Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Incredible Velvet Who Faces

I'm not saying this is the best song on Mike Heron's first solo outing. I am saying that it is the only song on the album that features Pete Townshend on guitar, Ronnie Lane on bass, Keith Moon on drums and John Cale on backing vocals.

"Smiling Men With Bad Reputations" is far more accessible than the frequently adenoidal sounds of the Incredible String Band, the influential and...uh...incredible band formed by Heron and Robin Williamson in the mid 60s. The mix of Celtic melodies and Middle Eastern sounds made the ISB one of a kind, and Heron takes those same elements and rocks it up a bit on his debut.

Enough about the ISB. I am mostly interested in Keith Moon's playing. Maybe you will be, too.


WARM HEART PASTRY

4 comments:

soundsource said...

actually one of my favorite albums and warm heart pastry is the best cut. I wouldn't say an under appreciated classic just an under appreciated great album.

soundsource said...

wow not too popular a post oh well im glad you brought attention to a great lost track

steve simels said...

Wow -- never heard or heard of that one before, and definitely a keeper.

A sincere thank you.

Anonymous said...

I love MH, but that has to be one of the worst album covers ever.