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MIJ: Yodeling Astrologer
ByBernard Stollman claimed to have found Holmbergguitar in hand and strumming angular chordssinging and yodeling by a fountain in Washington Square Park. A contract was offered and the rest is sort of history.
Yodeling Astrologer may never fit any category or genre of musiceven that which was popular in the late 1960s. But then it was never meant to. Holmberg could not account for his inspiration either. So what is the value of releasing this record then as now? There can be no doubt that the music has psychedelic predilections. Is this even relevant today? Probably not as the current era of music has moved so far away from the use of hallucinogenic-induced mind-altering music.
However, the truth of the matter is that this is no trippy music. It is simply a plaintive cry for understanding existential angst. Remember this is the "Woodstock-era" pre-funk music. John SebastianmeetsCountry Joe and the Fishmeetsthe Easy Rider. And almost all the music has a serious raison d'etre: The cry of unconditional love (not the "free love" of the so-called and often discredited hippy movement), but of love in an almost spiritual equation.
Tracks like "Grok (Martian Love Call)" and ""Romeo and Juliet" are charged with emotion and quite beautifully crafted melodically. "Lookin' Out Today" is more socially aware, but no less rich in melodic intricacy. "Never Be Free" has a crafty mid-section. And all the music, of course, features the high and lonesome sound of this unusual artist. This music is a world apart from the bluegrass of guitarist, banjoist and the late Captain Trips, Jerry Garcia, or mandolin-player and 'Old and in the Way' partner in crime, David Grisman. But it is significant stuff nevertheless. Holmberg may not be a great instrumentalist, or a great vocalist, but his music is heartfelt and quite shockingly memorable and no less relevant and fun today as it was almost 40 years ago.
Track Listing
Two Stars; Grok (Martian Love Call); Romeo and Juliet; Little Boy; Lookin' Out Today; Door Keys; Planet Of A Flower; Never Be Free; Look Into The (K)Night.
Personnel
MIJ: vocals, guitar.
Album information
Title: Yodeling Astrologer | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: ESP Disk
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