Odd prog veterans still crazy after all these years
03/26/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Samla Mammas Manna was a legendary group of Swedish progressive music in the 70's. Still is. This CD with new material (live and studio) was released in 1999 and if you have enjoyed what this group has done earlier you might appreciate this CD too. The line up is the same as in the mid 70's; Lars Hollmer on keyboards, Lars Krantz electric bass, Coste Apetrea guitar and Hans Bruniusson drums. The music is basically of two kinds. On one hand there are the live improvisations which are made up on the spot. They include crazy shouting and almost abuse of musical intruments. Then there are the complicated instrumentals which are performed in a rather strict way. These tunes are often made up of endless variations of different themes and they include a lot of rock energy. Two pieces that deserves the 5 stars are Lyckliga Titanic and Första Ikarien. I can't figure out how they remember all those tricky little notes, but I think that some of these tunes are stuff dating from the 70's that never ended up on record (until now) so I guess they have had played them over and over again thru the years. I saw this band in concert in May 2002 and that was a fun experience. But I have to say that I don't listen to the Kaka CD too often, and when I do I pick one or two of the heavy instrumentals. The shouting gets a little tedious. If only they could do at least ONE song with serious and beautiful vocals."
"the singer now believes himself to be singing in English...
08/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The compositional creativity and instrumental skill, as well as the group communication is of the highest order her. Part studio and part live performances give you the feel of a legendary phenomenon reestablished among these fine gentlemen. Add a dialectal and animating sense of humor and you have SAMLA MAMMAS MANNA! Sweden's contribution to the Rock In Opposition collective of avant-rock bands in the late 1970's. For more information on this group do a web search..."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1