CMU - Open Spaces [1971 UK prog / 2008 Esoteric edit]
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Artist: C.M.U.
Album: Open Spaces
Released: 1971 U.K.
CD 2008 Esoteric Recordings (ECLEC2093)
Genre: Art Rock, Progressive Rock
*** Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the release of Open Spaces by CMU, the band's debut album from 1971, this unique masterpiece is a much sought after collectors item originally released on the Transatlantic label. CMU (Contemporary Music Unit) were a unique fusion of Progressive rock, Jazz and Folk influences. In keeping with the mood of the times, Open Spaces touches a style that evokes the work of contemporaries Affinity or even Arthur Brown. In Larraine Odell, CMU had one of the few female vocalists of the Progressive era, a fine vocalist supported by a fine band. Long sought after by collectors, an earlier CD reissue in 1993 omitted the album s lengthy tour de force, Chanticleer.
*** Cambridge-based CMU (Contemporary Music Unit, apparently) were a sort of folky bluesy progpsych outfit,like so many at the turn of the '70s,and they managed a couple of albums. Their debut, Open Spaces (1971) is a stunning, complex, melodic progressive album with exceptional female vocals, great fuzz guitar and strong keyboards.By their 2nd album, Space Cabaret (1972),CMU had moved away from their bluesy roots into a more folk/psych direction,although they could also rock out when the mood took them.There's some really nice moments on the album and a fair bit of Mellotron strings on Archway 272 (presumably referring to the area of North London).
Track List:
1. Henry
2. Voodoo Man
3. Slow & Lonesome Blues
4. Chanticleer
5. Japan
6. Clown
7. Mystical Sounds
8. Open Spaces
*** CMU stands for Contemporary Music Unit (no less), and were one of the few progressive rock bands to feature both male and female vocals. With influences mainly from psych and blues, their debut "Open Spaces" occasionally reminds a bit of Affinity, especially on the passages sung by Larraine Odell. The opener "Henry" is one of the better tracks, based in a nice melody and with tasteful, atmospheric arrangements consisting of piano, guitar, bass, drums and some almost inaudible flute. "Voodoo Man" sounds like something Arthur Brown could have done, and the heavy chorus in the middle introduces the raspy voice of James Gordon, who together with guitarist Ian Hamlett is the main reason for the bluesy touch of this album. Hamlett really proves that point on the instrumental "Slow and Lonesome Blues" that is actually a bit faster and more energetic than what you would expect from such a title. "Chantecleer" starts slow, dark and moody with some haunting pairing of vocals from Odell and Gordon, but builds quickly up to a fast, organ-driven and almost funky tune where an influence from Arthur Brown again can be detected. The second side opens with "Japan", an attempt at traditional Japanese folk music that sounds surprisingly authentic, especially when considering that the band just used their usual instruments. "Clown" is a lightweight and whimsical tune, but catchy enough to be worthwhile, and Gordon's vocals has an unusual operatic twist here. One of the most best melodies on the record can be found in "Mystical Sounds", a ballad dominated by Hamlet's flute and Odell's voice. The title-track is a lengthy, mystical and atmospheric journey with lots of dreamy, wordless vocals from the two singers, and keyboardist Terry Mortimer also contributes with some spooky violin here. A listenable record of psych and blues with progressive overtones, but nothing really special. ( VintageProg )
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