Saturday, August 25, 2018

VILDKAKTUS – Vindarnas vägar (Polydor, 1971) / Natten (Ljudspår, 1973)

Vindarnas vägar (Polydor, 1971)
Swedish vocals
International relevance: ***

Another very fine effort from Vildkaktus. Not quite as good as ”Tidsmaskinen” but not far from it. ”Vindarnas vägar” is a more 'typical' prog than their debut, whatever that means and besides, nothing about Vildkaktus is exactly typical anyway. ”Vindarnas vägar” reveals influences from late 60's harmony laden American bands with jazzy inclinations. But it's isn't an epigonic work; it's tight, meticulously constructed and imaginative. The songs are excellent and confirm Vildkaktus as one of the most original bands of the era.

The album had a Record Store Day reissue in 2017.

Vildkaktus had a non-album 45 out on Polydor in 1972, "Vila vid denna källa"/"Natur du kämpar", before leaving the label for their third album.

Natten (Ljudspår, 1972)
Swedish vocals, English vocals
International relevance: ***

Vildkaktus' third album is their weakest. It's less intricate than their previous two, on one hand opting for a little heavier sound (case in point: ”Ånglåt”) and on the other for a more straight-ahead West Coast sound, as on ”Substitute Woman”. It sounds as if Vildkaktus had lost a bit of interest in their music, and not surprisingly they disbanded after ”Natten”. Guitarist Olle Nilsson, pianist Gösta Nilsson and bassist Tommy Johnsson reappeared in Ibis a couple of years later.

A 1971 session for the Tonkraft show is included in "Progglådan".

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