SELF -- Gizmodgery

Both the lyrics and musical sounds of Sacred Songs reflected Hall's personal philosophy. The lyrical content alludes to some of Hall's interests in esoteric magic (or "magick" as it is sometimes spelled). Rock music author Timothy White interviewed Hall for the book Rock Lives. In that interview Hall indicated that in 1974 he began a serious study of esoteric spirituality reading books on topics like the cabala, the ancient Celts, and the traditions of the Druids. He also became interested in the life and beliefs of Aleister Crowley. Crowley coined the concept of Thelema, magick concerned with harnessing the power of the imagination and willpower to effect changes in consciousness and in the material universe. For example the album track "Without Tears" is based on Crowley's book Magick Without Tears (published in 1973).
Fripp shared similar interests in mysticism; he had studied with John G. Bennett, a disciple of G. I. Gurdjieff.

Don't expect R&B soul cause this debut is actually a magical ride with a lip-curled hair tossing stiletto wearing blues-belter with electric slide guitars, a little honky-tonk piano & grooves to the max. Think Rolling Stones at their rockin' blues best, any era, with Ronnie Wood & Bobby Keys chugging away solos that could come out of the Mississippi swamp with a dynamic vocalist who sometimes shouts & sometimes whispers songs of sexy wild women & dangerous relationships. Actually, I'll confess that the previous description was written before looking at the linear notes that shows some guitar playing is by no other than Ronnie himself! I guess I've listened to him enough to recognize his style ... either that or this is what I've wanted the Stones to sound like so often but have been disappointed by ... the singer ... who tries to have the passion of vocalist Lynne Jackaman but you can't get this feeling in an arena. Jackaman is as vocally dynamic as the band behind her & moves between giving off a vibe of a dangerous beer drinkin' woman to a woman wanting some tender lovin' ... & you'll love her & want to be lookin' at her strut her stuff not just hearing her. Though Jackaman will surely get the attention & the rest of the band needs accolades. Guitarist Adam Greene plays hardcore raw blues but nows how to keep it upbeat & rockin', think Johnny Winter without some of the flash, while Joe Glossop adds both honkey-tonk keyboards, organ. It's just enough touches of classic blues to keep the songs floored in the past but not too much. There's even a horn section & every one knows every hardcore blues band has horns. The guitar may dominate but there's a smart producer behind the band who gives everyone a chance to shine in the spotlight with lots of improvisational room. Though a warning should be attached to the album ... you will keep opener "Soul On Fire" on repeat & not even notice you haven't gotten to the rest of the album.

Thai Funk Volume 1

This is the fucking shit. Vinyl reissue of a CD collection from a couple years back. Crate digging of the highest order to bring you a selection of Thai funk, soul and disco from the 70s and 80s. The music is fantastic and if you'r into vinyl, the pressing excellent and the packaging, including a woven cloth outer cover, is exemplary. This thing ain't leaving my turntable for a while.