Notes

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Size: 83.8 MB
Bitrate: 256
mp3
Ripped by: ChrisGoesRock
Artwork Included
Source: Japan 24-Bit Remaster

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). Original LPs on Transatlantic Records are now rare.

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.

01. Henry - 4.47
02. Voodoo Man - 4.40
03. Slow & Lonesome Blues - 5.11
04. Chanticleer - 6.14
05. Japan - 2.48
06. Clown - 2.37
07. Mystical Sounds - 3.16
08. Open Spaces - 11:34