THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN

Back in 1968 the smash hit single "Fire" sounded like nothing else at the time, i wore my copy out but only recently got round to buying this amazing album (better late than never!!). The original vinyl sounds fantastic if you can get hold of a good copy, though the reissued CD sounds ok. On it there are mono versions of the first five tracks which sounded rather different and lacklustre to me, especially "Fire". The stereo versions are quite different and sound normal, all the songs on the album still sound amazing. Produced by Who knob-twiddler Kit Lambert (Pete Townshend was associate Producer) and the keyboards and arrangement skills of Vincent Crane, this album holds a very special place in rock/prog history.

"Prelude - Nightmare" introduces the listener to Arthur Brown's wonderful vocals and Gillan- style screams, the fire/horror theme and story carries through with "Fanfare-Fire Poem", and the aforementioned hit "Fire" - "you're gonna BURN!!!!!". "God brother - you lie!"....."Come and Buy" continues the story starts with a slow plodding tempo which breaks into a typical 60's style rock rhythm, "come and see....come and buy..". This track has many interesting little motifs and signatures throughout, including a great brass section, very 60's sounding indeed. This is followed by a similar sounding "Time/Confusion", which includes half sung, half spoken vocals, backed by organ, strings and a glockenspiel, ends with a reprise of "Fire!" The next track is an all-time favourite standard of mine "I Put A Spell On You", there are some brilliant versions of this song, most notably by The Alan Price Set in 1966, the Arthur Brown version here is no exception, and includes some fine keyboard playing from Vincent Crane who you all know went on to form "Atomic Rooster". "Spontaneous Apple Creation" is another half sung/spoken song which includes some interesting lyrics about strawberries, three million people, confused devastation..... and apple creation! "Rest Cure" was released as the B- side to "Fire", a good song different to the mood of the album but fits in ok nevertheless. "I've Got No Money" is another track that seems disassociated with the theme of the album, but it's not a bad song. The last song "Child of the Kingdom" has a catchy piano "riff" if i may call it that, the song is a the longest track on the album and seems like a blues/jazz jam, and features all the musicians, including those who can whistle! It has some interesting keyboard effects here and there, and a very catchy chorus. Overall a very listenable album and for its musicianship, ideas and importance in prog rock history, an essential masterpiece!

MUSIC RATING 5/5 PROG RATING 4/5 HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE 5/5

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