GONG - Camembert Électrique (1971-2015) Mini LP CD MSI Japan / RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This is a classic, the epitome of the band's early Daevid Allen phase with Ph.P.'s (pothead pixies) in full, blazing glory. In its infancy, Gong was a unique prog rock band that branched out in all directions at once while most other prog bands chose simply one path or another. Camembert Electrique is a testament to that. The band's eclectic "electric cheese" rock is a mixture of psychedelic rock, spacy atmospherics and lyrics, and doses of jazz often presented with a pop sensibility, yet always intense. From the first cut on Camembert, you are transported to planet Gong via the voice of a "radio gnome" who drops in intermittently to remind you you're not in Kansas anymore. Daevid Allen leads the band through several compositions musically (not lyrically) reminiscent of, and possibly influenced by, early King Crimson -- a hard, raw-edged sound propelled by a strong guitar-sax-percussion combo. Drummer Pip Pyle played on only a few Gong sessions; he is a major figure here, as is saxophonist Didier Malherbe. Both are up front on the wailing progressive rocker "You Can't Kill Me," which also features guitarist Allen in top form. Allen's declarative "I've Bin Stone Before," the first part of an inventive three-song medley, is of particular interest; introductory church organ and avant-garde sax make this another unique Gong experience. But the real gem on Camembert is "Tropical Fish: Selene." This jazzy composition is the most involving and intricate piece on the recording. The band moves tightly through several progressive movements and Gilli Smyth scores with her trademark "space whispering." Camembert Electrique remains undated after over 40 years and hovers "strong and steamin'" over most of the Gong catalog. by David Ross Smith 
Tracklist:
1 Radio Gnome 0:27
Daevid Allen
2 You Can't Kill Me 6:16
Daevid Allen
3 I've Bin Stone Before/Mister Long Shanks/O Mother 4:51
Daevid Allen
4 I Am Your Fantasy 3:39
Gilli Smyth / Submarine Captain Christian Tritsch
5 Dynamite: I Am Your Animal 4:29
Gilli Smyth
6 Wet Cheese Delirium 0:33
Daevid Allen
7 Squeezing Sponges Over Policemen's Heads 0:12
Daevid Allen
8 Fohat Digs Holes in Space 6:20
Daevid Allen / Gilli Smyth
9 Tried So Hard 4:36
Daevid Allen / Submarine Captain Christian Tritsch
10 Tropical Fish: Selene 7:32
Daevid Allen
11 Gnome the Second 0:25
 Daevid Allen
Credits Bass – Submarine Captain Drums, Percussion [Tables, Chairs] – Pip Pyle Guitar, Vocals [Aluminium Croon] – Bert Camembert, Daevid Allen Saxophone, Flute – Blumdido Bad De Grass Vocals [Space Whisper, Lady Voice] – Gilli Smyth, Shakti Yoni Written-By – Tritsch (tracks: 4, 5, 9), Allen (tracks: 1 to 3, 6 to 11), Smyth (tracks: 4, 5, 8)