TCCDM Pulls One Out..."Strange Universe" - Mahogany Rush (1975)

"Strange Universe" - Mahogany Rush" (1975)

     There are some real bangers on this one.  It's heavy and funky and touched with a bit of psych dust.  "Strange Universe" was Mahogany Rush's third album and where the trio really stepped into their own.  It has everything.  Sure, he wears his influences on his sleeve, but fuhgeddaboudit.  This is good stuff!  Just let the boy play.  Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush have put their own particular stamp on the envelope, and I love it.  One of my favorites.  An underappreciated guitar player, Frank Marino gives your speakers a good dusting with a variety of atmospheres that never drift too far from Base One.  Frank was only 21 when this dropped.  His best stuff was still yet to come.

"Strange Universe" - Mahogany Rush" (back)

"Strange Universe" - Mahogany Rush" (inside gatefold)

Favorites include:
"Tales of the Spanish Warrior"
"Strange Universe" 
"Tryin' Anyway"
"Dear Music"

     "Strange Universe" comes in a gatefold sleeve with one of the all-time great album covers.  Inside the gatefold are the lyrics and an image of the band.  As you might expect, this Canadian trio recorded their square at Tempo Studios in Montreal.  All of Frank Marino/Mahogany Rush are low-dollar/high-reward albums, and this one is a fantastic spin to dig into.  I'll take all of this you got.  

20th Century Records

Cat #
T-482
SIDE 1  DEADWAX
M-482-AS X  wcw AZ  A
SIDE 2  DEADWAX
M-482-BS  wcw AZ

"Tryin' Anyway" - Mahogany Rush / "Strange Universe" (1975)

TRACKS:
A1  "Tales of the Spanish Warrior" 4:40
A2  "The King Who Stole (...The Universe)" 3:53
A3  "Satisfy Your Soul" 3:15
A4  "Land of 1000 Nights" 4:30
A5  "Moonlight Lady" 4:05
B1  "Dancing Lady" 3:08
B2  "Once Again" 3:31
B3  "Tryin' Anyway" 3:40
B4  "Dear Music" 4:15
B5  "Strange Universe" 7:00

PERSONNEL:
Frank Marino - guitars, Moog synth, vocals
Paul Harwood - acoustic and electric bass
Jimmy Ayoub - drums, percussion

Good stuff.

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