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Kazuhiro View Drop Down
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Joined: January 14 2009
Location: Tokyo, Japan
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Points: 1336 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: CMU
    Posted: December 15 2009 at 18:30

The Internet of Japan actually drew out this CMU from the item of Canterbury. However, music has diversity.

It was thought that it was likely to go to Prog Folk when thinking overall.

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Logan View Drop Down
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Joined: April 05 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
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Points: 37232 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2009 at 14:24
In this case it stands for Contemporary Music Unit.  Here's the rateyourmusic page: http://rateyourmusic.com/artist/cmu

From CD universe: http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7770582

Quote 2008 digitally remastered reissue of Space Cabaret by CMU, the band's final album originally released in 1973. This unique masterpiece is a much sought after collectors item originally released on the Transatlantic label. CMU (Contemporary Music Unit) were a unique fusion of Progressive Rock, Jazz and Folk influences. Following on from their debut Open Spaces, CMU changed line-ups and recruited Leary Hasson on Mellotron from label mates Marsupilami. Space Cabaret was CMU's masterwork which was fully in keeping with the mood of the times. In Larraine Odell, CMU had one of the few female vocalists of the Progressive era, a fine vocalist supported by a fine band. Esoteric.

2 LPs on 1 CD: SPACE CABARET (1971)/OPEN SPACES (1972).

Personnel: Richard Joseph (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar); Larraine Odell (vocals, guitar); Ian Hamlett (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Leary Hasson (keyboards); Roger Odell (drums).

Recording information: Rockfield Studios, Monmouth, Wales (09/1972-10/1972).


From http://www.planetmellotron.com/revc1.htm

Quote Cambridge-based CMU (Contemporary Music Unit, apparently) were a sort of folky/bluesy/proggish outfit, like so many at the turn of the '70s, and they managed a couple of albums that are probably as much sought after now for their rarity value as their musical worth. Their debut, Open Spaces (***½) isn't actually bad; in fact, its psych-ish title track is well worth hearing, but overall it really isn't that exciting.

By their 2nd album, Space Cabaret, CMU had moved away from their bluesy roots into a more folk/psych direction, although they could also rock out when the mood took them. There's some really nice moments on the album, but it's no classic, to be honest, and a bit dated for '72. There's a fair bit of Mellotron strings on Archway 272 (presumably referring to the area of North London), but I wouldn't buy it for that alone.

So; not a bad album, a bit of 'Tron, that's about it, really.

I agree with the review and David that it ain't that good, but I think it fits PA.  Kazuhiro, which category would you put it in?
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rushfan4 View Drop Down
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Joined: May 22 2007
Location: Michigan, U.S.
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Points: 66588 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2009 at 12:59
In my neighborhood, CMU means Central Michigan University.  Their marching band is pretty good, but I don't think they belong on PA.  Their chamber orchestra on the other hand might have a shot at avant. Wink
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Slartibartfast View Drop Down
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Joined: April 29 2006
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Points: 29630 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2009 at 12:54
In my profession CMU = Concrete Masonry Unit. LOL
Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Logan View Drop Down
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Joined: April 05 2006
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Points: 37232 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 15 2009 at 12:02
I can remember discussing this band at some time and have real difficulty not seeing CMU as includable.  The first album has prog merits too even though it's bluesy.  Oh, and a band member of CMU once posted in a Canterbury topic about it.
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keiser willhelm View Drop Down
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Joined: September 14 2007
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Points: 1697 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 14 2009 at 21:59
ahhh concrete masonry units. my favorite.
What im listening to
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Atavachron View Drop Down
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Joined: September 30 2006
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Points: 65603 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 14 2009 at 21:27
I got Space Cabaret and was a bit let down, but I suppose they deserve a shot
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Kazuhiro View Drop Down
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Points: 1336 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: December 14 2009 at 20:52

Had this band had the discussion before?

It thought of it including some music characters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0-5rOWEMCM
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