lockdown : vinyl find #42.

I've just listened to the album Procol Harum recorded with the Edmonton Symphonic Orchestra. And I followed with a real Finnish sweet. Almost a perfect mix.  

I've already mentioned the quality of the record stores in Helsinki on this blog. The digging session I had there was the occasion to get acquainted with the impressive Love Records catalog. From this bottomless pit, Wigwam stands out. They represented the best of progressive rock in Finland in the 1970's. Honestly, I had no idea before visiting the stores in Helsinki. Chatting with the record dealers was key, it always is. 

Opening on a couple of prog rock kinda conventional anthems, the album also contains some strange bits of experimentation on synthetizers and background vocals, jazzy moments, also heavy guitar solos to impress the ladies. Organs are there when needed, pianos as well, floating flutes, offering a wide range of sounds, though remaining in the usual prog rock palette. However, don't expect any reference to the Finnish roots of the band : the lyrics are sung in English, one of the band members and main songwriter, Jim Pembroke, was Brit, and the album was produced by American producer Kim Fowley.  

The general atmosphere, soft as a pillow, serves as a time capsule, a travel back into the flower power. 

Wigwam - Tombstone Valentine. 

Here's the full album, as a YouTube playlist.