IMPRESSIONS ON READING ALDOUS HUXLEY

I believe this was just recently issued on cd for the first time. An intersting and highly thought of Krautrock album from 1972. I found this a little tough to get into as we get a lot of abstract passages especially early on in the album. Lots of flute and Psychedelic sections. Some vocals but this is mostly instrumental. Drummer Dicky Tarach also played with A R & THE MACHINES. Very cool album cover too.

"Prologue" opens with the organ floating in then flute. "Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon...Ford" is the next track and yes I get it. A light beat as a powerful atmosphere rolls through. The music slows right down then picks up again. Nice bass 6 1/2 minutes in. "Lenina" opens with flute. It's fuller a minute in. People are talking. Back to flute before 3 minutes. "Soma" opens with what sounds like sitar but I don't think that's it, then the guitar comes in with organ and it sounds amazing as drums pound. Sounds like theremin 2 1/2 minutes in then the guitar returns late.

"Malpais Corn Dance" is mostly flute, percussion and vocal melodies. "The End" is the tour de force at over 17 1/2 minutes. Strummed guitar,flute and bass with lots of atmosphere early. It settles 3 1/2 minutes in with what sounds like cello and other sounds. A change 5 1/2 minutes in then the tempo picks up with strange sounds. Flute, drums, bass and strummed guitar 9 1/2 minutes in as it changes again. A dark drone with vocal melodies before 13 minutes, then flute and guitar joins in. Sax before 16 minutes. Incredible tune. "Epilogue" is spoken words and wind chimes with the wind blowing. A cool way to end this strange trip.

This isn't an album i've fallen in love with. It's not overly melodic or accessible, yet all the ingrediants are here. Easily 4 stars.