FANDANGOS IN SPACE

This album number is ranked #46 in the Rolling Stone list of 50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums of All Time.

Opeth frontman Mikael Akerfeldt told Metal Hammer in 2012 about this first Carmen album. "It's a crazy flamenco prog-rock folk record! They had tap dancing on the record and castanets too! Everyone I've played it to has been blown away by it."

Well, that sounds as music to my ears, such a huge appreciation for flamenco elements in prog music by such a known prog metal musician. As an aficionado of Rock Andaluz (from Triana and Cai to Medina Azahara and Sherish) since the late 70s I was excited when I stumbled upon the LP Fandangos In Space (Paramount Records version), in the early 90s.

But it didn't turn out to be that awesome musical experience as I expected. Simply because the music is not my beloved Rock Andaluz but an unique blend of many different styles, from rock and psychedelia to folk, avant-garde and flamenco, very adventurous, created in the captivating early 70s, in the London music scene. With help from legendary producer Tony Visconti, and musical friends like Marc Bolan and David Bowie who recommended the Carmen music to their friends. This resulted in 3 albums between 1973 and 1975, and playing as a support act for Santana, Blue Oyster Cult, ELO and Jethro Tull. Carmen's stage performances featured Amaral and Angela Allen (David Allen's sister) dancing on a specially amplified stage floor so that their zapateado (flamenco footwork) became an integral percussive addition to the music.

But back to the music on this album (I consider Fandangos In Space as their best effort), it's mainly rock-oriented, but varied and dynamic, blended with avant-garde, psychedelia, folk and flamenco in a very adventurous way. Not always my cup of tea (and in fact a bit disappointing because I had expected more flamenco elements) but the music is fascinating, surprising, exciting, and performed by 5 skilled musicians, including ex-Jethro Tull bass player John Glascock and ex-T. Rex drummer Paul Fenton. Lots of swinging rock in the 11 tracks, with fiery guitar runs and powerful riffs, at some moments mixed with soaring Mellotron, classical guitar or the art of the flamenco with guitar, castagnettes and zapateados (footwork). The music is topped with strong vocals (male and female), and lots of vocal harmonies (English, with some Spanish).

Every serious proghead should have had at least one listening session with this album, unique prog in the genuine tradition.

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