences that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Simply wondrous. (SC)

 

 

Patience

Over The Rhine

I.R.S.

If you locked Suzzane Vega and the group Renaissance in the studio for a week they'd probably emerge with something that sounds like this. Peaceful melodies wrap around sometimes mysterious lyrics and suck the listener into a relaxed state of bliss. Not too mellow, nor too loud, it's just right. (CS)

 

Arborescence

Ozric Tentacles

I.R.S.

It may be hard to believe, but this is the third domestic album they've released in the past two years and their twelfth overall. In case you've forgotten, we're talking psychedelic space music at its finest and most sublime. Crank this up in a dark room and you won't need drugs. (SC)

 

Jurassic Shift

Ozric Tentacles

I.R.S.

More mind expanding instrumentals from the ever mysterious English (I think) band. If you can handle Tangerine Dream, Camel, Can and the like then this should be right up your alley. This collection of eight long, spacey tunes continues an inner journey that began with their previous album. Incense anyone? (BB)

 

Strangeitude

Ozric Tentacles

I.R.S.

If Camel and Hawkwind got together during their heyday twenty years ago and collaborated on an album it probably would've sounded like this. The seven longish instrumental cuts here are a welcome return to an often misunderstood genre, psychedelic space music. If you've never imbibed, here's your chance. Don't ignore it. (SC)

 

(SC) Stephen Curtis

(BB) Stephen Curtis AKA Ben Bland

(CS) Stephen Curtis AKA Clive Sweeney

Index

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