BLACK TAR PROPHECIES VOL'S 1, 2, & 3

I am amazed that this one has slipped under the radar for so long. It's a distinctive concoction of psychedelic, prog,experimental, krautrock, and American folk with hints of jazz and subdued stoner rock. The level of talent displayed here is on par with legends like Pink Floyd. Remember the days when bands followed their own unique muse where ever it led instead of trying to sound like someone else? The variety of sounds ranges from the fuzzy lumbering buzz of Belgian Wake Up Drill, the sweet strings of Smokey Room to the folky plucking on Erosion Blues. I have heard that Popol Vuh was an influence on these guys. Well this is what Popol Vuh would sound like if they rocked out. There is alot of excellent guitar work and kick*ss drumming. Grails' sound is not derivative but I'll drop a few names for comparison's sake. If you like Pink Floyd, Popol Vuh, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Steve Hackett, Six Organs of Admittance, Porcupine Tree, Traffic etc. you may have a high tolerance for Black Tar Prophecies.