The Animated Egg - Guitar Freakout (Sundazed)

Killer psych guitar record from the folks at Sundazed. This is about as lazy a post as you can get, but since the gang over there already went through the trouble of a press release, here goes:

"The late L.A. session guitar genius Jerry Cole has long been worshipped for his work with everyone from the Beach Boys and the Byrds to Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley and by surf fans as the leader of the Spacemen. But unbeknownst to many, Cole was also the driving force behind the Animated Egg, a fictitious band whose lone, self-titled 1967 LP is one of the greatest psychedelic exploitation records ever to hit the budget bins of U.S. chain stores—and eventually the want lists of big-spending DJs and collectors.

Comprised of splashy, fuzz-drenched “Now Sound” instrumental groovers, The Animated Egg easily lives up to both the eBay hype and the promise of its evocative track titles: “Sure Listic,” “Sock It My Way,” “Sippin’ and Trippin’,” and—yes indeed—“I Said, She Said, Ah Cid.” In addition to the rare self-titled LP by the Animated Egg, this collection also includes cuts by other related Cole projects: the Projection Company, the Generation Gap, T. Swift & the Electric Bag, and the Stone Canyon Rock Group. Sourced from the original analog masters, Sundazed’s glorious CD and high-definition double-LP vinyl editions of this hallowed prize are a must for turntablists and brain-trippers alike. "

2-LP set. If you're looking for a gift for me, look no further...

Si, Para Usted (Volumes 1 & 2)

Communist Cuban Funk from the 60's & 70's (although on volume two there is a completely out of place Juan Pablo Torres track from 1990). Mostly instrumental, superb sound quality. Each volume is a double-LP set pressed on 180-gram vinyl. Issued by Waxing Deep & Light In The Attic, a label you will be hearing much more from. Highly recommended

Los Holy's - Sueno Sicodelico (1967)

Los Holy's were a Peruvian Psych-Surf outfit who put out this killer record of instrumentals back in '67. The back sleeve of this LP sums up their vibe perfectly (albeit with a wonderful english-as-a-second-language quality): "Los Holys symbolize the restless and evolved heart of today's youth. Do we know all of the sounds that are heard at the bottoms of the sea? Space stations don't capture sound-waves produced at thousands of light years? We will try to reproduce those sounds with our instruments and maybe they'll end up being more pleasant than the crashing of waves." This is almost as perfect an instrumental record as you can get, forgiving the super-cheesy surf rendition of Unchained Melody. This group was featured on each volume of Back To Peru, both tracks of which came off this record. Been meaning to post this one for quite a bit...

Margo Guryan - Take A Picture (1967)

Another record I've been quite obsessed with lately, I came across this one looking through the Sundazed catalog. Apparently the title track was used in a film commercial recently, though I'd never heard it (apparently the commercial didn't run on MSNBC...) The story about this gal goes something like this: classically trained jazz pianist from New York, discovers pop music through Pet Sounds, writes/records killer album, decides she doesn't want to tour, record flops, becomes music teacher in LA. Is this saccharine pop? Maybe (though I don't think so). Guryan's singing style comes across like a gentle whisper, and the tenderness of her lyrics only reinforce the comforting quality of this music. But what really stands out to me is the production. The drum sounds on this record are fantastic. The kick is prominent throughout, and the toms really pop out at you. Please give a listen and share your thoughts.