Rock-Pop Review: Dennis Wilson-Bambu-The Caribou Sessions (RSD 2 Green 180gm LPs)

Label: Sony
Release Date: April 22, 2017

Website

Record Store Day 2017 had some significant releases. One of the more interesting and thought provoking releases was Sony’s 2 LP set of Dennis Wilson’s unfinished second solo album.

The title is Bambu-The Caribou Sessions. As I recall I was not too impressed with Pacific Ocean Blue the first time I heard it but now I must go back and give it another try after hearing this release. 

Wilson’s vocals reminded of the late Joe Cocker at times. His deep throaty style would have been perfect for a blues band. As it turns out the recording is one of the most eclectic I have ever heard coming from any Beach Boy, including brother Brian. 

Sony did a great job of filling in the gaps and making this a final complete release. I heard rock, pop, blues and a few ballads. Wilson covered it all and I cannot help but think what a wonderful career he would have had if he stayed with us. He lost his battle to the bottle unfortunately and ended up being another rock “n” roll casualty like so many others. Music lives forever and I am certain this release will shed more light on the brilliance of one of the more underrated Beach Boys and all around talents in music. And that includes when he was alive and by today’s standards as far as this listener is concerned. 

These sessions while being overshadowed by Wilson’s tragic death and the fact he never finished them is now a thing of the past. What we have is the finished product and the realization the he was an extremely talented musician and writer. Every Beach Boy deserves credit for their talents however as solo artist Brian was the one everyone has focused on for obvious reasons. Now it is time to turn our attention to the one member that was never in the spotlight.

Bambu-The Caribou Sessions is a superb set in a beautiful double gate fold sleeve jacket with beautifully colored green vinyl to match what you see on the outside of the package. This was a bit of a revelation for this listener as I never considered Dennis one of the more important cogs in the wheels of the Beach Boy hit machine. This has made me reevaluate the entire history of that band and the contributions he made overall. One listen may have you thinking the same way!

4.5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

May 24, 2017

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Tracks:

LP1:
Side A:
1. Under The Moonlight
2. It's Not Too Late
3. School Girl
4. Love Remember Me

Side B:
5. Love Surrounds Me
6. Wild Situation
7. Common
8. Are You Real

LP2:
Side C:
9. He's A Bum
10. Cocktails
11. I Love You
12. Constant Companion

Side D:
13. Time For Bed
14. Album Tag Song
15. All Alone
16. Piano Variations On Thoughts Of You
 

Prog-Fusion Ensemble BangTower Returns With Eagerly Awaited New Album "With N With Out"

Featuring Percy Jones, Neil Citron, Walter Garces, Robby “Pag”, Frankie Banali, and others!

Chicago/Los Angeles – Declassified Records is proud to announce the newest album from progressive fusion legends “BangTower” entitled “ With N With Out” is now also available in retail stores in Japan serviced by Marquee Distribution. The highly anticipated 13 track sophomore album, originally released late December, marks the first full length CD since the internationally acclaimed 2010 debut release, “Casting Shadows”.

Returning to the project are fretless bass guitar legend Percy Jones of “Brand X”, Grammy winner Neil Citron, “L.A. Drum Guru” Walter Garces, and musician/producer Jon Pomplin. In addition, the album also features several guest artists including drummers Frankie Banali of “Quite Riot” and Rodger Carter of “John 5” as well as fretless bassist Robertino “Pag” Pagliari of “Ohm”, Joan Fraley of “The Rave”, Chris Colovus, Josh Greenbaum and Justin Stone.

BangTower was designed from the beginning to explore new musical landscapes by bringing together artists from different musical specialties, disciplines and physical locations to create something exciting and exceptional. When numerous unavoidable and unexpected scheduling issues arose with the core members after production of the new record had started, the concept was expanded to include several other friends of the band as guest musicians to complete the record. The result turned out even better than anticipated and remained true to the BangTower ideal.

By combining digital technology and traditional studio recording techniques, musicians from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Hawaii were able to collaborate, write and record intricate, soulful music with a distinctive and fresh personality that is can be enjoyed numerous times. Compositions that challenged each player's imagination and style by pushing the edge of their musical “comfort zone”, while remaining familiar and accessible to both the musician and non-musician fan alike. Although each piece of music is an exceptional stand-alone masterpiece, each track remains an integral part of the over-all context and feel of the album, and the BangTower project as a whole.

BangTower “With N With Out” tracks:

1. Hello I'm Here
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards, Chris Colovas – Bass, Rodger Carter – Drums

2. PCH
Neil Citron – Guitars, Percy Jones – Bass/Keyboards, Walter Garces – Drums, Jon Pomplin - Keyboards

3. Chipotle
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards/Vocals, Robertino “Pag” Pagliari – Bass, Frankie Banali – Drums, Joan Fraley - Vocals

4. Soul to Sole
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards, Percy Jones – Bass, Walter Garces – Drums

5. Roger, Wilco N Out
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards/Vocals, Robertino “Pag” Pagliari – Bass, Josh Greenbaum – Drums, Jon Pomplin – Bass (N Out)

6. Uncle Floyd
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards, Robertino “Pag” Pagliari – Bass, Roger Carter – Drums

7. Kitty's Real Groove
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards/Vocals, Robertino “Pag” Pagliari – Bass, Frankie Banali – Drums, Joan Fraley - Vocals

8. My Fathers Smile
Neil Citron – All Instruments

9. McGown's Pass
Neil Citron – Guitars, Percy Jones – Bass/Keyboards, Walter Garces – Drums

10. This is My Town
Neil Citron – Guitars/Vocals, Percy Jones – Bass, Walter Garces – Drums

11. 6/8 Primate
Neil Citron – Guitars, Percy Jones – Bass, Frankie Banali – Drums, Jon Pomplin - Keyboards

12. Good Bye N Good Nite
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards/Vocals, Joan Fraley – Bass/Vocals, Rodger Carter
 - Drums

(BONUS Track - Digital) – Hair of the Dog (single)
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards, Percy Jones – Bass, Walter Garces – Drums

(BONUS Track - CD) – I'll Be Home For Christmas
Neil Citron – Guitars, Percy Jones – Bass, Walter Garces – Drums

The new limited edition CD of record “With N With Out” also contains a “bonus holiday track”. A new interpretation and arrangement of the winter classic “I'll Be Home For Christmas” featuring Percy, Walter and Neil, originally recorded in 2013.

Produced, Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Neil Citron.
Released by Declassified Records
Executive Producer - Jon Pomplin
© Declassified Records BMI / S.B.I. Music BMI

Special “limited edition” autographed CD bundles and merchandise are also available from the official BangTower store located at BandCamp. http://bangtower.bandcamp.com/merch

Marquee Distribution joins the growing worldwide network of “brick and mortar” and internet* retailers who have partnered with Declassified Records to provide both the traditional “record store” experience and the convenience of on-line ordering of music from BangTower, Neil Citron and other artists.

For more information on BangTower visit:
Official Website - www.BangTower.com ;
YouTube - www.youtube.com/bangtower
FaceBook - www.facebook.com/Bangtower
Twitter - www.twitter.com/BangTower

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Record Label/Distribution Inquiries: 
Declassified Records - www.declassifiedrecords.com ;
FaceBook - www.facebook.com/declassifiedrecords.com

* - Internet retailers include Amazon, CD-Baby, iTunes, BandCamp, Rhapsody, Apple Music, Spotify, and most other major international internet based distributors.

Prog-Fusion Ensemble BangTower Returns With Eagerly Awaited New Album "With N With Out"

Featuring Percy Jones, Neil Citron, Walter Garces, Robby “Pag”, Frankie Banali, and others!

Chicago/Los Angeles – Declassified Records is proud to announce the newest album from progressive fusion legends “BangTower” entitled “ With N With Out” is now also available in retail stores in Japan serviced by Marquee Distribution. The highly anticipated 13 track sophomore album, originally released late December, marks the first full length CD since the internationally acclaimed 2010 debut release, “Casting Shadows”.

Returning to the project are fretless bass guitar legend Percy Jones of “Brand X”, Grammy winner Neil Citron, “L.A. Drum Guru” Walter Garces, and musician/producer Jon Pomplin. In addition, the album also features several guest artists including drummers Frankie Banali of “Quite Riot” and Rodger Carter of “John 5” as well as fretless bassist Robertino “Pag” Pagliari of “Ohm”, Joan Fraley of “The Rave”, Chris Colovus, Josh Greenbaum and Justin Stone.

BangTower was designed from the beginning to explore new musical landscapes by bringing together artists from different musical specialties, disciplines and physical locations to create something exciting and exceptional. When numerous unavoidable and unexpected scheduling issues arose with the core members after production of the new record had started, the concept was expanded to include several other friends of the band as guest musicians to complete the record. The result turned out even better than anticipated and remained true to the BangTower ideal.

By combining digital technology and traditional studio recording techniques, musicians from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Hawaii were able to collaborate, write and record intricate, soulful music with a distinctive and fresh personality that is can be enjoyed numerous times. Compositions that challenged each player's imagination and style by pushing the edge of their musical “comfort zone”, while remaining familiar and accessible to both the musician and non-musician fan alike. Although each piece of music is an exceptional stand-alone masterpiece, each track remains an integral part of the over-all context and feel of the album, and the BangTower project as a whole.

BangTower “With N With Out” tracks:

1. Hello I'm Here
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards, Chris Colovas – Bass, Rodger Carter – Drums

2. PCH
Neil Citron – Guitars, Percy Jones – Bass/Keyboards, Walter Garces – Drums, Jon Pomplin - Keyboards

3. Chipotle
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards/Vocals, Robertino “Pag” Pagliari – Bass, Frankie Banali – Drums, Joan Fraley - Vocals

4. Soul to Sole
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards, Percy Jones – Bass, Walter Garces – Drums

5. Roger, Wilco N Out
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards/Vocals, Robertino “Pag” Pagliari – Bass, Josh Greenbaum – Drums, Jon Pomplin – Bass (N Out)

6. Uncle Floyd
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards, Robertino “Pag” Pagliari – Bass, Roger Carter – Drums

7. Kitty's Real Groove
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards/Vocals, Robertino “Pag” Pagliari – Bass, Frankie Banali – Drums, Joan Fraley - Vocals

8. My Fathers Smile
Neil Citron – All Instruments

9. McGown's Pass
Neil Citron – Guitars, Percy Jones – Bass/Keyboards, Walter Garces – Drums

10. This is My Town
Neil Citron – Guitars/Vocals, Percy Jones – Bass, Walter Garces – Drums

11. 6/8 Primate
Neil Citron – Guitars, Percy Jones – Bass, Frankie Banali – Drums, Jon Pomplin - Keyboards

12. Good Bye N Good Nite
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards/Vocals, Joan Fraley – Bass/Vocals, Rodger Carter
 - Drums

(BONUS Track - Digital) – Hair of the Dog (single)
Neil Citron – Guitars/Keyboards, Percy Jones – Bass, Walter Garces – Drums

(BONUS Track - CD) – I'll Be Home For Christmas
Neil Citron – Guitars, Percy Jones – Bass, Walter Garces – Drums

The new limited edition CD of record “With N With Out” also contains a “bonus holiday track”. A new interpretation and arrangement of the winter classic “I'll Be Home For Christmas” featuring Percy, Walter and Neil, originally recorded in 2013.

Produced, Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Neil Citron.
Released by Declassified Records
Executive Producer - Jon Pomplin
© Declassified Records BMI / S.B.I. Music BMI

Special “limited edition” autographed CD bundles and merchandise are also available from the official BangTower store located at BandCamp. http://bangtower.bandcamp.com/merch

Marquee Distribution joins the growing worldwide network of “brick and mortar” and internet* retailers who have partnered with Declassified Records to provide both the traditional “record store” experience and the convenience of on-line ordering of music from BangTower, Neil Citron and other artists.

For more information on BangTower visit:
Official Website - www.BangTower.com ;
YouTube - www.youtube.com/bangtower
FaceBook - www.facebook.com/Bangtower
Twitter - www.twitter.com/BangTower

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Record Label/Distribution Inquiries: 
Declassified Records - www.declassifiedrecords.com ;
FaceBook - www.facebook.com/declassifiedrecords.com

* - Internet retailers include Amazon, CD-Baby, iTunes, BandCamp, Rhapsody, Apple Music, Spotify, and most other major international internet based distributors.

Critically Acclaimed 1971 Film "Extremes" Feat. Soundtrack By Supertramp And Others Now Available For Pre-Order!

London - Available for the first time on CD and DVD, “Extremes” is the 1971 film Directed by Tony Klinger, Mike Lytton. It covers the whole gamut of present day human behaviour, from carefree pop fans bathing nude at the Isle of Wight to withdrawn, pathetic junkies hastening their own deaths with hard drugs. Such is the range encompassed by the so-called “permissive society”, doubly significant because it usually involves young people who have either never known discipline or are rebelling against an overdose of it. They can't change society so they have no alternative but to drop out from it. In some of the most natural and remarkable film footage ever obtained, Tony Klinger and Michael Lytton have captured a unique cross-section of them going their chosen ways, and talking freely and frankly about doing so. Nothing was pre-arranged, nothing rehearsed: everything was filmed as it happened. Hippies, junkies, Hell's Angels, alcoholics, drop-outs - all fall into the category of nonconformist minorities.

Accompanying this incredible film is an equally amazing sound track produced by Supertramp, Arc, Crucible and others. The sound track album was released on Deram and is so rare it sells for in excess of £250 and has never being be released on CD before.

Available from Gonzo Multimedia, this DVD/ CD package with an extensive booklet of photographs from the set and sleeve notes by Tony Klinger finally pays justice to this unique film



Tracks:
Arc - An Ear Ago
Arc - Great Lager Street
Crucible - Box Man
Mark McCann - Black Rose
Mark McCann - Refrigerated Warmth
Arc - Let Your Love Run Through
Crucible - Hit It
Supertramp - Surely
Supertramp - Am I Not Like Other Birds of Prey
Arc - I'm A Perfectly Happy Man
Supertramp - Words Unspoken
Crucible - Elvish Queen
Crucible - We Gotta Watch Out

Release Date: 30th June 2017

To pre-order “Supertramp - Extremes” (CD/DVD):
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/search/product_details/16012/Supertramp-Extremes.html

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Critically Acclaimed 1971 Film "Extremes" Feat. Soundtrack By Supertramp And Others Now Available For Pre-Order!

London - Available for the first time on CD and DVD, “Extremes” is the 1971 film Directed by Tony Klinger, Mike Lytton. It covers the whole gamut of present day human behaviour, from carefree pop fans bathing nude at the Isle of Wight to withdrawn, pathetic junkies hastening their own deaths with hard drugs. Such is the range encompassed by the so-called “permissive society”, doubly significant because it usually involves young people who have either never known discipline or are rebelling against an overdose of it. They can't change society so they have no alternative but to drop out from it. In some of the most natural and remarkable film footage ever obtained, Tony Klinger and Michael Lytton have captured a unique cross-section of them going their chosen ways, and talking freely and frankly about doing so. Nothing was pre-arranged, nothing rehearsed: everything was filmed as it happened. Hippies, junkies, Hell's Angels, alcoholics, drop-outs - all fall into the category of nonconformist minorities.

Accompanying this incredible film is an equally amazing sound track produced by Supertramp, Arc, Crucible and others. The sound track album was released on Deram and is so rare it sells for in excess of £250 and has never being be released on CD before.

Available from Gonzo Multimedia, this DVD/ CD package with an extensive booklet of photographs from the set and sleeve notes by Tony Klinger finally pays justice to this unique film



Tracks:
Arc - An Ear Ago
Arc - Great Lager Street
Crucible - Box Man
Mark McCann - Black Rose
Mark McCann - Refrigerated Warmth
Arc - Let Your Love Run Through
Crucible - Hit It
Supertramp - Surely
Supertramp - Am I Not Like Other Birds of Prey
Arc - I'm A Perfectly Happy Man
Supertramp - Words Unspoken
Crucible - Elvish Queen
Crucible - We Gotta Watch Out

Release Date: 30th June 2017

To pre-order “Supertramp - Extremes” (CD/DVD):
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/search/product_details/16012/Supertramp-Extremes.html

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com