The Rock Thread

Popol Vuh - "Letzte Tage - Letzte Nächte" (1976)

This seminal German outfit's eighth full-length sees them pushing both their krautrock & neoclassical new age sounds across the short thirty minute run time, although the rock side of the equation wins out pretty comfortably on this occasion. It's incredible how much some of the new age material sounds like Dead Can Dance at times, particularly Djong Yun's vocals which must surely be the inspiration for Lisa Gerrard's signature sound. Despite that though, I don't think "Letzte Tage - Letzte Nächte" is quite at the level I was expecting from such a highly acclaimed release & I think it's a bit of a step down from Popol Vuh's first three albums which I've been across for many years now. The thin production job certainly doesn't help but there are no weak tracks included & the record certainly doesn't overstay its welcome.

For fans of Tangerine Dream, Cluster & Ash Ra Temple.

3.5/5

Jefferson Airplane - "Surrealistic Pillow" (1967)

The highly regarded debut album from this major player from the San Francisco scene is more hit & miss than I was expecting. Thankfully, the highlights are strong enough to carry the album with Jefferson Airplane's more stripped back & folky side being my clear preference over their more upbeat & poppy psychedelic rock one. The duo of psychedelic folk tracks that's comprised of "Today" & album highlight "Coming Back to Me" are nothing short of outstanding but I can't see myself returning to this one too often in the future,

For fans of Country Joe & the Fish, Quicksilver Messenger Service & Love.

3.5/5

Monster Magnet - "Spine of God" (1991)

I've always really enjoyed the debut album from these New Jersey-based stoner rock legends, perhaps more so than some of their more highly acclaimed records. There's a confident consistency to the nine-song tracklisting with no weak material included. It showcases a band that knew its sound really well & had clearly indulged in more than the odd drug binge together. The more psychedelic moments are the clear highlights with the epic title track being nothing short of life-changing. I particularly love front man Dave Wyndorf's masculine vocal delivery & the fuzzy wall of guitars which go a long way to making "Spine of God" essential listening for all stoner rock afficionados.

For fans of Fu Manchu, Clutch & Soundgarden.

4/5

I was JUST listening to Ropes to Infinity out of the blue yesterday.

Spine of God is probably my favourite Monster Magnet album, I have the CD somewhere. It's very consistent front to back. I have it rated at 4/5 as well. Great cover too.