Hercules & The Black Majic - War (Parts 1 and 2). 1970 USA ~ Des Moines, Iowa

The a) side is a fairly straightforward cover of the Edwin Starr classic. A little more rough and ready. More psych'd out I'd submit. Not really enough to call out on its own though. It's the b) side that captures the attention. While still the same song, it's a completely rearranged, improvised psychedelic funk instrumental with loads of killer fuzz. Good one here.

3.5 / 4.5

1/5/26 (new entry)

Inner Lite – Hold On To Him / Tabula Rasa. 1969 USA-Iowa

Here's an oddball release from Des Moines, Iowa of all places. The label name certainly would have been considered risqué in its era. A) side is a pleasant organ driven pop psych, not that far from what Bacharach was writing, minus the talented musicians of course. B side ups the rock ante from the off, with a fine guitar solo early on and he never gives back the song from there. 

1/2/24