Bomb the Bass - Into the Dragon (1988)

I first heard Bomb the Bass on an old bodyboarding video. It was a track called "Bug Powder Dust" off 1995's "Clear". Having only heard this single track prior to buying this record, I had no idea what to expect. I was not even aware that it was made in the late 1980s!

What a cool surprise! If there has ever been a reason to pay attention to sample-based UK hip hop, this record is most certainly it. Bomb the Bass, which is comprised solely of producer Tim Simenon, first found success with the release of the truly samplific "Beat Dis" on 12" format, primarily as a club tune. This track is also featured on this record, which also features some similar style tunes and also some acid house and pop gems. Other than the really cool hip hop, a cover of Burt Bacharach's "Say a Little Prayer" is a great addition and shows the then young Simenon's versatility.

I picked this up at Khaya Records and it is in absolute MINT condition! This is an original first pressing on the Rhythm King label and features some cool, colourful artwork. I suppose this record is a harbinger of what was to come out of the UK dance scene in the 90s, but it has stood the test of time very well in comparison the the majority of output in this genre over that period.

"Into the Dragon" is not something that I will listen to very regularly, but it certainly does serve as a foil to compare later recordings to, for example those by The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers, which were most likely influenced by the productions techniques contained on the record.

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Rare Earth - Ecology (1970)

I only own this because Rare Earth's "Ma" is one of the most awesome funk/soul inspired rock records ever; and I happen to have a particularly fierce liking for anything remotely funky played on electric guitar. I also have to get anything that was released by Motown Records in the 70s, this being one of them!

"Ecology" is worth the asking price purely for the Norman Whitfield-produced, 11 minutes of "I know I'm Losing You", originally performed by the Temptations. The refrain is just pure funk, whether on sax and bass or wah guitar and bass; but its the drum and percussion pieces that make the tune for me. Some awesome work on the congas by Ed Guzman and Pete Riviera's drumming combine to put to shame most pretenders to the throne that arose in the late 60s and early to mid 70s.

Aside from that the rest of the record is pretty much a big whack of above-average funk rock jamming with the usual lyrical themes for the genre.... yep, you guessed it, trying to get woman to either go to bed with you or trying to explain why she cannot anymore!

The final track on the album is also pretty cool, it is a great rendition of Lennon and McCartney's "Eleanor Rigby", which soars high above the few preceeding tracks. It takes a soulful approach to the song that actually makes the meaning of the lyrics stand out very prominently.

What is also pretty interesting is the guitar tones used on the record. Sometimes it sounds like a fuzzed-out Tony Iommi sledgehammer and at others the kind of standard Gibson blues sound and then finally the requisite wah pedal tomfoolery. So even if the music becomes a bit "standard" at times, there is always an interesting production note to enjoy here and there.

I picked this one up from Khaya Records (like ALOT of the stuff I buy!). Had to clean it up and it came out ok, now to get rid of that static! It's an American pressing that is pushing 40 years of being alive! Quite insane to think that it is more than one third of my lifetime older than I am! The age is shown by the logo on the rear cover that states "Stereo - Also Plays in Mono". Mono.... that was a while back!

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The Mahavishnu Orchestra (with John McLaughlin) - The Inner Mounting Flame (1971)

Whilst researching progressive music, the name of John McLaughlin comes up fairly regularly. It never ceases to surprise me how musicians in the 1970s managed to create such awesome art and get it commercially released on major record lables. This album is the epitome of experimentation, yet was released on Columbia Records all over the globe. I guess that says something about your average music listener, or even your average musician in our times.

"The Inner Mounting Flame" is a major achievement of avant-garde jazz-rock fusion and, other than the virtuoso talents of McLaughlin, features one of my all time favourite drummers, Billy Cobham. Ever since hearing Cobham's "Spectrum" album, which I will post here sometime, I have been obsessed with Cobham's work. This record truly does not dissappoint as he and bassist Rick Laird lay a foundation for McLaughlin on guitar and Jerry Goodman on violin to blaze a trail of mind-melting brilliance. Not to be outdone, Jan Hammer weighs in heavy with some awesome fusion piano. All in all, this record lurches from massively technical improvised experiments to dyed-in-th-wool funk bits and ballads. It really has to be experienced to be appreciated.

I got this record from my dealer at Khaya Records. Thanks Paul!!!! It is an American pressing and has endured some wear on the cover, but the actual record is pretty much in good shape. Definitely worth the few Rand I spent on it!

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Can - Ege Bamyasi (1972)

This band was a discovery for me that was borne mainly out of my fascination with Krautrock and 70's-era electronic music than anything else. I only heard of them after researching my favorite Krautrock band, Neu. Having said that, I can now state categorically that Can appear to be one of the most influential bands for the crossover brand of music, like trip hop and electro-rock that came out of the 90s. I can also say that rhythm is what this band is about!

Got this LP, which is a South African pressing, from my faithful dealer at Khaya Records. Had to give it the once-over with the toothbrush and sunlight liquid, but it came out perfect! The cover is a bit damaged though, showing its age; and the general neglect with which people seem to treat such gems! I really like the back cover (which has the shape of the record worn in from a lack of protection over 38 years...) The photograph fits so well with the "improv jam" style of the songs, one of which exceeds the 10 minute mark.

The album is a really interesting exploration of jazzy experimental rock that fuses some really awesome groove work, in particular Jaki Leibezeit's drumming, with strange atmospherics and electronic sounds. It does require some added attention at first, but locks you in for the ride once you get into the groove. Definitely one for fans of the avant-garde!

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Slayer - Reign in Blood (1986 : 2008 re-release)

A prize from the good souls that inhabit ebay. It's a Geffen re-release of the 1986 thrash metal classic from Slayer, originally released on Def Jam Records. It was pressed in Germany and it is limited to 125 copies! Mine is number 82. It is pressed on marbled white vinyl and comes complete with the original lyric sheet reprinted on high grammage paper.

Personally, this is one of my favorite albums of all time. It, alongside Metallica's "Master of Puppets" ushered in an era of extremely high quality thrash metal which has served as an influence to almost anyone who has picked up a guitar to play metal music.

This copy has never been played; and it probably never will be!

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