Loose Values

Heavy hardcore psych madness from my furls in Portland aptly named Loose Values. This demo "Raging Bullshit" from earlier this year sounds like a massive sonic blunt object hitting you on the head while you're tripping on shitty acid. Hence why I like it so much. Great distorted vocals and guitar combined with some killer drumming by the Wyld Chyld creates the savage beast of Loose Values. "Diddy Mau Diddy," "Transdental Medication" and "Food Porn Illness" make me want to lose it, but they all rip equally. Bout time you assholes come play in Austin ehh? Very stoked to be posting this and keep jammin' my furly friends, now get back to work Drew...
Oxycontin Pizza(We Deliver)

Lucifer's Friend

Just pulled this one out of the archives and have been crankin' it up all day, the heavy dark mastery of Germany's Lucifer's Friend S/T debut album from '70. One listen below to the first track "Ride In The Sky" and you'll know what I mean. Call it progressive, doom or just straight up heavy metal- it doesn't matter, these guys were on to something back in '70. If you recognize the vocalist and can't quite think of who it is, your probably right- it's John Lawton who later went on to join Uriah Heep in '76. Love me some Heep, "Easy Livin" is the shit. Lucifer's Friend went on to make some pretty shitty albums, but this album has with stood the test of time and is very underrated. Anyway, have a listen and tell me if it's as rad as I think it is. Play loud and enjoy...

Toxic Shadows

White Hills

Postings have been sporadic due to the constant pleasures of moving my shit, which as many of you know is a huge pain in the dick. I fucking hate moving, it has officially became my least favorite thing to do. So what do I do to cure this seemingly endless battle of packing? Blast heavy psych mindfuckery that's what. Enter the '07 debut Heads On Fire by White Hills, a neo-psychedelic outfit that's single handily attempting to resurrect the styles of speed-induced Hawkwind psychedelia. Fueled by distorted bass, synthesizers and long fuzz guitar solos, these New Yorkers don't fuck around. Enter this wall of sonic sound, you won't be disappointed...
Don't Be Afraid

Os Brazoes

Here's a nice slice of Brazilian psych tropicalia for your minds, this rare album of super fuzzy psych is all over the map while still staying within Brazil's samba traditions. Os Brazoes released this self-titled album in '69 channeling a heavier psychedelic sound than most other native bands of the time in Brazil such as Os Mutantes and Gilberto Gil. There's also a cover of Jorge Ben's "Carolina" who I posted a while back. Time to tune in and let go with this one, enjoy...
Here

African Fuzz and Funk Vol. 1

Finally threw together a mix of some of my favorite African Fuzz/Funk tracks that I've been listening to lately- I've had these gems on repeat around the house for at least half a year now. I've always been on the fringe of attempting to grasp the amazing amounts of music that comes out of Africa, but it's really intimidating knowing my addictive personality. It's also extremely life-affirming when you discover a whole new genre of music that you never knew existed and have it take over everything your listening to. I've always picked up obscure African funk around the blog-sphere or off compilations, but my new fascination lies with the mid-70s psych fuzz brilliance of Zambia's "Zam-Rock." I first heard Chrissy Zebby Tembo a couple years back which began my quest to find anything else that remotely sounded like it. I then discovered Amanaz which blew my mind along with Witch and The Ngozi Family. Long story short, you should listen to this. Even better is you also have somebody doing all the work for you over in Africa- Brooklyn DJ Frank Gossner has erected the holy mothership of a blog Voodoo Funk which makes my blog look like a fucking piss ant. Frank came up with the idea of traveling all around Africa putting up billboards asking people to sell him their old vinyl resulting in a plethora of un-tapped killer African funk, afro-beat, disco and fuzz/psych. Fucking genius idea, why didn't I think of that? Check out his adventures here and be prepared to put in some time. He's also re-releasing many of the albums that he has found, including the Psychedelic Aliens which everyone is anticipating in October. All right enough blathering, let's get into the music shall we? Here's a small sampling of some stuff I've found, and if you have something you think I'd like- hit me up, enjoy:

Ah! Congo- Orchestre National du Congo
Feeling Good- Chrissy Zebby Tembo & Ngozi Family
Bazali Bam- Bazali Bam
Easy Street- Amanaz
05. A5- The Blackfoot
Atate- Ngozi Family
Eté Endénesh Gèdawo- Mèllèssè, Mulugèn
Little Clown- The Witch
Peter Tsotsi, Nashil Pichen & The Equator Sound Band - Pole Musa
History of Man- Amanaz
Khubani- J. K. Mayengani And The Shingwedzi Sisters
Hold On- Ngozi Family
Betchayen Tegodahu- Alemayehu Eschete
Ebeto dabi- Vis-a-Vis
My Ancestors- Chrissy Zebby Tembo & Ngozi Family
Oyonko Brebo- African Brothers Dance Band
17. B4- The Blackfoot
Yeqer Mèmèkatesh- Mahmoud Ahmed
Better Change Your Mind- William Onyeabor
Wozani Mahipi- Mahotella Queens
Everything Is Over- Ngozi Family

Hold On it's rapidshare

Juan De La Cruz

Here's your new favorite album, the heavy psych of the Philippines' Juan De La Cruz with Up In Arms from '71. This is the band's debut after forming in '68 to bring heavy rock to their native country. This album is all over the map blending flutes, piano, and saxophones into killer heavy guitar work. If you don't believe me, listen to "Requiem For A Head" and my personal favorite "Mystery Roach" with it's dirty sax woven into a fuzzy guitar riff. The original six tracks along with an additional five live tracks that surprisingly sound really good are included in the album. Don't sleep on this, enjoy...
Beep Beep

Pugh Rogefeldt

It's hotter than the devil's gooch here in Portland causing much impatience on the PC lately, but we're back online with a quick post for your summertime blues. Here's the Swedish singer Pugh Rogefeldt's track "Love, Love, Love" which DJ Shadow fans will recognize instantly for the killer break at the beginning of the track that he sampled for "Mutual Slump" back in the day. It just so happens the track is worthwhile in it's entirety, it has a psychedelic blues/funk feel to it. Enjoy...

Socrates Drank The Conium

Still ridin' strong on some psychedelic sounds, they always seem to find their way back into my rotation during the summertime. Especially these two albums of heavy prog psych madness by Socrates Drank The Conium, Greece's creative answer to the copious influences of such bands as Jimi, Cream, and Black Sabbath during the late 60s and early 70s. But the insane guitar playing of Socrates' guitarist Yannis Spathas elevates them above many who attempt to navigate the realms of progressive music. So I give to you in my opinion their two best albums: their '72 self-titled debut which concentrates on a more bluesy/psychedelic voyage and their third album On The Wings which is heavier and darker. Socrates' frontman Antonis Tourkoyorgis sometimes strained vocals are hokey at times, but this only adds to the ingenuity of a band who has long been overlooked. Let's also not forget Greece was a dictatorship during this period, which probably explains the straight forward lyrical content and anti-establishment song titles. It is also possible that if it weren't for the circumstances, Greece could of given us Socrates Drank The Conium back in the day instead of Yanni. Enjoy...
Socrates Drank The Conium
On The Wings

Attila

It's been a while since I've posted some novelty tomfoolery, so prepare for the 1970 debut self-titled album by Attila- the two-piece band of Jon Small and Billy Joel. Yes, that's right, the "Piano Man" and "We Didn't Start The Fire" Billy Joel. It's hard to imagine and almost comforting to know that Billy wasn't always completely lame, that is to say if you like ridiculous Hammond B3 organ trading with heavy drums and psychedelic riffs. Billy has labeled this album "Psychedelic Bullshit" which has only intensified my love for it, apparently he has tried to stop all production of the album and deny it's existence. This upsets me considering this the best work he has ever done- by far. The story gets even better, Attila broke up because Billy ran off with Small's wife. So even if Billy wants to run from his roots of being as I like to call him the "psychedelic butcher," (what the fuck is up with the meat all over the album cover?) don't be afraid to listen to this little sordid piece of rock history. By the way, it's pretty fucking good all things considered. Highlights include "Brain Invasion" and "Wonder Woman." Enjoy...
Only The Good Die Young

Smash

Finally getting back to reality after my week of vacation, and there's not a better way to return than with the hard psych Spanish rockers Smash. Smash was formed in '67 by sitar player Gualberto who recorded two killer albums Glorieta de los Lotos and We Come To Smash This Time in the early 70s. Imagine the Pretty Things playing psychedelic acid rock with sitars and wailing, backward guitars- you might be getting close to the sound of Smash. Here's a little taste off their album Glorieta de los Lotos titled "One Hopeless Whisper" along with their full second album We Come To Smash This Time which is my favorite. Smash is definitely one of Spain's best exports, check this shit out and enjoy...

Don't Be Sad Baby

Arthur Verocai

Finally getting around to posting this gem, I picked it up a couple years back and didn't give it much of a listen until recently. Now I can't stop listening to this unique Brazilian masterpiece. Composer, producer, and guitar player Arthur Verocai's one and only self-titled album from '72 plays like a 70's film soundtrack capturing funk, jazz, psychedelic, and organic electronic styling within its ten tracks. As I began researching more about Verocai, I came to realize he arranged one of my favorite Brazilian bands O Terco's first album and played a major part in the development of Brazilian music. Then, to no suprise, super crate digger Egon of Stones Throw wrote a piece about Verocai on NPR Music which can be read here. The tracks "Presente Grego" and "Na Boca do Sol" are definite standouts, but the track "Caboclo" is my personal favorite- the smooth organic psychedelic synths capture me every time I hear it. This album comes to you in perfect time for summer, play this while your outside on the porch lampin', a definite must have. Enjoy...
Brazil

Amon Duul II

Amon Duul II developed out of a political artist commune in Germany during the 60's becoming one of the founding creators of the experimental Krautrock sound. This band was in the same radical commune as the founders of the Baader-Meinhof Group, but the members of the band did not agree with their violent political agenda. There's an interesting film made about the group titled The Baader-Meinhof Complex, get more info here. Here's in my opinion their best album, Yeti from '70. The crazy improvisations and progressive sounds within this album put them with Can as the two most important Krautrock bands. "Archangels Thunderbird" is my favorite track off the album- check out these primal, visceral psychedelic sounds and let me know what you think.
Yeti

Loop

If I had to describe Loop, I would say its the combination of the shoegaze of My Bloody Valentine coupled with the rawness of the Stooges and the spacey psych sounds of Can, Hawkwind, and Spaceman 3. But this still doesn't quite capture the sound of this dark, elusive London band who are still surprisingly under the radar since their first full release Heaven's End in 1987. I give you this album along with their EP Black Sun from '88. The title track on the EP is a great listen, and it also contains a rad cover of Can's "Mother Sky." If you like hypnotic, repetitive riffs with spacey psychedelic overtones- this is the band for you.
Heaven's End
Black Sun

Underground Disco Vol. 1

Yeah, that's right... Disco on Furltracks. Before you stop following this blog after this post, let me persuade you to check this mix out. I've stumbled across most of these tracks over the years accidentally with each one grabbing my attention at first listen. This mix is a listen into the underground disco scene over the last 30+ years. I guess I could label most of these tracks post-disco, but I'm not into labels. I could also say that most of these tracks have had a huge influence on hip-hop and electronic artists, but all of these tracks can stand on their own. This is a mix of dope clap beats, new and old synthy joints, space jams and plain weird shit that's a great soundtrack for a late night blown-out dance shindig. This mix travels to France, Italy, New York, and Chi-town to make you dance:

Artifical Intelligence- Nite Jewel
Cosmic Daddy- Venus Gang
Space Bass- Slick
Roman Photo- Ruth
Yellow Sunshine- Yellow Sunshine
Get Down Boy- Paper Doll
Atmosphere Strut- Cloud One
Lost Angeles- Giorgio Moroder
Dance- ESG
New York Moving- Ahzz
I Hear Music In The Streets- Unlimited Touch
Funky Stuff- Lizzy Mercier Descloux
The Rock- East Coast
"H" Friend- Black Devil
Your Love Is In The Pocket- Premonition
Rock Candy- Weeks & Co.
Last Nite A DJ Saved My Life- Mirage
In the Bush- Musique
Go Bang!- Dinosaur L
Is it All Over My Face- Loose Joints

Enjoy

Big Business

Bassist and singer Jared Warren, former member of Karp, and Coady Willis, former drummer for Murder City Devils team up to create this exploration into stoner sludgy metal with the band Big Business. Their debut Head For The Shallow released in '05 is like Karp with riffs, an original sound that is hard to believe only a two piece can achieve. All 8 tracks on the album rip, "Focus Pocus" and "Eis Hexe" are my personal favorites, here's the whole album. Play loud.
Sludge

Can

One of the best Krautrock albums of all time, Can's experimental Tago Mago from '71 still blows my mind every time I listen to it. The album contains everything from deep heavy grooves to soft interludes, it's way ahead of it's time. This is definitely one of those albums that has had a deep influence on my musical tastes, see what the album does for you.
Tago Mago

Laghonia

The Peruvian garage psych band Laghonia released their debut album Glue in '68. They only went on to release one more album Etcetera in '71, channeling a different sound. This piece of prog flavored psychedelic garage is unmatched by any other Peruvian psych bands of the time such as Traffic Sound and El Polen, Laghonia uses a Hammond B-2 organ, heavy wah-wah guitar and a huge percussion section to produce their unique sound. You can hear many influences from bands such as the Yardbirds and Hendrix, check out "Glue" and "Billy Morsa."
http://www.mediafire.com/?mejgmd5gzl1

The Monks

One of the best and strangest stories in rock history is the story of the Monks. This is undoubtedly my favorite 60's garage album of all time, Black Monk Time released in '65 had to of shocked the shit out of everyone who heard it during that moment in time. I can only imagine how confused the Germans were when these guys started pounding minimalist beats and chanting into their microphones. I won't get into the band's history, but if you like them allmusic.com does a decent job of quickly explaining their story and their huge impact on modern music. I also suggest checking out the documentary titled Monks- The Transatlantic Feedback that came out in '06. A definite must have. Enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?yuydmmyo2mo

Baris Manco

Behold the king of Turkish Psych, Baris Manco. I'm posting a few cuts off two of his albums, the first three being off his '72 release Ben Bilirim. "Gelinlik Kizlarin Dansi" is a fierce fuzzy funk instrumental and "Vur Ha, Vur" is a psychedelic poppy jangle in Turkish. The third track is beyond explanation- " Acih Da Baga Vir." The next two tracks are off his album Sari Cizmeli Mehmet Aga from '77. The production quality of this album is a little better, the title track is amazing. After is the smooth sounds of "Ne Ola Yar Ola." Last but certainly not least is a 45 titled "Gonu Dagi" from '73. Prepare to get your mind blown. Check this bad mutha fucka, he looks like Lemmy's long lost Turkish brother.

The Gaslamp Killer

Gaslamp Killer is coming through Portland tonight at Holocene, so I'm posting his first outing tilted Gaslamp Killers from '07. It reminds me of early Shadow, very dark and mostly downtempo but much more psychedelic. His psychedelic hip-hop (I guess you can call it) is chalked full of great beats and samples, this album is a continuous 70+ minute mix that has many good moments. Here are some of them. Check him out live if possible, I've heard he puts it down.