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10 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.

ARTHUR BROWN ~ CHISHOLM IN MY BOSOM
ESOTERIC 2299 (Barcode: 5013929739925) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock

Recorded: 1977 Released: 2011

This little know album by the great British maverick Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist was completely ignored at the time of its release, but in retrospect it shows how versatile and brilliant Brown was with everything he touched. Recorded on a tight budget, Brown was able to collect around him some excellent musicians, including old friend from The Crazy World Of Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Vincent CraneFind albums by this artist and ex-Kingdom ComeFind albums by this artist guitarist Andrew DalbyFind albums by this artist. Brown wrote all but two songs on this album (including the 23 minutes long title track), with Dalby contributing one and a new version of "I Put A Spell On You", which was also featured on his debut album. Brown´s vocal performances are, as usual, unparalleled and they always work for me. The music is perhaps less Prog oriented that the earlier solo and Kingdom Come material, but still is definitely worth listening to, especially if Brown´s enchanting voice and his unique dramatics are your cup of tea. A must to all Arthur Brown Fans!
 CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN ~ LONG LONG ROAD
MAGNETIC EYE 088 (Barcode: 884388732223) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock

Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022

If there are unsung heroes in Rock, the British vocalist / songwriter / bandleader Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist is perhaps the most notable of them. At the remarkable age of eighty (he was born in 1942), he still makes music more exciting than all the musicians, half or quarter his age, seem to be able to come up with these days. Totally unjustly mostly considered as a “one hit wonder” as a result of the success of his magnificent song “Fire”, back in 1968, his frenzy activity since and his remarkable recorded output puts most of the competition in deep shame, with dozens of albums as a solo artist, leader of bands (see Kingdom ComeFind albums by this artist in the early 1970s) and collaborative recordings, all simply brilliant, regardless or perhaps as expected, simply too good to be commercially successful. Brown managed to ignore the passing of time more extraordinarily than most and his writing talent and vocal ability remain completely untouched, with sublime operatic vocal range and superb power of expression. I am sort of proud of myself for staying faithful to his charm over the years and following his releases closely, even if I was one of the very few music critics doing this.

This album was created together with multi-instrumentalist Rik PattenFind albums by this artist, with whom Brown collaborated almost a decade earlier on the “The Magic HatFind albums with this title” album, who plays all the instruments on this album (a plethora of them), leaving the vocal duties to Brown. All the eight songs (one in two parts) were co-written by the two and they offer a superb mixture of the entire Rock idiom sub-genres, including Blues, Psychedelia, Rock Ballads and the usual Jazzy touch, which seems to be Brown’s alter ego and perhaps is one of the reasons I love his music so much.

Overall, this is a superb Rock album, fresh and kicking, with a lot of added values rarely found anywhere else, a Jazzy feel and those magnificent screamy vocals, it just does not get any better as far as Rock is concerned. Great to see Brown alive and active and, as usual, waiting for his next album. I just can’t recommend that one enough I suppose…Do yourself a favor and grab a copy!
Updated: 07/01/2023Posted: 07/01/2023CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN ~ RADIO SESSIONS 1968 / 1972 / 1975
GONZO 299 (Barcode: 5060230865775) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock

Recorded: 1968 - 1975 Released: 2016

This is an archival release that presents radio sessions recorded by the British Rock vocalist / composer Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist and his various groups. The first five tracks recorded in 1968 are by The Crazy World Of Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, the next four tracks recorded in 1971 and 1972 are by his group Kingdom ComeFind albums by this artist and the last five tracks recorded in 1975 are credited only to his name. The booklet gives no information about the sources of the recordings, most of which were obviously done by the BBC. Judging by the sound quality of the tracks they are all home recording of BBC broadcasts rather than the original radio recordings. Most of the material consists of original songs by Brown.

The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown tracks are of course live replicas of the tracks from the debut album, brilliantly performed by organist Vincent CraneFind albums by this artist, bassist Nick GreenwoodFind albums by this artist and drummer Drachen TheakerFind albums by this artist and the charismatic vocals by Brown are absolute classics. These tracks were recently released on the Super Deluxe Edition reissue of the debut album.

The Kingdom Come tracks are superb Progressive Rock material originating from the group´s debut album "Galactic Zoo DossierFind albums with this title" and their third album "JourneyFind albums with this title", which puts a big question mark on the given dates of the recording as the third album was only released in 1973. These tracks were probably recorded in 1973 and released unofficially before.

The last batch of tracks was recorded when Brown released his solo album "Dance" and presents him performing Pop / Rock material, but with his usual twist, brilliant vocal delivery and excellent instrumental backup, which includes saxophonist George KhanFind albums by this artist and other great players. As far as I could find out, these tracks are previously unreleased.

Overall this is a mixed bag, pretty sloppily put together and suffering from pretty bad sound quality at times on one hand, but offering some brilliant music on the other hand. Approach with caution, but don´t ignore if you are a fan of Arthur Brown!
Updated: 30/09/2019Posted: 30/09/2019CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN ~ SPEAK NO TECH / REQUIEM
LEMON 158 (Barcode: 5013929775824) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1981 - 1982 Released: 2010

British singer / songwriter Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist, a marvelous maverick and eccentric who constantly pushed the limits of Avant-Garde Rock, was also one of the first artist to embrace the new computer technology, which arrived on the music-making scene in the early 1980s. Following the unexpected success Brown enjoyed in the late 1960s with his hit song "Fire", he later founded the excellent Kingdom ComeFind albums by this artist, one of the best British progressive bands of the early 1970s. By the early 1980s Brown relocated for a while to the USA, where he recorded these two albums with the help of two legendary local producers Craig LeonFind albums by this artist and Earle MankeyFind albums by this artist, both pioneers of the computer-aided studio work. Although I can be hardly considered a fan of the dreadful 1980s computerized sound, which eventually emerged from the pioneering efforts, these two albums are quite unique and remain interesting 30 years later. Brown´s mesmerizing vocals and weirdly wonderful lyrics are still unsurpassed and the use of computer sounds and drum machines is truly groundbreaking here. These two albums were reissued on CD in the early 1990s, but have disappeared again soon after. This new edition, expanded with bonus tracks, is a proper tribute to one of Britain´s true musical visionaries. Not for everybody, but Brown´s fans will surely love to see this material available again. Recommended!
Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN / KINGDOM COME ~ GALACTIC ZOO DOSSIER
CASTLE 807 (Barcode: 5050159180721) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock


1st album from 1971. After the `Crazy World of Arthur Brown` collapsed, with Crane and Palmer leaving to start Atomic Rooster, Brown founded his second group called Kingdom Come, whch was even more revolutionary and outrageous then the first. Mixing elements of Avant-Garde, psychedelia, Prog and Jazz the group produced a remarkable sound years ahead of its time. It was dark, dense, complex and always bitterly sarcastic and hillarious. Some great playing and Brown`s vocal virtuosity make this a rare treat.
Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN / KINGDOM COME ~ GALACTIC ZOO DOSSIER (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2179 (Barcode: 5013929727922) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1971 Released: 2010

1st album by brilliant British Prog band Kingdom ComeFind albums by this artist led by singer Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist. Following the collapse of The Crazy World Of Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist (soon after drummer Drachen TheakerFind albums by this artist was fired and replaced for a brief time by Carl PalmerFind albums by this artist, who together with Vincent CraneFind albums by this artist left the band to start the great Atomic RoosterFind albums by this artist) Brown started to put together his new band. Eventually he was joined by guitarist Andrew DalbyFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Julian BrownFind albums by this artist and Michael HarrisFind albums by this artist, bassist Desmond FisherFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin SteerFind albums by this artist, creating a superb outfit capable of playing outstanding music. Combining elements of Art-Rock, Prog, Psychedelia, Avant-Garde, Jazz and even Classical, this was music eons ahead of its time. This music is revolutionary and outrageous, intelligent and funny, full of complex compositions with frequent rhythm shifts and multi-melodic themes; in short dazzling every step of the way. Brown´s unique vocal delivery adds another dimension to the already multifaceted package. Sadly the music was not appreciated at the time of its release and only decades later discovered as a true gem, as rightly deserved. Brilliant stuff and a must for every Prog fan!
Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN / KINGDOM COME ~ JOURNEY
CASTLE 806 (Barcode: 5050159180622) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1972 Released: 2003

3rd and last album by this great group, which pioneered many of the Avant-Garde Prog developments that would pop-up only many years later. The use of electronics and programmed drums make this one of the first albums to feature them. The material is absolutely amazing and years ahead of its time and Brown`s vocals are stunning as usual. What a pity they did not record more material!
Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN / KINGDOM COME ~ JOURNEY (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2187 (Barcode: 5013929728721) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1972 Released: 2010

3rd and last album by brilliant British Prog band Kingdom ComeFind albums by this artist led by singer Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist. Following the release of the second album, the band´s personnel shifted slightly and Brown was joined by guitarist Andrew DalbyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Victor PerianoFind albums by this artist and bassist Phil ShuttFind albums by this artist, creating a superb outfit capable of playing outstanding music in spite of the fact that they had no drummer and used electronic drums for the job – the first band ever to do so. Combining elements of Art-Rock, Prog, Psychedelia, Avant-Garde, Jazz and even Classical, this was music eons ahead of its time. This music is revolutionary and outrageous, intelligent and funny, full of complex compositions with frequent rhythm shifts and multi-melodic themes; in short dazzling every step of the way. Brown´s unique vocal delivery adds another dimension to the already multifaceted package. Sadly the music was not appreciated at the time of its release and only decades later discovered as a true gem, as rightly deserved. Brilliant stuff and a must for every Prog fan!
Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN / KINGDOM COME ~ KINGDOM COME
CASTLE 805 (Barcode: 5050159180523) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1972 Released: 2003

2nd album by the brilliant UK outfit Kingdom ComeFind albums by this artist, led by singer Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist. Considered by many as their strongest release (out of the 3 albums they recorded), it features some fascinating music, which was visionary and Avant-Garde. Complex compositins with frequent rhythms shifts and multi-melodic themes, all performed flawlessly. Add Brown`s outstanding vocal ability and you have a formula of a sure winner. Timeless!
Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN / KINGDOM COME ~ KINGDOM COME (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2186 (Barcode: 5013929728622) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock

Recorded: 1972 Released: 2010

2nd album by brilliant British Prog band Kingdom ComeFind albums by this artist led by singer Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist. Following the release of the debut album, the band´s personnel shifted slightly and Brown was joined by guitarist Andrew DalbyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Michael HarrisFind albums by this artist, bassist Phil ShuttFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin SteerFind albums by this artist, creating a superb outfit capable of playing outstanding music. Combining elements of Art-Rock, Prog, Psychedelia, Avant-Garde, Jazz and even Classical, this was music eons ahead of its time. This music is revolutionary and outrageous, intelligent and funny, full of complex compositions with frequent rhythm shifts and multi-melodic themes; in short dazzling every step of the way. Brown´s unique vocal delivery adds another dimension to the already multifaceted package. Sadly the music was not appreciated at the time of its release and only decades later discovered as a true gem, as rightly deserved. Brilliant stuff and a must for every Prog fan!
Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

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