Morgen

There have been a few unauthorised / bootleg CD releases of this 1969 album (I also own the World Psychedelia 2005 release) over the past few years but this reissue from Sunbeam Records appears to be a legitimate release.This album is a true HEAVY psych classic and Morgen's one and only album. Due to contractual issues it was released some 12 months after it was recorded and by then the band were drifting apart and it ultimately never received the success it deserved. The guitar playing is extraordinary and along with the heavy and sometimes almost tribal percussion and thundering bass, the musicianship is astonishing, as is the quality of the songwriting. With plenty of reverb, fuzz guitar and trippy vibes (check out the cool spaced-out female vocals on  Of Dreams ), this is essential listening for anyone with an interest in Sixties psychedelia.On the downside, it's in desperate need of a decent remix. Steve Morgrn takes care of most of the vocals and he is not the strongest of singers and on some of the tracks his vocals are too high in  the mix  and in places they almost overwhelm the music. A decent mix and a re-master from the master tapes would make this album five star worthy. Most new mixes and remasters are overrated but in the case of this album it would be a worthwhile exercise. The lasting impression is that if the vocals had matched those of the guitar playing and the album had been mixed better (and released on time), it would be regarded as one the classic albums of the sixties. It is in a way, but you do wonder what could have been.Alongside the original album, this reissue includes eight bonus tracks - the edited versions of 'Of Dreams' and 'She's The Nitetime' that comprised the A & B sides respectively of their sole 7" release and some home recordings by Steve Morgen from the early Seventies. The home recordings have a Stones' vibe to them and although competent, they're not particularly noteworthy. The sleeve notes consist of an extensive Q&A with Steve Morgen and some archive press cuttings and photos. The track list:Original Album (38:49):1. Welcome To The Void2. Of Dreams3. Begging Your Pardon (Miss Joan)4. Eternity In Between5. Purple6. She's The Nitetime7. LoveBonus Tracks (34:17):8. Of Dreams (45 Version)9. She's The Nitetime (45 Version)10. Street Walker11. Lady12. Too Many Americas13. Don't You Tell Me14. Maryjane15. Alpha Omega

I wasn't in the wrong when I supposed that this band will not be one of the numerous ordinary bands from US territory and Americans should be proud to have them!Yes,this is an unquestionable heavy psychedelic gem.They were from Long Island,NY and divided this label ABC/PROBE with Soft Machine.Firstly,their name was Morgen's Dreame Spectrum which concept described at the time as a"a trip from the beginning to the end of your dream...".Actualy,this album should be a dedication to Edward Munch which picture"The Scream"used on the cover.It was phantasmagoric decision.I think,it sound still fresh,strange and unique today.The line-up were:Steve Morgen-guitars,vocals,wrote all songs,Mike Ratti-drums,Bob Rizzo-bass,Murray Shiffrin-lead guitar and Barry Stock-guitar.Worth every penny!SUNBEAM RECORDS.

Absolutely fantastic. Just put your headphones on and let this album take you to another different level. A must for any lover of psychedelic music.