Amen Dunes: Murder Dull Mind

Amen Dunes (Damon McMahon), has sculpted a near-perfect album of outsider psych that is both hermetic and open, private and welcoming. The underground certainly has it's share of outsider saints and  it's often the persona more than the music that resonates. Sometimes the music and the person come together perfectly, as in the case of Skip Spence's Oar. Amen Dunes draws on the private hauntings of the mind, but instead of making his psych-cosis (if I might coin such an awkward phrase) something to watch from afar, McMahon doesn't want to live in the isolation that was required to craft the record. It's like watching someone return from the underworld with some stories to tell, of the trouble of gods and men. Influences here range from Barrett, particularly in the guitar work on "Diane" to a wonderful channeling of Roy Harper on "Murder Dull Mind." A little bit of noise reminds you we are not completely free and clear of psychic disturbances, but for the most part, it's a quiet, extremely lysergic meditation that expands both the mind and the heart.

Listen to "Murder Dull Mind"

--Buy it here--

Some out-of-print books I covet

These are some of the books I wish I could own, often available used through places like Abe, Alibris, and Amazon, but are just too darn expensive.

American Magus Harry Smith: A Modern Alchemist, edited by Paola Igliori
The book I know of that is a comprehensive look at the life and work of this remarkable character; a music archivist, filmmaker, magician. Much of his work can be seen online, and in particular YouTube has a substantial number of his films.

I have seen this book for about $50.00-120.00.

Automata. A Historical and Technological Study, by Alfred Chapuis and Edmond Droz (Translated by Alec Reid)
One of the most comprehensive looks at the history of automata and the relationship to watchmaking. A beautiful massively illustrated volume. A book I have wanted for years.


Volumes in good condition are around $195.00- 300.00

A Golden Guide to Hallucinogenic Plants, Richard Evans Schultes
I will always have a special place in my heart for the Golden Guide series, and I was amazed to discover this out-of-print little gem. I mean look at it! Just look at it!

Price is anywhere from $175.00-500.00 or more.

 
KrautRockSampler, by Julian Cope
Cope's love letter to KrautRock, filled with terrific anecdotes and deep investigations of the music. Includes album cover images and a top fifty list.  

About $40.00-100.00 for a decent copy.



The Modern Antiquarian: A Pre-Millennial Odyssey Through Megalithic Britain, By Julian Cope
Not coincidentally, another one by Cope, this his travel and spiritual guide through the standing stones and other ancient artifact of Britain. Includes maps, photographs, poetry, and reflections.  So impressive, the BBC crafted a documentary of the same name hosted by Cope.

Can only be had for $180 and up.

Ravi Shankar at Monterey International Pop Music Festival, 1967

Sure, I know, everyone has seen it, everyone cites it, but it truly is one of the most masterful and breathtaking live performances of all time, made all the more amazing by the great photography and editing of the film Monterey Pop.

David Whyte-- Tilichio Lake

In this high place
it is as simple as this,
leave everything you know behind...

--Listen--

Repost Friday-- Some Questions for Sir Richard Bishop

Sir Richard Bishop is truly one of the most exceptional guitarists working today. He is best known for his work with the brilliant and inscrutable Sun City Girls, but his recent solo career is no less impressive. His most recent record, The Freak of Araby [Drag  City] is a wonder of technical virtuosity and authentic respect for his influences.

Bishop is currently in Southeast Asia (read his blog here) and was kind enough to answer some questions regarding his thoughts on the influence of occultism on underground music, his own thought on esotericism, and the difference between the inner and the outer.