Initially called The CAGE, this trippy West Coast psych band from the 60 s were quite sophisticated for their time. They started off in 1968 when keyboardist William Cosby joined forces with guitarist Dave Padwin and two female musicians, namely bassist Carolyn Lee and drummer Dora Wahl. All four were either classically trained or seasoned club veterans, Cosby himself being a UCLA music major. Evolving smack in the middle of the flower power era, they played their blistering rockers and wispy melodies quite convincingly, borrowing from jazz, classical music, avant-garde and rock. On the psychedelic side, they were definitely more song oriented than, say, early PINK FLOYD although they did pour a mean dose of organ on their self-titled LP, released in 1969. Unfortunately, a year later Cosby got drafted and the band broke up.
The MUSIC EMPORIUM album is a highly fascinating testimony from a different time and place. Seductive organ dominated, having everything one would ever want from a late 60 s album: driving rhythms, heavy guitar riffs, trippy Farfisa organ and cool, groovy male/female vocals by Cosby and especially Carolyn Lee who delivers her druggy, cosmic lyrics with style.
Their solos are concise and they know how to lock into a groove without jamming aimlessly, as did so many bands of that era. They also know how to structure songs that best display their strengths although in retrospect, it is their softer tunes that seem to have aged better, especially those with a nice gothic/classical feel.
The Fan-Man he who knows... adds :
Hypnotic electric
church organ gives a strong pleasant psychedelic style to the music of MUSIC EMPORIUM. The drums, played
by a female, are definitely elaborated and very well played
The bottom bass is not timid at all, adding dynamics while
omnipresent electrified-guitar adds effectively.
Every track has something
really catchy: that s why it is a very pleasant if not a top-level album to fully listen. Terrific lead
backing vocals are shared between male female members quite intimately.
Last track Day of wrath , is saturated with a VERY loud vibrant
church organ: impressive, especially loudly.
Extremely well preformed - notch above the best in similar 60 s reflective golden-zones.
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Highly recommended to collectors of sixties psychedelia, rated in highest regard, no originals long time, only other on internet selling on Discogs for a cool 8,800.
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This 1969 original copy lifetime guaranteed is near M- and plays fabulous as a final collection artifact among essential 60 s PSYCH rarities ...
holy grail crown jewel
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Nam Myo Renge Kyo 2:37
Velvet Sunsets 2:35
Prelude 2:07
Catatonic Variations 1:58
Times Like This 2:00
Gentle Thursday 3:46
Winds Have Changed 2:12
Cage 5:09
Sun Never Shines 4:01
Day Of Wrath 3:25
