Search - Mushroom :: Glazed Popems

Back in full force

OysterCranium | Asheville, NC | 08/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With two CDs this time around, Mushroom has went the full gammat as far as showing off their talent.

On Disc One, London, Mushroom merges psychedelic with jazz and proves that both genres are not that distant from each other. Imagine "A Saucerful of Secrets" and "Ummagumma"-era Pink Floyd converging with Can. Although I am a fan of "groovy" Mushroom, the first CD is one to cherish. It sounds as if the band is exploring the vast regions of their minds while paying homage to their influences of such bands as Faust and Gong.

On Disc Two, Oakland, Mushroom brings back the familiar "Mushroom sound" with groovy rhythms, experimental effects and layers upon layers of absolute wildness. The organs, drums, bass, synthesizers, guitars and brass intertwine to paint a surreal landscape of the world...if you consider that world to be the corners of 1970s America where Curtis Mayfield and Herbie Hancock reign.

I highly recommend this album but if you haven't listened to Mushroom before, I recommend you do what I did...start out with "Foxy Music" because if this was bought by a first time Mushroom listener, they may receive a shock to their senses whenever "l'auberge" first comes on the hi-fi. But for the adventurous types who crave experimentation+psychedlic+jazz+funk+originality, then definitely pick this up. You will not be disappointed."

Mushroom - 'Glazed Popems' (Black Beauty) 4 1/2 stars

Mike Reed | USA | 09/05/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Only the second Mushroom release I've ever heard,better than their 'Analog Hi-Fi Surprise' disc.Disc one features Mushroom playing a gig in London,UK.It's more like psych/folk,with some out-there tracks,like the nine-minute "Isle Of Wight","Half Sicilion/Half Welsh",the trippin' "Just Because Nobody Understands You..." and "Blackwaterside".I could play this disc several times a week.Disc two takes the genre-fusing ensemble to Oakland,CA.This gig is more in the psych/jazz direction.But,rest assure,I thought it was a LOT better than other CD's I've heard before of such.Best cut,hands down is "Sunday Morning,Seven AM".Other audio goods here include the 2-CD's title track "Glazed Popems" and "Running Wild And Looking Pretty".Line-up:Erik Pearson-guitar,flute&tenor sax,Alison Levy-synth,organ&vocals,Ralph Carney-clarinet&soprano sax,Tim Plowman-guitar,Dave Mihaly-congas,bongos,tom-tom&bells,Matt Henry-piano,harp&mellotron,Brian Felix-sound effects,Michael Rinta-trumpet,Ned Doheny-bass and Pat Thomas-drums.Might appeal to fans of Gong,Stereolab,Spacetime Continuum and possibly Air.Recommended."