Yonkers, Michael

***Planned as the fourth LP in MICHAEL YONKERS’ 1970s trilogy, Lovely Gold was never released—a true crime, because it is an exotic work of homespun brilliance. Recorded in 1977 on a four-channel "tube type" tape recorder that Michael built himself by combining parts of other machines, it is perhaps his most multi-faceted solo album. The trademark Yonkers chug appears (though more stripped-down and dreamlike) and even some spraying acidic guitar on the title track, but the sweeping choral voice arrangements on gorgeous hymns like "Will It Be" are entirely unique and indeed lovely creations. What’s more, while digging through his archives Michael located previously lost cuts intended for the album, including the harrowing, near-krautrock glide of "Nevermore." Utilizing original photos and the exact layout specs/fonts/and notes of the planned 1977 Lovely Gold release, a lost classic at last becomes available—once again! How many more reside in the Yonkers vaults? Only time (and Michael) will tell... (STREET DATE - 3/23/2010)