Browse by Artist: HOOKER, D.R.

Artist:	HOOKER, D.R.
Title:	The Truth
Label:	SUBLIMINAL SOUNDS (SWEDEN)
Format:	LP
Price:	$25.50
Catalog #:	SUBL 014LP

One of the rarest U.S. psych albums, previously issued on CD by Subliminal Sounds, now in a beautiful and legit 180 gram vinyl LP reissue. The Truth, recorded in Connecticut in 1972, might very well be the ultimate North American acid rock album, ever. No hype here -- just incredible music. Tempting as it is to exaggerate the worth of such obscurities, The Truth deserves every plaudit that comes its way, making it astonishing that there was no real band to speak of. Instead, ten musicians are credited alongside the mysterious Donald Hooker, who wrote, sang and played lead on the album. Culled from the local music scene, they rehearsed only briefly before entering the studio. Tom Kobela, who played dobro on this record, remembers that Hooker "was a very likable, long-haired fellow" who "wore robes, which was pushing the dress code conventions even then." Despite his wasted appearance, though, he knew exactly what he wanted in the studio. Heralded by an eerie hoosh, the first track exemplifies the album's sound: a strong melody, funky drumming and percussion and piercing guitar, underpinning oddly philosophical, quasi-Christian lyrics. Some songs are mellow, while others rock hard. Other highlights include the irresistibly funky "A Stranger's Smile" and the beautifully structured "This Thing." But the album's masterpiece is the unforgettable "Forge Your Own Chains," whose smoldering groove, enlivened by delicate synth and atmospheric brass, provides the backing for Hooker's admonitory lyrics about the iniquities of substance abuse. This is one of those albums that keeps revealing new depths even when you've played it a hundred times. Connecticut hippie-philosopher concocts homemade lounge-psych masterpiece. True psychedelia! Includes a poster in a limited edition of 500 copies.

Artist:	HOOKER, D.R.
Title:	The Truth
Label:	SUBLIMINAL SOUNDS (SWEDEN)
Format:	CD
Price:	$15.00
Catalog #:	SUBL 015CD

"Finally a CD reissue of one of the rarest US psych LPs. The Truth, recorded in Connecticut in 1972, might very well be the ultimate North American acid rock album ever. No hype here, just incredible talented music. Everything is absolute perfection, the wailing fuzz guitar, the psychy arrangements, his awesome voice, layers of instruments and well-crafted songs. One of those LPs that keeps revealing new depths even when you've played it a hundred times. True psychedelia. This reissue is officially licensed from the artist. This CD edition contains 6 bonus tracks not on the LP."

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