11 July 2007

Pierre Moerlen's Gong - 1979 - Downwind

Quality: 4 out of 5
Trip-O-Meter: 4 out of 5

Although adorned with a cover destined for the museum of bad cover art and a title such waiting for fart jokes, Downwind features some exceptional music hidden within its grooves. Pierre Moerlen adding his name to the band's name may seem like an egotistical move, but it actually makes a lot of sense as this is not the "Radio Gnome" Gong at all. In fact Moerlen is the only holdover from that classic era. The psychedelia and whimsy is toned way down in favor for jazz/fusion and progressive sounds, although the band retains a gift for instrumental passages that take off for outer space and an extremely high level of musicianship, both technically and artistically. Besides, Moerlen continues to show his skill as one of rock's best drummers. When Acid Mother's Temple recorded a tribute album to Moerlen a few years ago, I was a little confused as to why they were lamenting a drummer, but after hearing albums like this and You, it makes perfect sense.

Lacking much of a psychedelic edge, my rating of four on the trip-o-meter may seem a little confusing. The simple fact is I find vibraphones to be sort of mind-shifting, and they show up on every track here. Moerlen is also extremely skilled and innovative on vibraphone, as is his brother Benoit who takes up the vibraphone duties on four of the tracks on Downwind.

The centerpiece of this disc is the title track, which is a sort of collaboration with Mike Oldfield. It's reminiscent of the works on Oldfield's contemporary Incantations album (also featuring Moerlen and an album that I consider one of my 10 desert island discs), and is equal to those tracks. The song features a few majestic buildups of percussive genius with Oldfield's instantly identifiable guitar serving as wonderful icing on the cake. Steve Winwood is also featured on this track playing synth, although his still complementary performance doesn't stand out quite as much.

Violinist Dider Lockwood contributes a couple standout performances near the end of the album. The sort of song suite of "Emotions" and "Xtasea" feastures him playing the melodic counterpoint to the vibraphone sound pads and makes for a wonderful, drifting sound.

"Jin-Go-Lo-Ba" is a cover of a tune by African drummer Olatunji. Usually a late 70's jazz/progressive cover of something like that would have me running for the hills, but again the Moerlen brothers' percussive chops save the day and make this another worthwhile addition to the album.

The album mostly instrumental, but "Aeroplane" and "What You Know" feature singing. Neither track is bad and they don't disrupt the flow of the album too badly, but singing is clearly not Moerlen's strength. On later albums the band would focus on purely instrumental compositions. "What You Know" does feature some fine lead guitar from guest (and former Rolling Stone) Mick Taylor.

Do not come to this album looking for octave doctors and pot head pixies or you will come away disappointed. With the high level of musicianship, phenomenal percussion, and great ensemble playing Downwind is still a worthy, if very different, successor to the Gong brand.

Buy Me:
Pierre Moerlen's Gong - 1979 - Downwind

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

does anyone have a link for this? Thank you

srecko ujka said...

http://rapidshare.com/files/193908263/Pierre_Moerlen_s_Gong_-_Downwind__1979_.rar

and some other stuff:

http://rapidshare.com/files/155523089/Pierre_Moerlen_s_Gong_-_Second_Wind__1988_.rar

http://rapidshare.com/files/155515397/Pierre_Moerlen_s_Gong_-_Live__1979_.rar

http://rapidshare.com/files/408189693/Expresso_II__1978_.rar.html


http://hotfile.com/dl/98003995/5d0c40c/PMG-P_04_sc.rar.html

http://hotfile.com/dl/97983127/5e2191c/PMG-P_04.rar.html

http://hotfile.com/dl/97998106/73c0c33/PMG-P_04M.rar.html

srecko ujka said...

Sorry guys, I've missed this PW for:

second wind = farsh
LIVE = farsh

srecko ujka said...

Later today I'll leave you some more links.
Cheers!

srecko ujka said...

Well, here it is! I just don't know how to make it on my own, so i guess Dr. should split it into separate posts.

DAEVID ALLEN, STEVE HILLAGE and BANDS FORMED OF GONG:

Daevid Allen - Dreamin' a dream (1995)
Dear Friends (2:00)
High Points (2:59)
Brothers (5:56)
Big Daddy (1:44)
Wotsa Use (5:02)
Garden Song (6:31)
Came to Find You (6:01)
The Rapist (4:37)
Sittin in a Teashop (2:43)
Fire Becomes Her (2:52)
No One's Slave (3:01)
For Song (6:22)
Dear Friends (3:12)

http://rapidshare.com/files/14562905/Daevid.Allen.-.Dreamin.A.Dream.rar
Daevid Allen - Banana Moon (1969)
Gong is born
Line-up:
Archie Legget: Bass, Vocals
Barry St. John: Backing Vocals
Maggie Bell: Backing Vocals
Robert Wyatt: Drums, Guitar (2), Vocals (2), Backing Vocals
Daevid Allen: Guitar, vocals
Gary Wright: Piano (2)
Gerry Fields: Violin
Gilli Smyth: Vocals, Space Whisper (6, 7, 8)
Nick Evans: Trombone (9)
Christian Tritsch: Bass, Rythm Guitar (1)
Pip Pyle: Drums (1)

Tracks:
01. Time Of Your Life (3:21)
02. Memories (3:37)
03. All I Want Is Out Of Here (4:48)
04. Fred The Fish And The Chip On His Shoulder (2:27)
05. White Neck Blooze (4:36)
06. Codein Coda (1:00)
07. Stoned Innocent Frankenstein (3:28)
08. And His Adventures In The Land Of Flip (11:44)
09. I Am A Bowl (2:46)

http://rapidshare.com/files/194892932/Daevid_Allen_-_Banana_Moon__1969_.rar

Daevid Allen - Now Is The Happiest Time Of Your Life (1977)
Line-up:
Pepsi Milan, Juan Biblioni, Sam Gopal: Acoustic Guitar, Tablas and chairs
Victor Peraino: Synthi and stringboards
Vera Violin: Violin on 'Why do we treat ourselves like we do?'
Xavier Riba: Violin on 'See You on the Moontower'
Marianne Oberascher de Soller: Harp on 'I Am'
Daevid Allen: Vocals, Glissando and Acoustic Guitars
Tally & Orlando: Vocals

Release Date:
February 1977

Tracks:
01. Flamenco Zero (1:46)
02. Why Do We Treat Ourselves Like We Do (6:51)
03. Tally & Orlando Meet The Cockpot Pixie (3:15)
04. See You On The Moontower (5:41)
05. Poet For Sale (3:28)
06. Crocodile Nonsense Poem (0:59)
07. Only Make Love If You Want To (5:37)
08. I Am (11:09)
09. Deya Goddess (6:45)

http://rapidshare.com/files/194664606/Daevid_Allen_-_Now_Is_The_Happiest_Time_Of_Your_Life__1977_.rar


There'll be more some time later!

srecko ujka said...

Mother Gong With Daevid Allen - The Owl And The Tree (1990)

Line-up:
Daevid Allen: vocal, glissando & acoustic guitars
Gilli Smyth: speaking voice, spacewhisper & stillness
Harry Williamson: everything imaginable plus synthi's, keyboards, vocals, craziness
Rob Calvert: breathing into microphones & saxophones & ears
Rob George: thinking time with spaces, silences, drumbatter & percussions
Fretless Fred (Conrad Henderson): bass guitar, no fretting, no Worries, no wacking furries
Tim Ayers: bass guitar Quicksilver
Wandana Arrowheart: Hugs sparks and Owl's harmonium
Georgia: torchy freesong & soulsinging

Release:
CD Demi-Monde 118 (1990)
CD Voiceprint 421 (2004)

Tracks:
01. I Am a Tree (4:40)
02. Lament (3:36)
03. Hands (3:15)
04. Ally (4:11)
05. La Dea Madrí (7:05)
06. Owly Song (6:36)
07. I Am My Own Lover (14:31)
08. Love Poem (4:59)
09. Coda Wave (2:01)

http://rapidshare.com/files/195640450/Daevid_Allen___Mother_Gong_-_The_Owl_And_The_Tree__1989_.rar

(just info)
Pierre Moerlen's Gong - Downwind (1979)
Line-up:
Pierre Moerlen: Drums, Vibraphone, Marimba, Timpani, Keyboards and Vocals
Hansford Rowe: Bass
Ross Record: Guitar and Vocals
Benoît Moerlen: Vibraphone and Laughter
François Causse: Percussion
Didier Lockwood: Violin
Didier Malherbe: Saxophone
Mike Oldfield: Guitar, Solina Strings, Bass, Irish Drum
Stevie Winwood: Hohner Clavinet, Moog, Tom solo
Mick Taylor: Guitar:
Terry Oldfield: Flute

DAEVID ALLEN (without Gong) & INVISIBLE OPERA COMPANY OF TIBET - 5th September 1988 - Umbertide (Italy)
Open air free concert in medieval venue as part of "Rockin' Umbria" festival (soundboard)
Line up: Daevid Allen, Graham Clark, Wandana Bruce, Space.

CD 1
http://rapidshare.com/files/76728111/daevid1.zip.html

CD 2
http://rapidshare.com/files/76734235/daevid2.zip.html


University Of Errors-Melkweg, Amsterdam, Netherlands-November 5,2006

Line up:
Daevid Allen : Guitar, Vocals
Josh Pollock : Guitar, Loudhailer Vocals
Michael Clare : Bass
Warren Huegel : Drums

Outstanding audience recording from this historic festival!!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8YQMCXXO
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ISDJPQC3


Daevid Allen and Euterpe-New London Theatre-June 6,1976
Great Audience Recording!!

line-up:

Daevid Allen
Gilli Smyth
Tony Tree Fernandez (guitar)
Anna Camps (vocals)
Toni Pascual (keys/guitar)
Toni Ares (double bass)
Pepsi Milan (guitar)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=59JEAGM8
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=EX0OOPBU

There'll be more later!

srecko ujka said...

Daevid Allen - Je Ne Fum' Pas Des Bananes (1993)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=W67H8WM0

srecko ujka said...

Daevid Allen - opium for the people (1978) + alien in new-york (1983)

1996 CD reissue

Daevid Allen - Alien In New-York (1983)

1. Bananareggae (Allen) - 4:20
Rhythm tracks recorded chez Mrs. Pottinger in Kingston, Jamaica, & New-York, March 1978
+ Mark Kramer - trombone / Ralph Carney - bass sax / Mars Williamson - baritone sax / The Bergerettes - girlchorus
2. Are You Ready (Allen) - 3:30
Looped rhythm tracks from recording featuring Bill Laswell - bass / Fred Maher & Bill Bacon - drums
3. OO LA LA (Allen) - 3:26 As above + Gary Window - tenor sax
4. Side Windo (Allen) - 3:39 All instruments & vocals by Daevid Allen

Daevid Allen with Planet Gong (aka Here & Now) - Opium For The People (1978)

Daevid Allen - vocal, guitar
Gavin Da Blitz - synth
Prof. Sharpstrings - lead guitar
Keith "Missile Bass" Bailey - bass
Kif Kif Le Batteur (aka Keith Dobson) - drums
Suze Da Blooze & Anni Wombat - vocals

5. Opium For The People (Smyth) - 4:22
6. Stone Innocent Frankenstein (Allen) - 3:13

http://www.megaupload.com/fr/?d=BJRH049B

mirror:

http://rapidshare.com/files/124656075/Daevid_Allen_-_Opium___Alien_in_NY.zip

srecko ujka said...

Daevid Allen - dividedalienplaybax80 (1982)

Musicians on source tapes:
Fred Maher - drums
Bill Bacon - drums, Percussion
Bill Laswell - bass
Michael Beinhorn - synth

Construction stage:
Daevid Allen - guitars, Voices
Cliff Cultreri - verbal inspiration
Mars Williamson - bass Sax

http://www.megaupload.com/fr/?d=0IYWHU8W

Mirror:

http://rapidshare.com/files/124643360/Daevid_Allen__1982__Divided_Alien_Playbax_80.zip

srecko ujka said...

DAEVID ALLEN-THE DEATH OF ROCK AND OTHER ENTRANCES, CD, 1992 (RECORDED: 1965-1982), AUSTRALIA

http://rapidshare.com/files/110995162/Daevid_Allen-The_Death_Of_Rock_And_Other_Entrances_pt._1.zip
http://rapidshare.com/files/110995627/Daevid_Allen-The_Death_Of_Rock_And_Other_Entrances_pt._2.zip

srecko ujka said...

Daevid Allen's University of Errors - E2x10=tenure - (2001)

http://rapidshare.com/files/155492157/Daevid_Allen_s_University_of_Errors_-_E2x10_tenure__2001_.rar

PW: farsh



Daevid Allen's University Of Errors - Money Doesn't Make It (1998)

http://rapidshare.com/files/155496645/Daevid_Allen_s_University_Of_Errors_-_Money_Doesn_t_Make_It__1998_.rar


PW: farsh



Daevid Allen - Stroking The Tail Of The Bird (1998)

http://rapidshare.com/files/155487285/Daevid_Allen_-_Stroking_The_Tail_Of_The_Bird__1998_.rar


pass: farsh

srecko ujka said...

Daevid Allen - Seven Drones - 1991

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=58IW2R9V


Daevid Allen Trio - Live 1963

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DARQW0I2


Daevid Allen - N'existe Pas!Outtakes (FLAC):

01. Banana Reggae
02. No Other Than The Mother Is My Song
03. I Am The Fool
04. 5 & 20 Spacemen (?)


Musicos


Daevid Allen: Guitar, Vocals
George Bishop: Saxophone & Clarinet
Chris Cutler: Percussion
Pepsi Milan: Acoustic Guitar
Angel Aduana: Banjo
Ronald Walten: Pipes on Plastic Disc
Brain Damage, Ronald & Rodney Dust: Drums

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5OUY43DT



Daevid Allen - Je Ne Fum' Pas Des Bananes (1993)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=W67H8WM0

srecko ujka said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
srecko ujka said...

Daevid Allen's University of Errors - "Jet Propelled Photographs" (2004)

01 - That's How Much I Need You Now
02 - Save Yourself
03 - I Should've Known
04 - Shooting at the Moon (aka Jet Propelled Photographs)
05 - When I Don't Want You
06 - Memories
07 - You Don't Remember
08 - She's Gone
09 - I'd Rather Be With You
10 - Love Makes Sweet Music
11 - Feelin' Reelin' Squeelin'
12 - Hope for Happiness
13 - We Know What You Mean (Soon Soon Soon)


http://rapidshare.com/files/138688525/Daevid_Allen_s_University_of_Errors_-_Jet_Propelled_Photographs__2004_.rar

srecko ujka said...

The Invisible Opera Company Of Tibet (Daevid Allen, Robert Calvert, Gilli Smith) - (1987) ST

Tracks info:
1. Marpa's Entrance
2. G'Day
3. Hungry Ghosts
4. Away Away
5. Trial By Headline
6. Chernobyl Rain
7. Gorilla
8. Milarepa's Journey
9. The Other Side Of Me
10. Man And Woman
11. The Family
12. Strombirds
13. The Actor

Personel info:
Candrabhanu - drums & percussion
Arun Munoz - drums & percussion
Minute Sastrowasdoyo - violin
Bronwyn Jones - flute
Russel Hibbs - vocals
Harry Williamson, Gilli Smith - space whisper
Neil Cairney - percussion
Michael Brosman - didgerydoo
B.D. CO. - drums & percussion
W.A. Brothers - didgerydoo
Daevid Allwn - guitar & vocals
Steve Rocket, Robert Calvert - saxophones



FLAC, covers included
http://rapidshare.com/files/205628985/IO.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/205628989/IO.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/205684634/IO.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/205684639/IO.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/205727483/IO.part5.rar

srecko ujka said...

Here & Now + guest Daevid Allen : Oxford
Polytechnic 02 February 1977
&
Planet Gong : Huddersfield 12 November 1977

http://www.megaupload.com/fr/?d=QJ4JSJGD
http://www.megaupload.com/fr/?d=5R32H5YN
http://www.megaupload.com/fr/?d=KC0SOZKM

srecko ujka said...

Daevid Allen - Australia Aquaria


Personnel include: Daevid Allen; Graham Clark , Harry Williamson, Rob Calvert.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BBIK18F9

srecko ujka said...

Dashiell Hedayat - Obsolete (1971, avec les musiciens de Gong) (FR Prog Rock/ FR Exp)

http://www.mediafire.com/?j3tkbmz11lc

srecko ujka said...

Steve Hillage - Canterbury 1979

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8G4DMN7D


STEVE HILLAGE - London, Rainbow Theatre 1977

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=F4V7DN7M

srecko ujka said...

Steve Hillage - 1975 Fish Rising

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RIB2QSZG
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8FUJFA25

srecko ujka said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
srecko ujka said...

HERE ARE SOME OTHER OPTIONS
(PW = f104g):

Camembert Eclectique http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7EY2MHBC

How To Nuke The Eiffel Tower http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PEXVJVIC

Umbertide http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TOY1F0N5

Seven Drones http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5NHRCR8G

Alien In New York http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PL46A620

Banana Moon http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8QM6N4CM

Dreamin' A Dream http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BHNH5GGR

Dividedalienplaybax80 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TUTR6IBU

Death Of Rock And http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PA70NY0U

Je Ne Fum Pas http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5UEIOIJN

Magick Brothers Live Witchwood http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7LSGSXIO

N'Existe Pas http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2X6Y0H2U

ex10 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4QG5H5TV

Money Doesn't Make It http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MJ3RK9VZ

Anonymous said...

Daevid Allen & Kwisp – Altered States Of Alien KWISP
Label: Bananamoon Obscura
Catalog#: BMOVP013CD
Format: CD, Album, Limited Edition
Country: UK
Released: 2006

1 Zubbux 2:53
2 Theme To Tiki Yak Eye 2:26
3 Red Pap Lotus 2:58
4 Surrealistic At Large Domino 2:54
5 Bodega Lullabye 3:14
6 Zubbo 3:15
7 Tinkerbell's Confusion 6:55
8 Teriyaki Vest Odyssey 6:55
9 Disco Penguin's Nightmare 3:38
10 Dragon Titties 5:25
11 Ether Bunny's Music For The Massless 6:39
12 Altered Scooter (U Of Errors Remix) 9:02

Altered Walter Funk - Electronics, Voice, Electroacoustic Gizmoids, Transformations

Daevid Allen (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 7, 9, 12) - Glissando Guitar, Emperimental Guitar, Loops, Drones

Reid Johnston (tracks: 8, 10) - Organ, Ghost Drum, Hardware

Cork Marcheschi (track: 8) - "The Stuff"

http://www.mediafire.com/?3466wrd2zq8fbkl