This is the 1969 debut album by a relatively obscure Chicago-based group whose membership can be linked to various other Chicago-area groups who have wider name recognition, including the Rotary Connection, Lovecraft (... more »formerly H.P. Lovecraft), and New Colony Six. Buy Or Die Records. 1994.« less
This is the 1969 debut album by a relatively obscure Chicago-based group whose membership can be linked to various other Chicago-area groups who have wider name recognition, including the Rotary Connection, Lovecraft (formerly H.P. Lovecraft), and New Colony Six. Buy Or Die Records. 1994.
CD Reviews
A psychedelic masterpiece
Book Maven | Portland, OR United States | 03/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Aorta was a truly great band. One of the very best to come out of the 1960s. This, the first of two albums they recorded, is not only their masterpiece, but stands out as one of the finest rock albums ever produced. Recorded in 1968 at the height of the Flower-Power movement, Aorta was America's answer to Sgt. Peppers. The theme of "Main Vein" reoccurs throughout the album, fusing together a wide variety of beautiful pop songs that flow non-stop like a mighty river of liquid ear candy. The song "Strange" could have been a huge hit with "Ode to Missy Mxyzosptlk" a perfect follow-up. Throw in "Sprinke Road to Coark Street" and "Catalyptic" and you're in heaven. It just doesn't get any better than this! Why this band never really caught on will be one of those eternal unsolved mysteries that litter the annals of Rock n' Roll. All we can do is enjoy the beautiful gem that Aorta left us and pray for a reunion."
Aorta
Chris Hays | Bloomington, Illinois | 04/10/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album was truly one of the most magnificent recordings of the late 60s. Why it never caught fire with the listening public has always been a mystery to me. I have owned a copy since the early 70s and still take it out and play it several times a year. The creativity and imagination that went into this album, not to mention the strong songwriting and performances of the band, make this one of the best albums in all of rock history. And to add icing to the cake, they were excellent singers as well! Where do you hear voices like that nowadays? I wish I still had a copy of their 2nd album, as I recall that it was also quite creative but strikingly different from their 1st. Where are they now?"
Heavy late-60s psychedelic acid rock from Chicago
hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 07/15/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of the great psychedelic rock albums in Columbia's catalog, originally released in 1969 by an obscure Chicago quartet (though apparently recorded in Detroit!). The tremendous production merged heavy rock with horns, orchestral strings and church organ in a swirl of attention-getting stereophonic touches. Those who enjoy Arthur Brown's post-Crazy World albums with Kingdom Come will enjoy the way this album is put together. Where Brown tended to ELP-like prog-rock, Aorta had more of a Chicago-influenced soul sound beneath their heavy Fillmore-styled ballroom electric rock.
There are apparently several different import reissues circulating. The Buy or Die label reissue from Germany has garnered poor reviews for its sound quality. The Alcinous Ltd. release from Greece sounds quite good in comparison to the original vinyl. Perhaps Alcinous had a better source than Buy or Die, or simply did a better job of re-mastering for CD. The Alcinous audio is crisp throughout, with plenty of high-end to supplement the heartbeat lows, and enough dynamic range to capture everything from the flute-and-guitar interludes to the heaviest rocking passages. The packaging is nice, with reproductions of the front and back covers and a full lyric sheet inside the four-page booklet."
Heartbeats in Chicago
Jack B. Nimble | East Coast | 12/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of my favorite albums. A Masterpiece. Every song is worth the price of admission here. I give Aorta 5 stars for the album itself, not this Buy Or Die reissue. Aorta was signed to Columbia records (a major label) and released this LP in early 1969 (original had the red label). Columbia reissued this LP numerous times throughout the 70's and 80's on vinyl, but NEVER on CD (bad move). The only CD available is this German import that was probably transfered from a vinyl copy, which is not uncommon for some 60's reissue record labels. Being this was on a major label, it shouldn't be so difficult to sign out the master tapes from Columbia or Sony Music and properly remaster this masterpiece with superb dynamic range using 24 bit technology. A proper Aorta reissue project is overdue!! Columbia, wake up and release this 69' masterpiece on disc the way you did The Byrds, The Chambers Brothers, Santana, BS&T and Chicago. And while you're at it, give us MOBY GRAPE, THE U.S.A. and THE PEANUT BUTTER CONSPIRACY on CD too will ya'. As a matter of fact, Peter Cetera was briefly a member of Aorta before they got signed in 1968. Peter left and founded The Chicago Transit Authority."
Incredible sound upgrade
R. Wagner | Worthington, Ohio United States | 01/26/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In 1968 I saw this LP in the display window at The Hub and bought it for the cover alone. I knew it had to be heavy. When I put it on the turntable I was not disappointed. This is vintage psychodelia. The vocals are reminiscent of Vanilla Fudge, the guitar is fuzz-soaked and crosstracks like a mother. There are weird sound effects that link each of the tracks together and the audio production is top notch. As the years progressed I continued to pull this beauty out and relive the magic. However, after 37 years the LP has shown signs of aging. I was so happy to see this finally available on CD. I read some reviews about the abysmal sound quality of the German release. Then I read a review recommending the Alcinous Ltd release from Greece. I took a chance and I'm glad I did. The audio quality is top notch. I am hearing things that I never heard before. The separation and clarity of the mix are excellent. Additionally it was mastered at a high volume so the sonics are right in your face. This is a true unknown artifact of the long forgotten era. If you like your lyrics trippy and your music phased and dense and fuzzed out you are going to love this 40 minutes of pure late '60's bliss."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1