Psychedelic Tokyo 1966-1969 Vol. 3 - Slitherama! (1991)

If you are anything like me, you get giddy when you hear a unique, original cover song. This compilation is jammed full of them. Slitherama! is the third volume of psychedelic 60s Japanese garage rock released by Italian label Planet X. This was purchased at Time Bomb Records in Tokyo's America Town (making it the all-around most cosmopolitan record I own) by my good friend Manny of LBP Stunts, and I am forever grateful for this addition to my collection.

Anyone who is a fan of heavy reverb, rumbling Hammond organ, screaming bluesy guitar solos, and Engrish accents is sure to be taken on quite a journey. There isn't much about the music on this collection that is definitively Japanese (besides the monster movie soundtracks which bookend each side of the record), but it all rocks in a way that is far more rebellious than whatever passes as Rock 'N' Roll these days. Every selection here is a memorable discovery, and for those who own a physical copy, I'd just like to note that it's pressed on awesome marbled color vinyl!

ENJOY

P.S. If you like this, you might also want to check out a little remix I cranked out the other night. May your necks be as sore as mine was when this was completed.

Khansahib Abdul Karim Khan - (19--?)

Khansahib Abdul Karim Khan was a classical singer of the Karina Gharana style from Northern India. He died back in 1937 before your grandparents were probably even born. These recordings were made some time in the 1930's, and reproduced for this record who-knows-when. My guess, due to the heavy weight of the high-density vinyl would be some time in the 50's or 60's.

Most of the music sounds kinda like a guy making Scooby Doo ghost voices over mellow sitar and tons of crackles and static. What can I say this thing is ancient, and not necessarily in the best shape. However, this music is very mellow and definitely has a spiritual quality to it. If you can tolerate the poor audio quality, this is a real interesting album.

ENJOY