Cosmic Sounds

The dozen signs of the Zodiac are ruminated upon during the pseudo-psychedelic Cosmic Sounds. This embarrassingly dated "concept" album was issued in late 1967 on Elektra Records . The recording – replete with equally absurd cover art – helped usher in the "age of Aquarius." Judging by the astrological psycho babble in these grooves, it may too have been the age of excess. But what should one expect from an album whose caveat reads "Must Be Played In The Dark"? Cosmic Sounds narrator Cyrus Faryar's other credits include proficiencies as a bouzouki player, bassist, guitarist, and sometimes vocalist for a plethora of diverse artists, namely Dave Guard & the Whiskeyhill Singers and the Modern Folk Quartet, as well as guest spots on albums by Mama Cass Elliot, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Buffalo Springfield, Fred Neil, and even the Firesign Theatre.

The second Cosmic Jokers album, though originally not released under their name, offers another pair of sidelong roller-coaster rides into the cosmic void from the same musicians as the first album, with added vocals from guitarist Göttsching's girlfriend, Rosi Muller, and producer Kaiser's girlfriend Gille Lettmann. Whereas the Ash Ra Tempel elements were more dominant on the earlier record, this one relies more heavily on the conventional psychedelic sounds of the Wallenstein faction, though not to the point where it loses that loose Ash Ra vibe. Side one, "Kinder des Alles," begins with a funky driven beat before collapsing into a strange synth-saturated sound, falling deep into ambient space until eventually the track propels back into another galloping rhythm.

This fabulous combo which hails from just north of Seattle, Washington has a groovy surf a go-go sound fueled by twangy guitar and vintage organ, backed by an unrelenting rhythm section. The result is a sound that is influenced by the early 60's surf sound, but comes off more in the category of bands that sound like The Tiki Tones, The Huntington Cads and Stereophonic Space Sounds Unlimited. It's tinged by a bit of a sci-fi influence as well. Great stuff! 15 original songs.

A new record from Glasgow-based space rock group! Infinite Peaks is the long awaited ninth full length album from tumultuous Glaswegian astral travellers The Cosmic Dead. The album features two extended incantations recorded and mixed at Glasgow's 16 Ohm Recording Studio. Their exploratory compositions often reach levels of sonic destruction through reflective repetition and visceral harmony.