TCCDM Pulls One Out..."Mecki Mark Men" - Mecki Mark Men (1968)

"Mecki Mark Men" - Mecki Mark Men (1968)

Mecki Mark Men was a Swedish band with a debut album that is a bit of a mind blow.  The songs are an array of groovy psych trippage that's sometimes in your face and sometimes a dreamy flush.  There are some experimental jazz mumblings wandering around inside, as well.  The avant-garde variety.  On the songs with lyrics, the vocals have a familiar Jimi Hendrix timbre that fans will no doubt recognize. (The band did open for Hendrix a few times after all)  This might irritate some, but I'm totally cool with it.  They're from Sweden.  Whaddyagonnado?

There is nothing on the album that is really commercial radio, but a couple of songs could've...if they would've.  Mecki Mark Men accomplished what I think they set out to do.  Help the listener take a ride without leaving the house.  I've heard from others in the vinyl community that Mecki Mark Men's follow-up album..."Running In The Summer Night" (1969)...is the one you want to track down.  I have not heard it, but keep an eye out.

"Mecki Mark Men" (back)

This album is meant for total consumption, but if I had to cherry-pick, favorites would include "Love Your Life"..."I Had a Horse" and ..."Love Feeling"

My copy is an original Limelight pressing with a Promo Not For Sale on the bottom rim of the label.  This had been on my eBay watch list for over a month.  You might have seen it too.  The seller described the vinyl as being VG++, but the album cover didn't match up due to a factory error.  I was worried that it might not fit in a plastic sleeve.  No one had grabbed it from the seller in over a month so I finally shot an offer.  When the album arrived, I immediately checked to see if the album would fit in a plastic sleeve...and it did.  I'm not even sure if the vinyl being a promo copy was even mentioned.  So bonus!  The vinyl was very clean and played fine.  It was a good deal...$15 shipped.  A long story, but a happy ending.

"Mecki Mark Men" (inside gatefold)

Limelight label (Promo)

Cat #
LS-86054
SIDE A  MATRIX
LS 86054A-M1  MR  R I  A
SIDE B  MATRIX
LS 86054B-M2  MR  R I

"Love Your Life" - Mecki Mark Men / "Mecki Mark Men" (1968)

TRACKS:
A1  "Opening" 2:45
A2  "Get Up" 3:02
A3  "Free" 4:07
A4  "I Got It" 4:04
A5  "Love Your Life" 4:12
B1  "I Had a Horse" 3:33
B2  "Scream" 3:45
B3  "Sweet Movin'" 2:46
B4  "Enlightment" 3:44
B5  "Love Feeling" 3:42
B6  "Please" 4:09

PERSONNEL:
Mecki Bodemark - vocals, organ, vibes
Clas Svanberg - guitar
Hans Nordström - saxophone, flute
Björn Fredholm - drums, congas
Thomas Mera Gartz - drums, vibes, sitar

Good stuff.

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