***Samurai is truly a lost classic of the Progressive era. Released on the short lived Greenwich Gramophone label in 1972, the album was influenced by the experiments of groups such as King Crimson, Gentle Giant et al, but was more than a mere clone of these bands. Evolving from the equally excellent band WEB (whose album I Spider is a classic of the genre), the musicianship on the album was excellent and keyboard player DAVE LAWSON’s compositions were groundbreaking and memorable. Sadly the group disbanded shortly after the release of the record resulting in limited sales. However, the influence of the album was not lost as both Dave Lawson and TONY REEVES soon joined DAVE GREENSLADE to form the group GREENSLADE, effectively taking up the musical mantle laid down by SAMURAI.
LP $30.65
05/31/2011
***Cherry Red Phonograph is proud to present a fully remastered edition of the classic 1976 album Softs, by one of the most influential exponents of the British underground, SOFT MACHINE This album was the band’s second for the Harvest label (Pink Floyd and later Wire) and featured a new line-up of KARL JENKINS (piano, synthesizers), JOHN MARSHALL (drums), ROY BABBINGTON (bass), JOHN ETHERIDGE (guitar), and ALAN WAKEMAN (sax). Seven of the album’s eleven tracks were composed by Jenkins, who had taken over keyboard duties from MIKE RATLEDGE (who makes his last appearance here on “Song Of Aeolus” and “Ban-Ban Caliban”), so the band at this stage was largely a vehicle for Jenkins’ own vision. Also, taking ALAN HOLDSWORTH’s place on guitar is John Etheridge, whose jaw-dropping speed and prowess made it quite obvious that he was no second fiddle. This is an album of exquisitely executed instrumental jazz fusion that has unfortunately often been overlooked over the years (leaving it un-issued on vinyl for over two decades)! Re-mastered from the original tapes and featuring the original artwork.
LP $30.65
05/31/2011
***A DVD release of the 1986 film made for EINSTÜRZENDE NEUBAUTEN’s groundbreaking Halber Mensch album. Basically a full-blown promo for each song on the album, the film is a stunning work of visual art. Ten songs in all.
DVD $23.50
05/10/2005