BRAINTICKET (COTTONWOODHILL) + PSYCHONAUT

I read about Brainticket in progarchives in mid-2006,particularly the song "Brainticket'',and how weird it sounds.I wanted to hear it for myself.A few months later,I obtained a cd of Brainticket,which was the "Cottonwoodhill/Psychonaut''CD(a 2LP's on 1 CD deal)for $21.50,in US dollars,and including postage.I was not dissapointed in my purchase!The cd kicks off with ''Black Sand''(4'03),which is a psychadelic-rock song,while ''Places Of Light''(4'02) is a melodic-rock song,with funk influences,and flute work,and the singer sounds more like she is talking rather than singing.Of course,the real highlight of the CD are the ''Brainticket''sections.''Brainticket,Part.1''(8'18)starts off with sounds such as broken glass,a car running,and sirens.The music kicks in after 33 seconds,and has a funk-like rhythm,with fuzz organ.While the music goes on,you can hear such sound effects as someone gargling water,someone brushing their teeth,or what sounds like it!?Also,you can hear a lady rambling about some stuff,along with other sound effects.''Brainticket,Part 1 Conclusion(4'35)starts out with the lady talking and letting out a scream,along with other sound effects,like bells ringing,people applauding,etc..while the music plays on.The song ends with a monkey screeching,and the intro to Beethoven's 5th.''Brainticket,Part.2'',which is just over 13 minutes,continues on with the funk-rhythm/fuzz organ,and the lady rambling,as well as the sound effects,are still audible.About 6 minutes into this section,you can hear a haunting voice saying BRAINTICKET some 5 or 6 times(it kind of sounds like a swarm of bees)This section ends with some crash-like sounds and the music stops!I read that the Cottonwoodhill LP came with a sticker that said "After you listen to this,your brain will not be the same''.I think that was just an over-exaggeration,a hype thing to get you to buy the album.And I fell for it(HA!HA!).I will say that the ''Brainticket''song(s) are high on the list of songs I like.I can only imagine what the "Brainticket''song(s)would look and sound like at a Laserium show!?The second part of the CD is the "Psychonaut''LP.''Radagacuca'',which is almost 7.5 minutes long,is a folk sounding song,featuring congos,sitar,acoustic guitar,flute,during the first 6.5 minutes of the song,then rocking out during the last minute of the song.''One Morning''(3'51)has a folk rock feel to it,with sounds of rain and thunder in the background at times,with piano work as well.''Watching You''(5'15)is an acid-rock song,with a bit of a heavy metal feel to it,and the female singer sounds like Grace Slick,during the first 3.5 minutes.Then,for the last part,there is an Indian music feel,with sitar work.''Like A Place In The Sun''(6'28) has a keyboard rock feel to it,and it kind of sounds like JEFFERSON AIRPLANE could have done this song.''Feel The Wind Blow''(3'32)has a folk feel to it.''Coc O Mary''(6'08) has a JETHRO TULL feel to it.I recommend this CD!

I knew nothing about this Swiss band when I borrowed this CD (available in Helsinki area) featuring their first and second albums. The leaflet had absolutely no info at all, just the original album covers. The music, as I learned by listening, is trippy, psychedelic, organ-led Krautrock with some female vocals. The debut is said to be one of the trippiest albums ever. Yeah, surely there's truth in it. It appeared to me a bit too unfocused and unstructured to really stand repeated listenings. The 13-minute final track goes pretty wild with the female voice - not singing but speaking and gradually being excited to orgastic frenzy. But overall the track is too long. The album has its intriguing moments but somehow fails to make a strong impression musically.

The follower is much better. Less trippy, more focused and also calmer and more delicate. Organ is still strongly present but also flute comes out nicely, and if I remember correctly (I haven't yet memorized the music well), many tracks have an acoustic atmosphere. The absence of information is regrettable especially with an unknown and obscure band like this, but the inclusion of two complete albums in a single disc is always a good thing. Definitely worth checking out for friends of psychedelic, vocal-included Krautrock.