Thursday 2 July 2015

Buchenfeld from Germany, 1982 [last of the no download!]






Shockingly this gorgeous, sublime folk rarity has a discogs page, for which Rhea and Nimbus don't. We have here two contrasting reviews on rateyourmusic, first from Tom:


As soon as the needle drops, it's clear we have landed in Basementopolis. This is some real primitive stuff right here. Primarily instrumental, with a slightly amplified guitar leading the charge. There are a few off-key vocals, and even some woodwinds, and there's a jazzy undertone throughout. As stated, we are talking raw material here, and I don't mean the UK band either. You can expect the sounds of Kaputter Hamster (whose guitarist is named Peter Buchfeld, hmmm) and Dorian Gray as played by Crystalaugur. However, Buchenfeld have a genuine positive disposition, which separates this from the typical dour German mood - at least for this type of music. Not a bad record all things considered, and worth finding a copy for a listen. I suspect this was a demo not ready for prime time, so it's probably not a good prospect for a reissue, unless they have a stash of studio quality material sitting around.

Then the review I agree with:

Requires a deeper listening session, but as far as 1980s German private pressings go, this is a clear winner. I hope I'll find time to return to this one later and write a proper review, but in the meanwhile if you see it anywhere (not that you're likely to, but miracles happen), grab it without hesitation.

This track gives a good idea of the progressive credentials of these musicians, note how the soft sax intro atop an electric piano leads very quickly to a modulation into minor, setting the basis for the whole song, which switches quite pleasingly between major and minor keys.




And here's anosther fine piece, the closer to this album:




So I think you will agree we need to get Tom to go back and reassess, this is not so much basement as poorly recorded in my opinion, and it really deserves to be heard by everyone on a CD!

Soon I will be back with new material to hear...  no more holiday for ripping and listening!

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