Psych /
Super Onda Chicana Vol. 1
The dawn of psychedelic rock in Mexico, ten tracks introducing a worldwide phenomena in the realm of the South American memory. A fascinating voyage led by cultish band La Revolución De Emiliano Zapata and several other nuggets-style combo. Originally released in 1971 the compilation was aptly titled La Onda, referring to a broader cultural and political movement. La Onda Chicana grew rapidly in a few years, culminating in a two days “Mexican Woodstock” known as (Avándaro) which attracted ca. 30…
Live/Dead
Gatefold sleeve. Includes a 4-page booklet. Live/Dead is the first official live album (and fourth overall) released by the rock band Grateful Dead. Recorded over a series of concerts in early 1969 and released later the same year, it was the first live rock album to use 16-track recording. "The Grateful Dead's fourth title was likewise their first extended concert recording. Spread over two LPs, Live/Dead (1969) finally was able to relay the intrinsic sonic magnificence of a Dead show in real t…
San Michael's
*100 copies limited edition black vinyl* The re-release of the 2 seminal psych/prog albums by San Michael’s, the self-titled (1971) one and Nattåg (1972), overlaps not at all coincidentally with the appearance of Kaipa’s 15th studio album Sommargryningsljus, as the fabular universe of the latter revolves around counterfactual rebirth, that is, becoming (re)born as one is getting older. These 2 evergreen albums, essential for savvy collectors of Scandinavian psych/prog, showcase the smooth progre…
Nattåg
*100 copies limited edition black vinyl* The re-release of the 2 seminal psych/prog albums by San Michael’s, the self-titled (1971) one and Nattåg (1972), overlaps not at all coincidentally with the appearance of Kaipa’s 15th studio album Sommargryningsljus, as the fabular universe of the latter revolves around counterfactual rebirth, that is, becoming (re)born as one is getting older. These 2 evergreen albums, essential for savvy collectors of Scandinavian psych/prog, showcase the smooth progre…
Lintunen / Ethän Tanssi Haudallain
Grooving, radical low-fi psychedelic, fuzz guitar rock.Jutta Luhtinen - drums, vocalsVille Pirinen - bass guitar, vocals
Snowbug
After the high times and critical-mass arrangements of the previous two records, Snowbug exuded a breezy, spare, morning-after vibe. Edified by all manner of world-folk, classic Brazilian pop and the first volumes of the Ethiopiques comp, the Llamas recorded in London with Fulton Dingley and in Chicago with Bundy Brown and Jim O’Rourke engineering at Electrical Audio and John McEntire mixing at Soma. Snowbug is an understated, underrated gem.
Cold And Bouncy
Having passed – at least figuratively – through hundreds of years over the course of their previous two albums, the good ship High Llamas docked, fully loaded, into a congenial present moment for once in its life. O’Hagan’s continued work with Tim Gane and Stereolab caused a healthy dose of electronica to spike the Llamas’ already heady brew, creating an apex of late 90s-style neo-exotica. RIYL: Mouse On Mars, Oval, Grand Royal, Dots and Loops.
Hawaii
The High Llamas discover America – yes, it had been done before, but not via their envisaged pilgrims’ passage. Energized by the breakthroughs of Gideon Gaye, they went all-in, producing a wide-screen epic further exploring their unique agenda. The reference points multiplied, stretching through realms of classic pop and jazz, soundtrack music, exotica and neo-Americana, while charting a journey through musical landscapes of abiding lightness.
Gideon Gaye
This brave foray into conceptual art music produced a jaw-dropping reset on the 20th century pop perspective. The High Llamas engaged songwriting and production with an eye toward filmmaking. Digging through ephemera of choice vintages with post-modern zest, they struck a rich vein they could call their own – a kind of gothic Americana, formal aspects pushed to extremes. The spirit of discovery here can be vibrantly felt over 30 years later.
Santa Barbara
*1st ever LP pressing!* For The Llamas’ 1992 debut, Sean O’Hagan, working the sextant to navigate a post-Microdisney course in the musical world, posted them up as a guitar pop band (RIYL: NRBQ, Big Star, Steely Dan), with nine exquisitely crafted examples of the oft out-of-step sound. Had there been no more after this, Santa Barbara would still be sought-after buried treasure by the perennial waves of voyagers seeking these sweet, jangling spices to this very day.
Monster A Go-Go (Teen Trash From Psychedelic Tokyio '66-'69)
Sought-after compilation exploring the Group Sound movement that swept Japan in the mid 1960s. Under the influence of the Beatles dozens of Japanese bands devoted themselves to exporting a wide genre that ranged from surf-rock, garage fuzz, psych and wild R&B. Featuring the influential The Mops, the Filipino band (relocated to Hong Kong) D’Swooners and The Golden Cups.
Dragon Man
"Only a decade ago Leong Lau remained a well-hidden Malaysian-Australian treasure, known only to small circles of Australian record collectors. In 2013 we met Leong in person at the Brisbane state library, where after a long and somewhat transcendental ‘conversation’ received his blessings to re-release his music. In 2014, we reissued his sophomore album ‘That Rongeng Sound’ and later in 2021, his sole single ‘Late Night Flyer. In 2024, we are going back to finish the triangle of Leong releases,…
Take A Picture
Take A Picture is Margo Guryan’s one and done classic — one of record collecting’s real unheralded masterpieces — bright, breezy, lightly psychedelic, and utterly cosmopolitan, recorded in New York City no less. Newly restored by Jessica Thompson from the original two-track safety masters, this beguilingly melodic 1968 pop tour-de-force has never sounded better.
Solar Motel (Expanded)
*2024 repress* Over the last two decades Philadelphia-based guitarist Chris Forsyth has released over a dozen critically lauded albums that have established him as one of today’s most unique and acclaimed guitar player /composers – a forward-thinking classicist synthesizing cinematic expansiveness with a pithy lyricism and rhythmic directness that makes even his 20-minute workouts feel as clear, direct, and memorable as a 4-minute song. In retrospect, Forsyth’s career can be divided into two per…
Desert Places
Satin Whale was a German progressive rock band, which formed in the early 1970s, known for their intricate compositions and a sound that blended elements of rock, jazz, and symphonic music. The band gained a reputation for their technical proficiency and ability to weave together complex musical passages with melodic sensibilities, characteristic of the progressive rock genre during that era.
Their debut album, Desert Places, was released on the Brain label in 1974. This album is a hallmark of t…
Stop Look And Listen
Epitaph is a German rock band that originated in Dortmund in 1969. They are known for their blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and early heavy metal, creating a sound that combines intricate guitar work with strong melodies and harmonies. The band gained a following in the 1970s, particularly in Germany and parts of Europe, where they became known for their dynamic live performances and solid musicianship.
Their second studio album, Stop, Look and Listen, was released on Polydor in 1972. This…
Epitaph
Epitaph is a German progressive rock band formed in Dortmund in 1969. Known for
blending elements of hard rock, progressive rock, and early heavy metal, Epitaph
carved out a unique niche in the early 1970s rock scene. Their music often features
complex compositions, melodic guitar work, and strong vocal harmonies, reflecting
the influence of both British and American rock.
Their self-titled debut album, Epitaph, was released on the Polydor label in 1971.
The album showcases the band’s early sou…
Live In Kontich
*Standard edition, 217 copies* The Legendary Pink Dots has released many live in its history but most often with albums that brought together recording from various locations. Today and now available, is the first double live record of a full concert from the 80s era. All great bands all have their legendary “double live” performances in their history. This has now been achieved for the Dots with this recording in Kontich, and Fractal is very happy to be able to offer it to you. Live in Kontich …
Last Autumn's Dream
Experimental fusion project Jade Warrior began in the early 70s when percussionist/flutist Jon Field and guitarist Tony Duhig joined forces with bassist Glyn Havard; Field and Duhig had been in Second Thoughts which later became July. By the time of Last Autumn’s Dream the group was a quintet with drummer Alan Price and Tony’s younger brother David on lead guitar, allowing for denser explorations of the contrast between world music fusion and acid rock: Dave’s searing guitar leads jostle with ea…
The Other Half
Reissue of the Californian psychedelic band's only album released on Acta Records in 1968. Their sound was influenced by early Rolling Stones and Yardbirds (not coincidentally, guitarist Randy Holden, later on also in Blue Cheer, was offered to replace Jeff Beck). Their name gained attention after their single ‘Mr. Pharmacist’ was included in the famous Nuggets collection.