LET IT OUT

There's not a lot of information out there in regards to this obscure release from 1971. And just to clear up one thing, it's Frank Dymon Jr who is the vocalist here not Frank Dostal as it shows in the lineup section here on PA. I'd change it but for some reason I can't. Frank Dymon Jr. was a black American who has been described as a "black power militant" and he belonged to the UK wing of the Black Panther movement. The band here is a bunch of talented Germans and includes none other than Achim Reichel and Frank Dostal and others from A.R. & MACHINES along with Conny Plank who engineered this recording as well as adding some backup vocals on a couple of tracks.

How did these two unlikely camps come together is something I can't find out as the liner notes only show the lyrics and the musicians on each track. I can speculate though and since Reichel, Dostal and others were in a very popular German beat band they may have seen the movie released in 1968 called "Sympathy For The Devil" or "One Plus One" which on the one hand shows the ROLLING STONES making of the song "Sympathy For The Devil" and their feelings on subjects that were a focus in society back then like racism etc, and on the other hand the movie looked at the Black Panther movement which included Frankie Dymon Jr spreading his feelings through poetry. Of course the film dealt with a lot more stuff but I wonder if these young Germans saw this film and contacted Frankie about doing this project. Speculation on my part of course. Frankie Dymon Jr also directed a film in 1969 in the UK called "Death May Be Your Santa Claus" which also dealt with the plight of the blacks in society.

I should also mention that Frankie doesn't sing his poetry he speaks it. Also the music itself was composed by Achim Reichel except for the longest song which Frank Dostal created. It's interesting that Achim released his "Die Grune Reise" under the A.R. & MACHINES name the same year as this particular album was released. They are very different from one another.

Up first is "The City" with the drums being the focus early before it settles and Frankie starts to speak. Man this guy has a way with words and he really sounds like Jimi Hendrix whan he talks. A minute in the guitar, congas, marracas, clarinet, drums and more become promiant as Frankie continues. An instrumental break arrives before Frankie returns. An interesting track as he talks about arriving in Hamburg, Germany at night and how cold it was and that to him it was no different than Paris, New York or London as he stands alone amidst a million commuters. "Sylvia(On A Beautiful Saturday) reminds me of Kevin Ayers as we get picked guitar and whistling from Achim as Frankie talks about a beautiful happening. Very cool lyrics to this one. "Aftermyth" is the longest song at 10 1/2 minutes. This is the first track where Frankie reveals his passion against the negative things that are happeing in the world, and happeing to him in his life. This is also the first track that rocks out somewhat, especially Reichel's guitar work which starts before 3 minutes. Love the choirs before 6 1/2 minutes. An ominous atmosphere follows that sounds amazing as Frankie gets militant with his lyrics, like he's in the middle of this war. Orchestral sounds follow. "Wait, Nigger, Wait !" has interesting lyrics as guitar, clarinet and percussion lead instrumentally.

"Together Train" is different as it sounds live as he introduces the drums then guitar as we hear backing vocals. It then changes lyrically as he talks about this girl he met. Crazy stuff, very psychedelic as far as the words go. "Reflections" also deals with a woman from his past. Trippy music here and I like the lyrics. The organ is a nice touch after 2 minutes. Great tune ! "Soul Sister Andrea" has a bluesy flavour and some prominant bass as Frankie speaks about hope and liberation. "In The Same Bag" is about partying and the music is urgent. Frankie didn't dig it though when the woman he passed the pipe he was smoking to wiped the tip before she smoked it. It's all about the message. Such a good tune ! "Judy" is mostly strummed guitar, organ, drums, bass and spoken words. A relaxed song about a lady he had been with in the past. I like the choirs too. Excellent ! "No Title" ends it all in a sort of upbeat and hopeful manner about a past experience and relates to the big picture that Frankie was fighting for.

Thankyou to Guldbamsen who's review moved me to purchase this unique recording. Not your typical Krautrock if that's what it even is, but yes this is one record i'm glad I own.