mail: daniel_fjall@hotmail.com
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the crazy world of arthur brown
The Crazy World of Arthur Brown Released: 1967 Rating: 6/10 Track listing: 1. Prelude/Nightmare/ 2. Fanfare/Fire Poem/ 3. Fire/ 4. Come And Buy/ 5. Time/Confusion/ 6. I Put A Spell On You/ 7. Spontaneous Apple Creation/ 8. Rest Cure/ 9. I’ve Got Money/ 10. Child of My Kingdom Arthur Brown released this very theatrical album in 1967, perhaps the most satisfying and groundbreaking year in the short history of rock and pop music. The music sounds something like the Doors with a horn section. Every now and then a violin or flute is added for good measure. The most important instrument here is the organ. It’s all over the place. Sometimes the playing is just amazing and sometimes it’s just too much. If you don’t like the sound of an organ you better stay away. The songwriting isn’t always the best, but sometimes it really works. Melodic and lyrical hooks can be found here and there, but otherwise the real enjoyment lies in the arrangements. Steady bass lines, great drumming and of course the already mentioned organ. 60’s blues/pop with experimental attitude that sometimes makes Piper At The Gates of Dawn seem like a sell out. Arthur Brown's vocals are sometimes a bit over the top, but when he concentrates and really tries he’s a great singer. “Time And Confusion” and the Zombies-sounding “Rest Cure” is the proof of that and are easily among the albums highlights. “Fire,” with its interesting musical ideas and groovy rhythm, grabbed the #1 spot in the English charts and climbed its way up to #2 in the US. Arthur Brown only recorded sporadically after this debut album and played the priest in the Who’s movie Tommy.
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