B-Side of Life

  A delicate document that portrays the solo acoustic guitar movement between 1966 and 1981. The artists in this compilation are varied and pretty much obscure, bringing us many acoustic gems. An essential compilation for fans of guitar solo work and another great issue by NUMERO GROUP. 

  Amazing release by NUMERO GROUP of dark and dystopian music from the dark side of the late 60's early 70's. Raw and gritty with tons of fuzz, 18 bands display their chops in an abundance of LSD fueled acid nightmares. Opening the compilation is Portuguese band, Xarhanga's single Acid Nightmare, released in 1973 by the Portuguese label Zip Zip. Acid Nightmares shows another side of the psychedelic movement, it is dark, abrasive, moody and sometimes dramatic. The vinyl release is accompanied by a beautiful and informative booklet that contains information about all the bands featured in this compilation. Unmissable. 

  Beautiful and soothing melodies from Laraaji, an 80-year-old musician considered a pioneer of new-age music. Another wonderful release by Numero Group, a label that never disappoints. The songs in the album are from the 1978 classic album "Celestial Vibration" and there is also space for other musical creations.  I recently heard an interview with the musician in the fantastic podcast "The gray area" which I highly recommend to get more acquainted with this amazing musician. 

  This UK ensemble only recorded this LP during 1967/69 but generated a whole array of commercially viable singles. Released in 1970 this album compiles earlier singles and and studio material including a rather straighforward cover of The Beatles's Ob-la-di ob-la-da. Released in 1970, this album features very competent pop with very light psych tinges typical of the era. The songwriting can be a bit inventive at times and the vocals are one of the highlights. Pretty pop for the summer. 

  Another bombastic release from the Killed by death series. It starts out as energic as ever with Kill Yourself by Lewd and continues to display punk rock raw energy all througout its 18 songs. It features 15 bands of pure punk power.  Sarcastic and humorous lyrics, killer riffs and intense vocals make up for an awesome release of the KBD series.   

  Bombastic compilation of extremely rare U.S and Canadian bands (1977-1982) and number 10 of the Killed by Death series started in 1988 by swedish record collector Johan Kugelberg.   Overall the tracks in this comp are quite melodic but fierce and there is an abundance of sarcastic lyrics. There were a couple of standouts for me like Laughing Lover by the Tragics, Spit on Your Grave by Cringe (reminiscent of Dead Kennedys),God knows you by name by Gentlemen of horror, and many other bangers.  A bootleg comp of interesting and frantic punk anthems.