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| Aerial FX - Watching the Dance
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(Kamera KAM-008 UK-82 VG+ 275:-)
In the early ‘80s, a five-piece band based out of Oxford dramatically changed their sound to meld with the surging new wave movement. They adopted the name Aerial FX, releasing two singles and one full album before their abrupt disbandment in the middle of the decade.
This is probably the most cohesive 26 minute album ever. Probably because the songs flow so seamlessly into each other. That said, this isn't some sort of concept album, all the songs sound completely different. Minimal synthpop/punk I guess sums it up, but it's so much more than that. This shit is like some Sonic the Hedgehog music with mopey Cure singing on top of really reverby guitars.
Original UK/French pressing; both sleeve and vinyl are graded VG+.
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| Aerosmith - Toys in the Attic
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(CBS S-80773 UK-75 VG+ 375:-)
After nearly getting off the ground with "Get Your Wings", Aerosmith finally perfected their mix of Stonesy raunch and Zeppelin-esque riffing with their third album.
The success of the album derives from a combination of an increased sense of songwriting skills and purpose. Not only does Joe Perry turn out indelible riffs, but Steven Tyler has fully embraced sleaziness as his artistic muse. Aerosmith was a gritty, street-wise hard rock band who played their blues as blooze and were in it for a good time; "Toys in the Attic" crystallizes that attitude.
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| Allman Brothers Band - Idlewild South
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(ATCO SD33-342 US-70 VG+ 300:-)
The second album from the Brothers, and maybe the one where their sound really comes together!
The group really let the tunes open up and flow – brimming over with so much sublime guitar work from Duane Allman, already a very distinct voice on his instrument – matched with more guitar from Dicky Betts, and given all these warm organ lines from Greg Allman, whose vocals are wonderful too. This may not have been the first record to try to find a southern voice in modern rock, but it's definitely one of the most crucial.
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| Armored Saint - Delirious Nomad
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(Chrysalis BFV-41516 US-85 VG+ 400:-)
After launching their career with a promising album callad "March of the Saint", Armored Saint put another heavy brick on their album catalogue.
This effort was called "Delirious Nomad" and includes some good melodies, thrashy riffs and effective vocals, in raw old school style.
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| Auger & Julie Driscoll, Brian - Open
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(Marmalade 607 002 UK-67 VG+ 500:-)
Great stuff – one of the amazing early albums from the team of Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger – kind of a next-generation to the Brit beat group sound of the mid 60s – one that moves beyond simple R&B modes, to bring in more sophisticated soul and jazz touches! Driscoll's vocals are amazing – some of the boldest belted out in the British scene at the time – and Auger's Hammond work really cooks throughout – at a level that easily makes him one of the best UK organists to hit the scene, amidst some very heady company in the 60s.
Original UK pressing; both sleeve and vinyl are granded Very Good+.
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| Auger & Julie Driscoll, Brian - Streetnoise, pt 1
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(Marmalade 608.014 UK-69 VG+ 300:-)
The final collaboration between Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger's Trinity was 1969's "Streetnoise" -- and as a parting of the ways, it was Trinity's finest moment.
Originally a double album, this is was also issued as two separate volumes - this is Volume One.
Original UK pressing; both sleeve and vinyl are graded VG+
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| Ayers, Kevin - Shooting at the Moon
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(Harvest SHSP-4005 UK-70 VG 800:-)
Kevin Ayers was one of rock's oddest and more likable enigmas, even if he often seemed not to operate at his highest potential. Perhaps that's because he never seemed to have taken his music too seriously -- one of his essential charms and most aggravating limitations.
"Shooting at the Moon" will remain a Psychedelic, Progressive, Experimental, Avant Garde and Canterbury staple. This album really paved the way for the Canterbury scene genre.
Original UK pressing. This copy is graded VG overall - a copy for playing, not collecting.
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| Ayers, Kevin - The Confessions of Dr. Dream
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(Island ILPS-9263 UK-74 VG+ 275:-)
Kevin Ayers was one of rock's oddest and more likable enigmas, even if he often seemed not to operate at his highest potential. Perhaps that's because he never seemed to have taken his music too seriously -- one of his essential charms and most aggravating limitations.
Kevin Ayers' fifth album is typical of his work. He sings in his distinctive deep voice with his cultured English accent, in songs set in a variety of pop styles, from hard rock to a kind of music hall approach.
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| Ayers, Kevin - Yes, we have Mañanas no
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'(Harvest SHSP-4057 UK-76 EX 275:-)
Kevin Ayers was one of rock's oddest and more likable enigmas, even if he often seemed not to operate at his highest potential. Perhaps that's because he never seemed to have taken his music too seriously -- one of his essential charms and most aggravating limitations.
Although the slick, nearly AOR-style production threatens to swamp the music on this album, the solid songwriting wins out in the end. Ayers has written several songs about achieving stardom; the pithy "Star" is a highlight. A cover of Marlene Dietrich's "Falling in Love with You" is this album's near-hit.
Original UK pressing complete with thick card lyric inner and textured picture sleeve.
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| Aztec Camera - New, Live and Rare
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(WEA 18PI-2156 Jap-88 EX 275:-)
Aztec Camera was the brainchild of Roddy Frame, a Scottish songwriter and vocalist whose precocious talent -- he was still in his teens when the band cut their acclaimed debut album - earned the band a loyal cult following. With Frame's knack for catchy, upbeat melodies, Aztec Camera became a major critical favorite in the U.K.
Rare Japanese 7-track vinyl, featuring "Somewhere In My Heart - Alternate Mix" and "Everybody Is Number One - Boston '88 Version", plus four tracks recorded live in Bristol, Glasgow and Los Angeles between December 1987 and June '88, picture sleeve complete with Japanese text biography/lyric insert and narrow black & white obi-strip - hard to find on this format!
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