TCCDM Pulls One Out..."Population II" - Randy Holden (1970 - Rei 2020)

"Population II" - Randy Holden (1970 - Rei 2020)

“Population II” sounds like a natural progression that began when Randy Holden first introduced his guitar in the early psych garage band…The Other Half. (1968)  Later, Holden's blistering guitar woke listeners back up when they flipped over side two of "New! Improved! Blue Cheer" (1969) causing fans to believe in the elusive number 11 on the ”1 thru 10” amp dials.

And so fans were chomping at the bit to hear Holden's heavy amplified guitar crunch on his debut solo album…“Population II.”  Unfortunately, screwed-up distribution problems and equipment repossession put the kibosh on Randy Holden's star-rising shine.

And what a shame.  This debut effort doesn't disappoint.  Holden, along with Kak drummer Chris Lockheed, deliver up six heavy stoner and doom rock songs dusted with psych reminders to blow out your speakers.  The music is heavy and fresh and never drops off.  And you can hear the influences that Holden's work had on other bands coming down the pike.  Original copies are very expensive and are grails for many.  This album is what reissues were truly made for.  And if you have the slightest interest in this genre…you'll wanna jump.

"Population II" - Randy Holden (back)

Favorites include "Blue My Mind" and "Fruit and Iceburgs."  The latter is a more heavy proto-doom version darker than the one he did with Blue Cheer.  Both are equally good.  “Between Time" is a short piece of catchy asskickery and a lot of fun.  

This reissue has been signed and numbered by Randy Holden and is pressed on 180g black vinyl inside a polythene sleeve. The name "Population II" is not only the number of members in the band, but also refers to certain star clusters found within the Milky Way identified as having heavy metal.  Randy be clever, yo!

"Population II" - Randy Holden (inside gatefold)

Randy Holden (signed/numbered)

RidingEasy Records
 (Side 1 / Side 2)

Cat #
EZRDR116
SIDE A  DEADWAX
EZRDR116-A  NT  34601.1 (2)~
SIDE B  DEADWAX
EZRDR116-B  NT  34601.2 (2)•

"Fruit & Iceburgs" - Randy Holden / "Population II" (1970)

TRACKS:
A1  "Guitar Song" 6:13
A2  "Fruit & Iceburgs" 5:02
A3  "Between Time" 1:49
A4  "Fruit & Iceburgs (Conclusion)" 1:51
B1  "Blue My Mind" 6:03
B2  "Keeper Of My Flame" 10:06

PERSONNEL:
Randy Holden - vocals, guitar, bass
Chris Lockheed - drums

Good stuff.

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