David Axelrod ‎– David Axelrod

Tracks 2-8 are from the acetate of the ‘Faust’ Electric Prunes project from 1969/70, with different track titles. Projected follow-up to ‘Release Of An Oath’

David Axelrod, funk pioneer, comes to Mo’Wax for this semi-retrospective (two new tracks bookend seven remastered tracks straight from acetate), and he proves that he’s still ahead of his time. The opening track, “The Little Children” combines strings, choir… and an MC for a mysterious dirge-like result. There’s the summer funk of “Jimmy T.” or the bright and shiny cacophony of “Crystal Ball.” These tracks have been carefully orchestrated, and the attention to sonic quality is evident: from the romantic piano chords and strings that lead into a clarinet whirlwind on “Fantasy for Ralph” to the rolling country-western-gospel feel of “For Land’s Sake.” The lonely trumpet at the start of “Loved Boy” heralds a profound and heartrending spiritual, reminiscent of Mahalia Jackson but with male vocals instead. A startling cap to a timeless album.