An Ozric Tentacles thread

[Mick]

Since forming in England, they have been around for 30 years and 28 albums, yet for those still not aquainted with the unique style of the Ozric Tentacles (or their recent predicaments), I wanted to share a short segment of Ozric life JUST BEFORE their hopes and dreams were wiped out during the devastating Rocky Mountain fires in Colorado last summer...

First a 6 minute interview, then the Ozrics in action in their studio....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfqU5-L-MJ0&feature=player_embedded

That fire destroyed everything seen in the video.. except the people. It was an even more severe misfortune that the Ozrics were on the verge of a much wider recognition following their relocation to Colorado. Then in October, main man Ed was rushed into the ER with a burst appendix which was almost fatal... he's now recovering, and looking forward to touring again in 2013.
Ozric music will live on, no matter what, so we're wishing for a place in which they are able to resume the pursuit of their musical dreams... thereby enabling an even wider audience to continue their enjoyment of it.

Hoping for a full recovery of health, happiness and musical momentum, with special wishes to Ed, Brandi, Silas, Oli and all of their crew... as they put their personal and musical lives back together from their temporary camp... somewhere in Colorado.
(I also figured this band deserved a thread on the new site).

[Big Ears]

Ozric Tentacles are the modern equivalent of Steve Hillage and Gong. Here's a random selection:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=UXAaDqPl7oY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=h2HFzl23sEE


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=IeTxhbPgLQI

[Mick]

Update ...
After many months of being "homeless", Brandi was proud to announce that the Ozrics are relocating to a NEW Colorado home & studio, just in time for Christmas.
Ed will now be able to recuperate from his surgeries "at home".

Attachment: 4207a1e24f8efa644de97.jpg (232.9 KB)

[Valen]

A unique band for sure, and was sorry to hear about their setbacks this year.

But, the vibes that made this band special, particularly live, were lost years ago when the likes of Zia, Seaweed and Schoo left the band. I saw this line-up several times and the talent and chemistry between the players was so good that they could jam for hours and yet make it sound like they were well-rehearsed beforehand.

Sadly, once the band reduced to Ed and Brandi, I felt the quality of the albums suffered, and the live shows lost their spark and spontaneity. If you compare clips of the Pongmasters Ball dvd in 2002 to more recent footage, it's obvious that Brandi is only a competent bass player at best, with the rest of the band little more than backing musicians.

A shame really, because Ed is a talented guy on guitar and keys, but I get the feeling he's simply on cruise control these days, if the sounds of the last album are anything to go by.

Anyone reading this and wanting an introduction to the band should try for the likes of Erpland or Jurassic Shift to see what they were really capable of when they were totally on their game.

[ItalProgRules]

ITA with everything Valen said.

[Paulrus]

If you compare clips of the Pongmasters Ball dvd in 2002 to more recent footage, it's obvious that Brandi is only a competent bass player at best...
True, but she's cheap! ;)



A shame really, because Ed is a talented guy on guitar and keys, but I get the feeling he's simply on cruise control these days, if the sounds of the last album are anything to go by.

Heh, some would say Ozrics have been on cruise control since Jurassic Shift. :)

And I actually like Paper Monkeys (the latest) a lot. Sure, I'd also love to have Joie, John, Merv and Roly back in the band, but I guess I'm just happy they've landed on their feet after losing their home and are able to keep going.

[Septober Energy]

I pretty much quit buying new Ozrics albums after Curious Corn, thinking they had veered too far into techno territory for my tastes. I was actually pleasantly surprised how much I liked Paper Monkeys, and I have been filling in the gaps in my Ozrics collection with their more recent albums over the last few months. I now have 22 Ozrics albums if you count Nodens Ictus. I agree that they're not quite as interesting as they were in their early days, but I think they've managed to weather the lineup changes and setbacks and still put out obscenely large quantities of very good and unique music over the years. I hope they keep going for a while.

[adewolf]

:up great band

[Spiral]

I was actually pleasantly surprised how much I liked Paper Monkeys, and I have been filling in the gaps in my Ozrics collection with their more recent albums over the last few months.

My interest trailed off about a decade ago... I believe the most recent thing I know was The Hidden Step. Would you single out any big standouts among the releases they've made since?

[marinaorgan]

I didn't know about this! Have known and written about Ozrics since the mid 80s.... Damn... off to find out more...

[SteveSly]

[QUOTE=Mick;22538]Update ...
After many months of being "homeless", Brandi was proud to announce that the Ozrics are relocating to a NEW Colorado home & studio, just in time for Christmas.
Ed will now be able to recuperate from his surgeries "at home".

I am happy to hear this. When Ozrics played ProgDay in 2009 I found them to be very nice people and thought they put on a fantastic show. The outdoor vibe with no light show was completely different from their normal environment, but damn if it was not the best time I have seen them. I hope only the best for them in the new year.

Steve sly

[Digital_Man]

Finally got to catch them live earlier in the year. They were very good live. All were top notch but I was particularly impressed by the drummer. Anyway, sad to hear about their studio burning down but glad to hear they are getting back on track.

As a side note, I think they were one of the first "obscure" prog bands that I saw in record stores back in the early to mid 90's. Not that they single handedly brought prog back into the mainstream but they did seem to get some fans excited about the genre again and I remember seeing them covered in an early progression magazine issue.

[Wounded Land]

I've always really liked Arboresence (sp?).

[Rand Kelly]

Update ...
After many months of being "homeless", Brandi was proud to announce that the Ozrics are relocating to a NEW Colorado home & studio, just in time for Christmas.
Ed will now be able to recuperate from his surgeries "at home".

Attachment: 4207a1e24f8efa644de97.jpg (232.9 KB)

Mick,what surgeries for Ed? I have no idea what's been happening since they lost their stuff to the fire.

[davis]

I like just about everything 'Ozric' that I've heard. My first Ozric CDs were Erpland and Pungent Effulgent. I still like those a lot. I also really like the recent releases. i've only started on the Vitamin Enhanced box stuff, so can't really comment on it yet.

[Septober Energy]

My interest trailed off about a decade ago... I believe the most recent thing I know was The Hidden Step. Would you single out any big standouts among the releases they've made since?

After The Hidden Step, all I have is The Floor's Too Far Away (2006), The Yum Yum Tree (2009) and Paper Monkeys (2011). Of these I'd say that Paper Monkeys is the best.

[Septober Energy]

i've only started on the Vitamin Enhanced box stuff, so can't really comment on it yet.

These are overlooked and some of their most interesting work, in my opinion. These recordings were from before they'd really settled on their style, so there are some really pleasant surprises on many of these. Unfortunately, the first 2 or 3 also suffer from pretty poor sound quality in places.

[Spiral]

Of these I'd say that Paper Monkeys is the best.

Noted. Thanks.

[Reginod]

Just picked up vinyl of Paper Monkeys a few weeks ago. Still have yet to play it. Their video from the 1991 show at the Fridge in Brixton is probably my all-time favourite Ozrics product but they've got tons o'good ones.

Best wishes all around to Ed, Brandi and the Ozrics!

[Mick]

Right now, due to their disrupted circumstances, this band needs an immense show of appreciation, so thank you to everyone here at PE who've posted their comments with a positive input.
For more Ozric information, music, videos and news, please go to http://ozrics.proboards.com/index.cgi , or to their forum at http://ozrics.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general.
... because they really need to see that PE cares about Ozric survival.

[davef]

So what was wrong with Ed that he needed surgeries??

[Mick]

So what was wrong with Ed that he needed surgeries??
Dave, Ed was rushed to the ER in October with a burst appendix, which led to further complications.
I don't know all the details, however, most importantly, he is alive and now convalescing with Brandi and Silas in their new home. Hopefully their new studio will be equipped by the time he has fully recovered.
They are also making plans for a 2013 tour.

[davis]

...They are also making plans for a 2013 tour.

That's great news :) I hope they play Kentuckiana or reasonably close.

[marinaorgan]

Right now, due to their disrupted circumstances, this band needs an immense show of appreciation, so thank you to everyone here at PE who've posted their comments with a positive input.
For more Ozric information, music, videos and news, please go to http://ozrics.proboards.com/index.cgi , or to their forum at http://ozrics.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general.
... because they really need to see that PE cares about Ozric survival.

Yes - they really have had a terrible time of it lately, and I haven't seen many people aware of it!

[Iszil]

I discovered them about a year ago and I loved their space-prog-eclectic-psychedelic rock.

[davef]

That's great news :) I hope they play Kentuckiana or reasonably close.

Maybe they'll make it to Nashville.I saw them twice there!

[Smörgåsbord]

First a 6 minute interview, then the Ozrics in action in their studio....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfqU5-L-MJ0&feature=player_embedded


The song they played sounded pretty much like their 80s material, which is good to my ears. Don't like it when they go too much in the electronic/techno direction.

[davis]

Maybe they'll make it to Nashville.I saw them twice there!

That's close enough to attend. they're one of a number of bands I keep track of (touring).

[Mick]

"Coily"... Another great energy clip for appreciation (thanks SAS247 & Jez12).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJKpXi25wOs

Ed Wynne on Guitars, Brandi Wynne on Synths, Vinnie Shillito on Bass & Ollie Seagle on Drums.
... from 2008, before the Ozrics became even more of a "family" affair, when Brandi hit home on the bass and Eds' son Silas Wynne took over the synths to complete their present line-up.

[Mick]

Update on Ed today from Brandi...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hiya,

Well, the holidays seem to have treated him well... The doctors are very happy with his progress and he actually got his IV out a couple days ago now. He's got some physical therapy to be getting on with, my mom brought him a total gym machine so we'll be a seeing a new incarnation of Ed as he's getting himself "pumped up" =). ...I never thought I would see Ed working out! ...maybe I'll have a buff husband soon. Granted, I'm not going to hold my breath, but for now I can hope he starts to enjoy it!

[TonyW]

Good to hear that the band are recovering from their setbacks. Having owned and enjoyed Jurassic Shift for some years, I never got round to ordering more Ozrics, in part because I kept reading that they were pretty much a one-trick pony and lazily didn't check for myself. This thread has prompted me to order Erpland and Hidden Step, looking forward to hearing them!

[Big Ears]

I keep looking forward to new material. I have been listening to some bands which I heard were like the Ozrics, but, while the substitutes are okay, they are not as good. Ozrics are like Heinz tomato ketchup, the original is still the best. I have heard most of their albums and I can assure anyone who has heard only one or two that the idea they are a one-trick pony is a myth. It is probably heresy here, but to me the Ozric Tentacles took over from where Steve Hillage left off and I mean it as high praise.

[Zeuhlmate]

Definetely not a one-trick pony.
I tend to prefer their more electronic stuff.
Waterfall cities!

[walt]

I first heared Ozrics at my old friend(RIP) Doug Walker's house.He was a big fan of the band and had the band over to his house in St.Albans(Queens) during their first(?) US tour.Good stuff.

[Mick]

I have to admit that I had noticed the Ozrics OFTEN over the past thirty or so years, having seen their name appear on festival rosters or on flyers while I toured with Nektar on similar circuits around Europe during the seventies... however I'd never actually SEEN them or heard them play LIVE until we did a festival together in Pennsylvania last summer, on that very same night the band lost their Colorado homestead. I thoroughly enjoyed their music... and I admired their determination.
It was a revelation for me, as their humble family demeanor mixed with their creative instrumental tapestries created a dynamic which demanded visual interpretation, in fact that one gig reminded me of my early lightshow years, before I had the means to adapt my projections to blend perfectly with the music being played... too bad it was the only time I ever had a chance to do visuals for them.
In the mean time, I've heard much more of their music and of their situations, which in turn prompted this thread. So here's hoping for their strong return in the Spring of 2013. Get well soon Ed.

[spacefreak]

I prefer their earlier years (mid 80s to late 90s) when they were more a festival band than a family affair... I think that their best albums were all recorded during that period. Except the excellent "Spirals in Hyperspace", but I consider it as Ed's solo album rather than a group project.

[Valen]

This thread has prompted me to order Erpland and Hidden Step, looking forward to hearing them!

Good choices! That's exactly the running order that got me into the Ozrics. A mate taped me the opening track from 'Jurassic', which had me hooked, so I bought the album. Erpland was next, followed by Hidden Step.

Your ears are in for a treat.

[Ozricale]

I'm a huge fan, which may be evident. I've seen them live a few times, most recently on Halloween 2011 when they played at a biker bar a few miles down the road from my house. Great show! I have almost every album and enjoy every era. I think their newer albums including Paper Monkeys are fantastic.

[Mick]

Having recovered from the devastating fire and then Eds' near death experience... the Ozrics will be going back on the road this Summer, so stay tuned, as new stuff is already in the works.

[Hobo Chang Ba]

Great news!

[Dave (in MA)]

Last night I converted the audio of The Pongmaster's Ball DVD to mp3 to put on my mp3 player. Today my player died. Coincidence?

[Rand Kelly]

My fave of all time is Become The Other(1995),yet it seems to get completely ignored in here for the likes of Erpland and Jurassic Shift. BTO is for me,much more upbeat and sizzling music and there's not a trace of Reggae on it. Which is a + imho. It's the only one that doesn't afaik,but I haven't gotten Paper Monkeys yet. Speaking of Vitamin Enhanced,how many of you have this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=_WCSpyxgSh4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=_WCSpyxgSh4

[Rand Kelly]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=btvihkGrDXU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=btvihkGrDXU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=VUOyr8AjVgY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=VUOyr8AjVgY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=qpMJW6UyABY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=qpMJW6UyABY

[Rand Kelly]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=9Qf9fsI1bks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=9Qf9fsI1bks

[srtd4]

Speaking of Vitamin Enhanced,how many of you have this?

I have this. Some of my Favorite Ozric's music is scattered
among these 6 CD's.

Scott

[Rand Kelly]

Speaking of Vitamin Enhanced,how many of you have this?

I have this. Some of my Favorite Ozric's music is scattered
among these 6 CD's.

Scott

Ozric remastered these into 3 2-fer cds with new artwork and they sound as different as night and day to the original 6(which I sold),but as you can see I kept the box. If you own the 6 and are satisfied with the sound-cool. If not, I highly recommend getting the remasters.

http://p.playme.com/cspv/92-97-63-50-00-MetaPreview-Cover-JPEG256x256/ozric-tentacles/there-is-nothing-live-ethereal-cereal.jpg?ts=1289881093



http://images.okazje.info.pl/p/inne/4381/plyta-ozric-tentacles-tantric-obstacles-erpsongs.jpg




http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_250/MI0000/359/MI0000359742.jpg?partner=allrovi.com

[Rand Kelly]

From the remastered Tantric Obstacles: Trees Of Eternity. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7OnZZ-NQaNo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7OnZZ-NQaNo

[Hobo Chang Ba]

I quite like the opening six albums from them (ok well...the live album not so much, but the rest are excellent!). I like the more organic feel they have while still being futuristicish (or pseudofuturisticish).

[Rand Kelly]

What was your very first? Mine,Live Underslunky. I was immediately hooked after getting that.

[Rand Kelly]

What was your very first? Mine,Live Underslunky. I was immediately hooked after getting that just as it was being released in 1992.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EnVlgtjUjoI&list=PL1B90295F5CF2B42B
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EnVlgtjUjoI&list=PL1B90295F5CF2B42B

[Rand Kelly]

What was your very first? Mine,Live Underslunky. I was immediately hooked after getting that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EnVlgtjUjoI&list=PL1B90295F5CF2B42B
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EnVlgtjUjoI&list=PL1B90295F5CF2B42B

[Spiral]

My fave of all time is Become The Other(1995),yet it seems to get completely ignored in here for the likes of Erpland and Jurassic Shift.

Completely? I hope not. It's top-tier material. Erpland is my one biggest fave, but BtO is definitely right up there (I don't mind the reggae ingredient, especially if it doesn't saturate the overall mix too heavily). They were really rejuvenated with the new additions just then and you can definitely hear it.


What was your very first?

Waterfall Cities. Not quite the best, I see now, but it was a hell of an introductory jolt to me all the same.

[JKL2000]

If you compare clips of the Pongmasters Ball dvd in 2002 to more recent footage, it's obvious that Brandi is only a competent bass player at best, with the rest of the band little more than backing musicians.

She's not just competent - she's competent enough!


True, but she's cheap! ;)


Also...how can I put this politely?...I'd bang her till she bled out her ears.

[Mick]

She's not just competent - she's competent enough!
Also...how can I put this politely?...I'd bang her till she bled out her ears.

That's just plain disrespectful mate....

[JKL2000]

^Sorry, she's easy on the eyes, and her playing seemed fine at ProgDay.

I thought the Yum Yum Tree album was great.

[Rand Kelly]

I saw O.T. in Sacramento in 2006 or 2007 at a small bar and it was the first time I saw them with Brandi,she was on Synth that night and Zia was still on bass then,but they were awesome. I finally ordered Paper Monkeys just the other day due to this thread.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=IWxpl0TxQXA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=IWxpl0TxQXA

[Mick]

^Sorry, she's easy on the eyes, and her playing seemed fine at ProgDay.


I agree Brandi is easy on the eyes plus she has a wonderful personality to match.
Her musicianship and stage presence have helped the Wynn "family" continue to produce great stuff as well as put on ever improving live performances. Apology accepted...
BTW, Ed is getting into great shape in the gym, so beware (just in case).

[TheH]

What was your very first? Mine,Live Underslunky. I was immediately hooked after getting that.

My first was Strangeitude, still love that one. My favorite is Spice Doubt (incredible live performance)

[Rand Kelly]

My first was Strangeitude, still love that one. My favorite is Spice Doubt (incredible live performance)

Yep,and that was the Become The Other Tour. :up :up

[Rand Kelly]

IMHO,there's no such thing as a bad Ozric Tentacles album.

[SteveSly]

I agree Brandi is easy on the eyes plus she has a wonderful personality to match.
Her musicianship and stage presence have helped the Wynn "family" continue to produce great stuff as well as put on ever improving live performances. Apology accepted...
BTW, Ed is getting into great shape in the gym, so beware (just in case).

I understand why people may not like some of the lineup moves that have happened over the years with the band, but I don’t get why Brandi seems to get slammed so much. I have seen them live twice with her in the lineup and thought she did just fine both times. I also dealt with her from a business perspective when the band played ProgDay in 2009 and she seemed like a very nice, intelligent, competent person. My impression was that she was the main person in the band that kept things organized on the road, getting equipment set up, and getting people on stage, etc. She always had a smile on her face and had a general “hippie chick” vibe about her that was very pleasant. As a bass player I thought she did a nice job. Seeing the band outdoors, with no lightshow, was a totally different experience and I think it remains my favorite time seeing them.

Steve Sly

[Mick]

Sly has the right attitude, Brandi IS now a legitimate band member... she's one o' the guys!
Before she played on stage, she was their manager and road manager, so it comes naturally for her to incorporate her organizational skills both on and off the road. Brandi has also become the spokesperson for the band, as she knows pretty much all there is to know about the Ozrics, their schedule, stage requirements and contract riders etc. It really IS a family affair now, so despite the heavy blows the Wynns were dealt last year... things are now looking REAL good on their horizon.
Awareness of their music (& their very existence) is paramount for future successes of OT, so many thanks to y'all for the many great clips which appeared on this thread... just another reason why I began this thread in the first place... to help spread the good music & karma regarding this unique, yet hugely underated band.
Their line-up may have changed over the years, but their musical roots remain intact. Some prefer the old line-ups (we have incredibly decent recordings of them all at least), some prefer the new Ozrics for different reasons (inc. Brandi), while some like their entire catalog... BUT, whichever your preferences... at least the Ozrics still exist, still composing and playing live...
so right now, they need every PR break they can get.

[Rand Kelly]

Sly has the right attitude, Brandi IS now a legitimate band member... she's one o' the guys!
Before she played on stage, she was their manager and road manager, so it comes naturally for her to incorporate her organizational skills both on and off the road. Brandi has also become the spokesperson for the band, as she knows pretty much all there is to know about the Ozrics, their schedule, stage requirements and contract riders etc. It really IS a family affair now, so despite the heavy blows the Wynns were dealt last year... things are now looking REAL good on their horizon.
Awareness of their music (& their very existence) is paramount for future successes of OT, so many thanks to y'all for the many great clips which appeared on this thread... just another reason why I began this thread in the first place... to help spread the good music & karma regarding this unique, yet hugely underated band.
Their line-up may have changed over the years, but their musical roots remain intact. Some prefer the old line-ups (we have incredibly decent recordings of them all at least), some prefer the new Ozrics for different reasons (inc. Brandi), while some like their entire catalog... BUT, whichever your preferences... at least the Ozrics still exist, still composing and playing live...
so right now, they need every PR break they can get.

BINGO! :)

[srtd4]

I've seen the Ozrics three times with Brandi in the lineup.
Once playing keyboards/synths, which I thought she only
had a minimal role, not really doing allot.
Twice playing bass, which I though this role fit her much
better. Very competent Bass player IMO.
The Ozrics have always been one of my Favorite Space/Rock
groups.

Scott

[Big Ears]

Sometimes band members don't seem to have a major instrumental role, but they are there for moral support. I'm thinking, for example, of Steve Hillage's lady friend, Miquette Giraudy (Bombaloni Yoni), who was in his seventies band. There are probably lots of other examples if I could only remember them.

[Paulrus]

Sometimes band members don't seem to have a major instrumental role, but they are there for moral support. I'm thinking, for example, of Steve Hillage's lady friend, Miquette Giraudy (Bombaloni Yoni), who was in his seventies band. There are probably lots of other examples if I could only remember them.

Um, Stacia with Hawkwind comes to mind... ;)

[JKL2000]

The guy from Frankie Goes to Hollywood, who just danced around.

[SteveSly]

Sometimes band members don't seem to have a major instrumental role, but they are there for moral support. I'm thinking, for example, of Steve Hillage's lady friend, Miquette Giraudy (Bombaloni Yoni), who was in his seventies band. There are probably lots of other examples if I could only remember them.

Probably the ultimate example would be Linda McCartney.

Steve Sly

[spacefreak]

Saw the Ozric several times, from 1988 onwards. Never with the "family" line-up and I don't think I'll be tempted. No matter how I like the current albums. There was something special, a free festi communal aura at these early gigs. They'll never be the same, past Joie Hinton and Jumping Jon Egan, though the later contributed little musically to their gigs...

I still am a follower. I listen to "Paper Monkeys" and their newer catalogue regularly. But I'm not as passionate an Ozrics listener as I used to be in the early 90s. All things must change, me as a listener and them as a band.

[adewolf]

I am such a fusion head, so I am always up for listening to the Ozrics.

[Paulrus]

I've got an Ozrics playlist in iTunes where everything I have by them is dumped in. I occasionally fire it up on random play and it makes a nice soundtrack for work or gaming.

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

My interest trailed off about a decade ago... I believe the most recent thing I know was The Hidden Step. Would you single out any big standouts among the releases they've made since?I personally think Waterfall Cities is the last, truly great Ozrix album, but I still love getting each new release.

I wish the very best for the Wynne family and hope to see them again soon!

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

What was your very first? Mine,Live Underslunky. I was immediately hooked after getting that.I got into them right after their first vinyl LP came out Pungent Effulgent. Erpland came soon after, then Strangetude.

[spacefreak]

I personally think Waterfall Cities is the last, truly great Ozrix album,

"Curious Corn" for me.

[Spiral]

I personally think Waterfall Cities is the last, truly great Ozrix album

I consider Hidden Step a little better, personally.

[Mick]

It looks like Oli won't be behind the drum kit on the next Ozric European tour (in August).

[Rand Kelly]

I received my copy of Paper Monkeys on Friday. I was listening while driving and felt myself floating away,so back to talk radio until I got to work. This is one spacey album.

[NogbadTheBad]

From the Ozrics website

This year Ozrics celebrate their 30th anniversary. To mark the date, Ozrics are finally granting the wishes of many fans, by re-mastering and re-releasing a series of classics from the catalogue, which have previously been out of print for nearly 20 years. Ozric Tentacles “Vitamin Enhanced” Box Set contains the entire first 6 albums recorded by the band. These first six albums were originally only available on cassette, handmade by the band, and only sold at festivals and concerts. In 1993 these tapes were transferred to CD, and 1994 released limited edition box set, only 5,000 copies of this package were ever made, making it a rare treat for collectors. As time passed, with so many other releases to focus on, these albums fell out of print and distribution. Now they have finally been given the attention they deserve, countless hours of audio and visual re-mastering have restored this wonderfully unique package to a modern day standard that is sure to please any fan.

http://www.ozrics.com/#top

Is this new news?

[Paulrus]

Is this new news?
I hope so. I thought those old albums (tapes, really) had been released on CD at some point in the past, though I wouldn't be surprised if they're all OOP. I don't have any of them so I'd love to pick them up. If they package them in the cereal box more's the better!

[spacefreak]

I hope so. I thought those old albums (tapes, really) had been released on CD at some point in the past, though I wouldn't be surprised if they're all OOP. I don't have any of them so I'd love to pick them up. If they package them in the cereal box more's the better!

Still they circulate as individual 2CD editions at very reasonable bargain prices.
1. There Is Nothing / Live Ethereal Cereal
2. Tantric Obstacles / Erpsongs
3. The Bits Between The Bits / Sliding Gliding Worlds

Recall 2cd label a sublabel of Snapper Music.

[Septober Energy]

I purchased all the original Vitamin Enhanced CDs individually over the course of about 10-12 years. Those who think every Ozrics album sounds the same would do well to check these gems out. On these recordings the band was really experimenting and perfecting their sound. Most of the music works beautifully. Some doesn't, but it's all fun. My very favorite is the first CD, Erpsongs, from 1984/85. I recommend this one very highly. Unfortunately, the sound quality on the first three CDs is pretty rough in places, especially on Live Ethereal Cereal, but the quality of the performances still comes through, and I sometimes even think the lo-fi sound adds to the mystique of hearing these early recordings.

[playbass]

From the Ozrics website

This year Ozrics celebrate their 30th anniversary. To mark the date, Ozrics are finally granting the wishes of many fans, by re-mastering and re-releasing a series of classics from the catalogue, which have previously been out of print for nearly 20 years. Ozric Tentacles “Vitamin Enhanced” Box Set contains the entire first 6 albums recorded by the band. These first six albums were originally only available on cassette, handmade by the band, and only sold at festivals and concerts. In 1993 these tapes were transferred to CD, and 1994 released limited edition box set, only 5,000 copies of this package were ever made, making it a rare treat for collectors. As time passed, with so many other releases to focus on, these albums fell out of print and distribution. Now they have finally been given the attention they deserve, countless hours of audio and visual re-mastering have restored this wonderfully unique package to a modern day standard that is sure to please any fan.

http://www.ozrics.com/#top

Is this new news?


When/Where do I buy? I'm interested in this.

[Hobo Chang Ba]

I purchased all the original Vitamin Enhanced CDs individually over the course of about 10-12 years. Those who think every Ozrics album sounds the same would do well to check these gems out. On these recordings the band was really experimenting and perfecting their sound. Most of the music works beautifully. Some doesn't, but it's all fun. My very favorite is the first CD, Erpsongs, from 1984/85. I recommend this one very highly. Unfortunately, the sound quality on the first three CDs is pretty rough in places, especially on Live Ethereal Cereal, but the quality of the performances still comes through, and I sometimes even think the lo-fi sound adds to the mystique of hearing these early recordings.

Definitely agree! :up

Though I would say There Is Nothing is my favorite from the early releases. The only one I don't really care for is the live CD (which ironically was packaged together with TIN).

[old school]

Become The Other is there best in my opinion and Rad was there best drummer!

[Mick]

Ozrics are playing in the East in June, headlining the MadSummer Meltdown festival on June 28th and gigs around NYC.

[NogbadTheBad]

I've got tickets for Boston, woo woo

[gojikranz]

as someone who hasn't heard any ozric tentacles would you guys recommend the upcoming record store day release from them?

[notallwhowander]

Well, I don't know about the release you're talking about, but the Ozric sound doesn't change around all that much. If you're looking to taste, one taste is pretty much as good as another. Sure, folks are partisan to one line-up or another, but that's all for folks who want to explore the catalog. Just dive in and see if you like the kind of thing they do, and then ask for some guidance.

[gojikranz]

http://recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/6902

is the release in question. i'm a sucker for record store day so was thinking of getting it to check them out.

[Valen]

When/Where do I buy? I'm interested in this.

Try Burning Shed - mine only too a week to arrive (UK) and was well packaged and protected. It's a nice set, very reasonably priced. The remasters have indeed improved the sound (altho you can still tell these were budget recordings), and each cd comes in a nice inner sleeve which then slots easily into the album cover sleeve. The accompanying booklet is also well worth a read.

[Zeuhlmate]

For fans of Ozric Tentacles - Spiralmaze is from Greece

https://spiralmaze.bandcamp.com/albu...-to-the-center

[Hobo Chang Ba]

Any news brewing in the OT camp? (other than this record store release apparently, which is news to me!) How are they recovering after the fire?

[playbass]

Try Burning Shed - mine only too a week to arrive (UK) and was well packaged and protected. It's a nice set, very reasonably priced. The remasters have indeed improved the sound (altho you can still tell these were budget recordings), and each cd comes in a nice inner sleeve which then slots easily into the album cover sleeve. The accompanying booklet is also well worth a read.

I picked it up from the Ozrics site a while back. First I've heard these recordings and I like 'em.

[Mick]

19th June : Family Roots Festival, Smoke Rise Ranch, Glouster, OH, USA
20th June : Magic Bag, Ferndale, MI, USA
24th June : Brighton Music Hall, Boston, MA, USA
25th June : Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn, NY, USA
28th June : Madsummer Meltdown 5, Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, Schuylkill Haven, PA, USA

[Mick]

Time to bump this thread, not just 'cos of our short attention spans...
but because the Ozrics are touring the Eastern USA right NOW.
Hope to see some of you in Pennsy.

[davis]

I haven't heard any Ozrics in a while. I think it's time to check in.

[NogbadTheBad]

Playing Pungent Effulgent right now, looking forward to the gig in a couple of weeks.

[davis]

as someone who hasn't heard any ozric tentacles would you guys recommend the upcoming record store day release from them?

Before you spend money, I'd recommend listening to the 'radio' at their site or check out any of this:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ozric+tentacles

[philsunset]

I saw O T in Detroit tonight. What a fantastic show!! Anybody who's going to see them is gonna have a great time!!

[srtd4]

Going to see them tonight at " The Tralf " here in Buffalo, NY Looking forward to the show.

Scott

[NogbadTheBad]

Saw they last night, first the headaches:-

Gig is on a weekday night so I'm hoping that Ozrics will be on by 10 so I don't run too late. Ticket says doors open at 8 but at 8.30 we're still standing outside. Support act, Wobblesauce, come on at 9 and play for over an hour, loads of spacey techno layed instrumental stuff featuring drum, bass, keyboards, loops and effects. Really rather good, enjoyed them a lot. Then Brandi then pops up on stage and tells us that there's going to be a second previously unannounced support act, some dude from Israel with a laptop. He proceeds to play for what seemed like an eternity one long looping techno track via his laptop with zero interaction with the crowd for what seemed like his own amusement. The whole crowd is milling around chatting and ignoring him, someone goes up eventually and gives him the cut it off sign and he finally shuts it down. Now at 11.15 Ozrics finally make it onto stage.

They were terrific, load of fun, loads of energy loads of spacey goodness. We cut out at 12.30 as by that time my knees are killing me from 4 hours of standing and I'm tired out. Finally get to bed at 1am.

Great night with a terrific performance by OT and the first support act for a crowd of at least a hundred people, maybe 150.

Aggravation - Why for a mid week gig can't they start a bit earlier, have only one support act and get on stage at a time were it's not going to kill my whole day the next day?

[boilk]

Ian, that's what day-after-the-concert-naps are for! Seriously, glad you a good time (mostly) and it was a good show. I always enjoy the Osrics live and enjoy getting into that zone, that their music can put you in.

neil

[chavo6]

One of my favorite groups. Saw them at Wetlands in NYC (2000 or 2001) and BB Kings in NYC (2004). They are like the "KISS of Space Rock": they put out the 'same' record 20 times, so that if you are a fan, each one is an auto-buy. Just enough variation each time to keep it fresh, but you pretty much know what you are getting.

If just starting out, get "Jurassic Shift", "Strangeitude", "Erpland", or "Pungent Effulgent". Spirals in HyperSpace" is a great later one. But so is "The Floors Too Far Away". (sigh). "Hidden Step" left me a little cold, though.

Beyond one of those, if you can get the "Live At the Pongmasters Ball" DVD, its a good retrospective through 2002, and the version of "Oakum" on this is masterful.

[Mick]

An incredible show last night under the stars in Schuylkill PA. The Ozrics were on top form and played a nicely segued set for two hours while we combined our lights for an intense audio visual experience including searchlight caliber vari-lights that might have veered some air traffic off course (lol).
More later.. Mick.

[Mick]

I also have an abbreviated copy of the Schuylkill setlist, which was very similar to Boston...
Dots, Invisible, OgMaBe, Mooncalf, Dog, Sploosh, Rhino, Xingu, Sultana, Sky, Myriapod, Turf, Synth Jam or Tidal, ending with Eternal. The encore was Throbbe.
Big Toddy (Illumenatrix) did record video, but it might be a while before we see it.

[marblesmike]

I also have an abbreviated copy of the Schuylkill setlist, which was very similar to Boston...
Dots, Invisible, OgMaBe, Mooncalf, Dog, Sploosh, Rhino, Xingu, Sultana, Sky, Myriapod, Turf, Synth Jam or Tidal, ending with Eternal. The encore was Throbbe.
Big Toddy (Illumenatrix) did record video, but it might be a while before we see it.

Great show....loved it. Would love to see a video at some point!

[davis]

Anybody wants some Ozrics concert bootlegs, pm me.

[ravingandrooling]

An audio clip of Sultana Detri from the Detroit show. Enjoy!

https://soundcloud.com/ravingandrooling/sultana-detri


You can d/l the whole show here until 7/5. http://we.tl/APRhXseiIF

[ProgUK]

Are the remasters (Erpland, Strangitude etc.) worth the upgrade, sonically speaking? Thanks!

[adewolf]

Love these guys. I can't stop listening to The Hidden Step.

[Hour Candle]

I'm having a bit of an Ozric evening here. Some great stuff for sure! What's the current status of the band? I seem to remember that they were working on a new album back in 2013.. Any news about that?

[Mick]

Sorry, I almost forgot to post some Ozric videos from the MadSummer Meltdown last June... enjoy.

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY3pyhAOEmk
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsvSOHf4wJQ
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p0vaau4FhM

[marblesmike]

Sorry, I almost forgot to post some Ozric videos from the MadSummer Meltdown last June... enjoy.

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY3pyhAOEmk
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsvSOHf4wJQ
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p0vaau4FhM

Thanks! I don't really remember the show all that well due to...er...my surroundings :-)

Was the whole thing filmed?

[Mick]

Thanks! I don't really remember the show all that well due to...er...my surroundings :-) Was the whole thing filmed?

Not sure if more will surface, I'd have to ask Big Toddy. When we teamed up for the Meeting of the Minds festival two months later, I reminded him to put the Ozrics video up on his site (Illumenatrix), but he didn't get around to it until quite recently... in fact I saw those videos for the first time over the holidays.
The camera was mounted high with the video projectors while we operated the show from a lower level, so anything may have happened... he forgot to turn it on until later, or memory ran out... or he has more but "not yet".

[Mick]

I'm having a bit of an Ozric evening here. Some great stuff for sure! What's the current status of the band? I seem to remember that they were working on a new album back in 2013.. Any news about that?

The Ozrics are putting the finishing touches on their latest studio album,
a tremendous feat following the devastating fire that destroyed their studio in 2013.
It is also their first double studio album since Erpland... twenty years ago.

[marblesmike]

The Ozrics are putting the finishing touches on their latest studio album,
a tremendous feat following the devastating fire that destroyed their studio in 2013.
It is also their first double studio album since Erpland... twenty years ago.

How is it their first double studio album since Erpland? Arborscence was on double vinyl, as was Waterfall Cities, Paper Monkeys, etc.

[Spiral]

How is it their first double studio album since Erpland? Arborscence was on double vinyl, as was Waterfall Cities, Paper Monkeys, etc.
It's all about the units, I guess? CD was the main format by the time of Arborescence and those others, so they just picked a song order without time considerations, but Erpland was probably arranged to fit four LP sides (even though it still fits on one CD).

Come to think of it, that was actually 25 years ago now. Blimey.

[Hour Candle]

Wow, that really is amazing news! And after all the major setbacks of recent years. And a double album too! Can't wait for this!!

[Hobo Chang Ba]

:up

[Mick]

March 2015 UPDATE...
The title of the new studio album is "Technicians of the Sacred"....
this is from the OT site...
It's from the Ozrics 30 Years of Erpsongs facebook page. Brandi was chatting under the post about the Colarado Man. Therein she disclosed the following facts:
- The acronym for the album is TOTS
- and the anagram of the album is "His Acid Feathers Connect"

Really simple to find out using an online anagram solver. So I assume it's correct given that Brandi is being genuine.

Brandi: "We're great! Very happy and relieved to be approving all the final masters and artwork today, so everything should go off to print tomorrow morning. ... ... Ok, so after passing it by Eddie, I'm allowed to tell you it's Acronym is TOTS ... ... Anagram: His Acid Feathers Connect "

Do your own searches.... it's 2015 folks.
There are also pictures of the cover art WITH the title right on it, meaning it won't be long.

[srtd4]

March 2015 UPDATE...
The title of the new studio album is "Technicians of the Sacred"....

Excellent !
Also see on the site, Spring/Summer tour gigs added. Hope they add a Buffalo, NY performance.

Scott
StillStream Internet Radio - Your Place For Solace On The Net
http://www.stillstream.fm

[spacefreak]

March 2015 UPDATE...
The title of the new studio album is "Technicians of the Sacred"....
There are also pictures of the cover art WITH the title right on it, meaning it won't be long.

Yes, great cover art!

[Digital_Man]

Yep. Just noticed on progarchives they have a new album out. It already has one rating and it's a five star. I saw them about two years ago or so. They were pretty good live. I was glad I finally got a chance to see them. Also, the fact remains for many of us they were one of the first newer prog bands we discovered back in the nineties.

[Firth]

Yep. Just noticed on progarchives they have a new album out. It already has one rating and it's a five star. I saw them about two years ago or so. They were pretty good live. I was glad I finally got a chance to see them. Also, the fact remains for many of us they were one of the first newer prog bands we discovered back in the nineties.

Cool.

[Harbottle]

Sorry, I almost forgot to post some Ozric videos from the MadSummer Meltdown last June... enjoy.

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY3pyhAOEmk
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsvSOHf4wJQ
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p0vaau4FhM

I think if I was there I'd be tempted to find the person holding up that big sign that says something like 'this is a good sign' and snap it over their head!

[marblesmike]

Can't wait to hear the new album! May 11!

[srtd4]

Saw the Ozrics performance in Buffalo, NY Thursday night. They were amazing to say the least. Unfortunately they didn't perform anything from the
New release, but what they did perform was fantastic. They had a few Tech issues with Silas' right channel for the first few tunes, but got that taken
care of and they were On Fire. If you are an Ozrics Fan, go see this current tour. You will not be disappointed.

Scott
http://www.stillstream.fm Internet Radio ( Your place for Solace on the Net )

[JKL2000]

Why nothing from the new album? Weird.

[boilk]

Also, no merch at all. I guess they have already sold all of it? But yes, Buffalo was a great show!

neil

[Digital_Man]

Just got back from seeing Ozric Tentacles tonight in the Philly area. They were really great. Yeah, they didn't seem to play anything from the new one or if they did they didn't announce it. Also, I didn't see any merch either. Oh well. Still a great show. Consider the Source were very good also.

[srtd4]

Also, no merch at all. I guess they have already sold all of it? But yes, Buffalo was a great show!

neil

You are correct about the Merch. Before the performance I was able to talk with Brandi (bass player), and ask why no T-Shirts, CD's etc. and she told me that they did in fact sell out of everything prior to the Buffalo show. She did tell me that when their tour is finished (July) she will be back restocking T-Shirts for purchase at the Ozrics Shop. I hope so as there is only One T-Shirt currently being sold in size Men's X-Large, most all the rest are size Men's Large.

Scott
http://www.stillstream.fm Internet Radio ( Your place for Solace on the Net )

[Digital_Man]

[I hope so as there is only One T-Shirt currently being sold in size Men's X-Large, most all the rest are size Men's Large.]

Is this all that was available on their website?

[srtd4]

Is this all that was available on their website?

Correct, as far as T-Shirts
https://ozric-tentacles.backstreetmerch.com/

Scott
http://www.stillstream.fm Internet Radio ( Your place for Solace on the Net )

[Digital_Man]

Correct, as far as T-Shirts
https://ozric-tentacles.backstreetmerch.com/

Scott
http://www.stillstream.fm Internet Radio ( Your place for Solace on the Net )

Actually, it appears the black Erpland t shirt is available in Men's XL. There doesn't seem to be any shirts representing the latest album though.

[srtd4]

Actually, it appears the black Erpland t shirt is available in Men's XL.

Oops.

Scott
http://www.stillstream.fm Internet Radio ( Your place for Solace on the Net )

[marblesmike]

Great show last night in Philly. I was up against the stage on Ed's side and had to fend off a couple wasted people who tried leaning over and touching Ed's pedal board. It looked like one guy was about the 'ralphhhhh' all over the stage until a few of us convinced him to seek out the bathroom.

Very enthusiastic crowd and great performance. They played at least two of their new songs from what I could tell, and having retrieved the setlist it appears they played three new songs.

As for merch and all that, I went to the show with my dad and I told him they'd likely be the first band he's ever seen who will not sell any merch. The last three Ozrics shows I've went to didn't have any merch either, so I don't know what the deal is with the band. With a little more promo and exposure they could likely have a bigger audience.

I've heard that Ed inherited a lot of money so doesn't really have to 'work' so that might explain why the band doesn't seem to take promotion and marketing very seriously.

[Digital_Man]

Hey, yeah I was at the show last night too.

I actually think they have a pretty good sized audience and fanbase but the thing is many of them seem to be jam fans. You don't get many young twenty year old females at most typical prog shows. They seem to have a pretty good sized young hippy jam band following. I remember several years ago some guy telling me that the Ozric shows audience is either really young(20 somethings)or much older(55 and over)with not much in between. Judging by last night's show I would have to agree. I didn't seem many people who appeared to be in their thirties or forties. I'm 45 and I almost felt out of place. LOL.

Anyway, not sure what the deal is with the merch either. I am admittedly not overly familiar with the bands catalog apart from some of their early 90's releases. Back in the day I had Jurassic Shift, Strangeitude and Arboresence. I'm pretty sure they played some stuff from Jurassic Shift.

Since you were right in front of the stage did you see when that young woman jumped on stage and started to dance. She was up there for about two minutes before a security guy pulled her away. Kind of funny. The band didn't seem to mind but that is just not really appropriate for her to be there. Lol.

[srtd4]

I've heard that Ed inherited a lot of money so doesn't really have to 'work' so that might explain why the band doesn't seem to take promotion and marketing very seriously.

I have always been curious how they could survive financially without having Real Side Jobs.

Scott
http://www.stillstream.fm Internet Radio ( Your place for Solace on the Net )

[Digital_Man]

I have always been curious how they could survive financially without having Real Side Jobs.

Scott
http://www.stillstream.fm Internet Radio ( Your place for Solace on the Net )

Well they do have at least a few side projects for one thing. Plus they kind of live the hippie lifestyle as far as I know so they don't really have a need for extravagant things maybe. Not sure really.

[Mick]

The Ozrics are coming back to headline the Schuylkill festival (Meeting of the Minds # 8) the weekend of September 26th, which is when they play (around 10pm 'til midnight or more).
http://nysmusic.com/2015/06/17/jibberjazz-meeting-of-the-minds-8-announces-lineup/
Jibberjazz festivals at Schuylkill are extremely liberal regarding dress codes, pets, kids, beverages & substances, so everyone has a great time. I believe Brandi & Ed like to play there because of the seventies festival type of atmosphere. We'll be there with Illumenatrix lights... so I hope they have some merch by then, 'cos merch is their saviour when touring.... shoot, Ozric CDs don't sell in the millions any more... but they DO sell well at gigs.

[arabicadabra]

Of all the bands I met at NEARfest brewing my incredible coffee in the green room, The Ozrics are the only ones that ever invited me to come with them on the rest of their tour to make coffee for them.

I still wonder what it might have been like had I gone - and wish them nothing but success.

[Jezmond]

Here's my review of the mind-alteringly splendid Technicians of the Sacred at The Progressive Aspect.net

http://theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2015/07/05/ozric-tentacles-technicians-of-the-sacred/

[Mick]

I was jus' wondrin' if anyone else on PE is going to be in Schuylkill Haven on the 26th?

[Supersonic Scientist]

Ozric just announced for Terminal West here in Atlanta 10/7....Tix only $15.00...ordered mine.

Looking forward to picking up the new CD if they have it for sale

[boilk]

Ozric just announced for Terminal West here in Atlanta 10/7....Tix only $15.00...ordered mine.

Looking forward to picking up the new CD if they have it for sale

That's awesome. They still put on a good show, and Brandi (sp?) has improved tremendously as a bass player since the last time that I saw them. They don't seem to bring merch with them, though. I was hoping to pick up the new one in Buffalo, but they had no CDs, or t-shirts. Apparently the norm.

Enjoy the show!

neil

[Mick]

I just did their visual projections at the Schuylkill festival show last night (their third time with Jibberjazz).
Tremendous show with perfect moonlight above the whole well attended affair.
The band had absolutely NO merchandise...
Ed told me they'd sold out too early in the tour.
Please bring MUCH more merch next time Brandi, road bands still need to spread their names with tactile items in our temporarily lopsided download world.
I'm sure they would have sold dozens of shirts and CDs if they'd had 'em.
No set list spoilers, but they did include three cuts from the new double album and Brandi played her brandinew (sic) 5-string bass brilliantly, proving that she is easily holding her own with the band on stage AND in the studio. Very tight and exciting set.
The Ozrics head up into New England and stay in the East for another week before going back to their new safe haven in Colorado.
(BTW, They now have floods instead of fires there)

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

The Ozrics head up into New England and stay in the East for another week before going back to their new safe haven in Colorado.


why do they live in Colorado?



































ok... that was a groaner... guilty as charged

[Mick]

why do they live in Colorado?
ok... that was a groaner... guilty as charged

.... OK, Yet that was also a very legitimate (as in legal) question. :roll

[JKL2000]

I see Burning Shed is releasing (or selling) vinyl of Pongmaster's Ball soon. That's pretty cool. Not into vinyl again, but I think Ozrics would be fun to have on vinyl!

[Valen]

I'd not heard the Ozrics for ages, so I pulled out my collection, put it on shuffle and suddenly the world seemed a little more easygoing again.

It also got me thinking - what if you hadn't heard the band before? Where would you start, given how many albums they've produced over the years?

As I journeyed through their music, one album kept influencing me more than others, and that was Erpland. I thought it might be cool to make the album the subject of a new blog review, so spacing out for a while, I'm now back on earth and here's the result:

https://momentstransition.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/ozric-tentacles-erpland-1990/ (http://https://momentstransition.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/ozric-tentacles-erpland-1990/)

Hope you enjoy it.

[Vic333]

Wow. Ozric Tentacles have been together 35 years. Who would have thought?
I have no insight into band lineup, if it's changed much over the years. It's always seemed right having them be a bit of a mystery.

[TCC]

Wow. Ozric Tentacles have been together 35 years. Who would have thought?
I have no insight into band lineup, if it's changed much over the years. It's always seemed right having them be a bit of a mystery.

WoW!!
35 and counting!!. :up

Yes, it's been a long way!!, Ed is the only original member: I think they have not had many personnel changes.
And I´m waiting for their next album; hope things are getting better now at Casa Wynne after their past material losses!!.

Pura Vida!.

[Spiral]

Hope you enjoy it.
I did indeed. Erpland was the one I immediately thought of upon seeing that question, even before reading the rest of the post. There's something special about it, and that review does a great job putting its finger on the reasons why. Well done.

[JKL2000]

WoW!!
35 and counting!!. :up

Yes, it's been a long way!!, Ed is the only original member: I think they have not had many personnel changes.
And I´m waiting for their next album; hope things are getting better now at Casa Wynne after their past material losses!!.

Pura Vida!.

How could they not have had many personnel changes if there's only one original member left, and that member's wife and son are in the band?

[JKL2000]

I'd not heard the Ozrics for ages, so I pulled out my collection, put it on shuffle and suddenly the world seemed a little more easygoing again.

It also got me thinking - what if you hadn't heard the band before? Where would you start, given how many albums they've produced over the years?

As I journeyed through their music, one album kept influencing me more than others, and that was Erpland. I thought it might be cool to make the album the subject of a new blog review, so spacing out for a while, I'm now back on earth and here's the result:

https://momentstransition.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/ozric-tentacles-erpland-1990/ (http://https://momentstransition.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/ozric-tentacles-erpland-1990/)

Hope you enjoy it.

Don't know why, but I keep getting this error:

https’s server IP address could not be found.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

[TCC]

How could they not have had many personnel changes if there's only one original member left, and that member's wife and son are in the band?

I meant that in the past they had a “more or less” stable line-up...if I remembered well ;-)

[TCC]

Don't know why, but I keep getting this error:

https’s server IP address could not be found.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

+1

[JKL2000]

I meant that in the past they had a “more or less” stable line-up...if I remembered well ;-)

Got it!

[Valen]

Guys

Thanks for taking the time to reach my blog review - not sure why the link isn't working.

I've tried this link just now and it seems to work for me:

https://momentstransition.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/ozric-tentacles-erpland-1990/

If that doesn't work, I'll paste the review into this thread for you.

[Paulrus]

Nearly every Ozrics album has some nice material on it, however Erpland is the only one of that I would consider essential. It's a desert island disk for me. IMO the writing hit a pinnacle of quality, and I think they struck the right balance between guitar-driven space rock freak-outs and laid back acoustic world music chill-outs. X)

[Dave (in MA)]

Don't know why, but I keep getting this error:

https’s server IP address could not be found.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN

This should fix it:


:

[TheH]

This should fix it:


:

???

[JKL2000]

This should fix it:


:

Heh-heh - you were right! There was no colon after https.

Nice article, Valen!

[Valen]

Thanks guys - shaky hands and a verti(k)al mouse do not make good companions.

Glad you enjoyed the read.

[davis]

I just got Technicians of the Sacred. if you want a list of what else I have, you'll have to ask.

[davis]

okay: Pungent Effulgent
Erpland
Strangeitude
Jurassic Shift
Arborescence
Become The Other
Curious Corn
Waterfall Cities
The Hidden Step
Sunrise Festival
The YumYum Tree
more to come...

[davis]

What's going on with them now, anyway? I hear Ed is in England on his own. is he just working on Nodens Ictus?

[zeprogmeister]

Last I heard Ed & Brandi are separated and Ed & Silas moved back to England. They just put out a Noden's Ictus and Silas also just put out his own album. Haven't heard anything about future Ozric activities.

[spacefreak]

Last I heard Ed & Brandi are separated and Ed & Silas moved back to England. They just put out a Noden's Ictus and Silas also just put out his own album. Haven't heard anything about future Ozric activities.

That's the recent update from them. New Silas album (more on the electro-dance/chill-out room aspect of their sound) and new from the Noden's Ictus new line-up. Decent both but not essential. I prefer the Noden's Ictus one, myself.

[davis]

NI is too mellow for me, except that might be because I compare them to Ozrics, which I love. so I need to take NI as is. I have nearly all the Ozrics studio releases. Obviously I don't subscribe to the "if you have one Ozrics album, you have all of them" notion. but I am sorry to hear about the separation.

[davis]

I read that the Orics page on Bandcamp is not official. any word on that?

[TCC]

Last I heard Ed & Brandi are separated and Ed & Silas moved back to England. They just put out a Noden's Ictus and Silas also just put out his own album. Haven't heard anything about future Ozric activities.

So sorry too!.
Don´t know a word about "Noden´s Ictus", a side Ed´s project?. (thanks in advance Gang!)

[davis]

It has been, yes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nodens_Ictus

[TCC]

It has been, yes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nodens_Ictus

Thanks!.

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

the first NI album from the 90s(?) is a great chill-out album

I'm curious to hear the second one

[spacefreak]

I'm curious to hear the second one

Here it is

https://nodensictus.bandcamp.com

[TCC]

Here it is

https://nodensictus.bandcamp.com

Thanks Spacefreak!!

[Tom]

I am only familiar with the '90s-vintage Ozric, which it seems leaves me woefully out of date. To my ears that era (e.g., Erpsongs, Tantric Obstacles) sounded like the spacey kid brother of the magisterial Djam Karet -- very listenable, but not much more than that.

Is there an easy-to-understand demonstration that I was wrong? Or can I cling to my prejudice for a while more?

[SteveSly]

I am only familiar with the '90s-vintage Ozric, which it seems leaves me woefully out of date. To my ears that era (e.g., Erpsongs, Tantric Obstacles) sounded like the spacey kid brother of the magisterial Djam Karet -- very listenable, but not much more than that.

Is there an easy-to-understand demonstration that I was wrong? Or can I cling to my prejudice for a while more?

Mmm......I don't really hear many similarities at all between Djam Karet and Ozrics. Two completely different bands to my ears. It took me a while to "get" Ozrics. The first album I bought was Jurassic Shift and it did nothing for me at the time. When they got booked for ProgDay 2009 I went back and really started exploring them and discovered I really liked most of what they did. Not sure if it was my personal tastes getting wider or I just started with the wrong album.

[Splicer]

Truly love their music. It's so unique and superb -- there are no others like them.

[MYSTERIOUS TRAVELLER]

Ozrix and the Dam Karrots both started in the late 80s
they have parallel careers but bear no real similarities other than they both play instrumental styles of Prog music

[aith01]

Oh man, I LOVE Technicians of the Sacred. So much great music on those two discs. :up

Erpland is great as well. Has a very interesting sound for the time too. Those first two tracks hooked me in, and then I just had to own it.

[abhorsen]

I absolutely love the new Nodens Ictus release. As for their classic material, Jurassic Shift is my fave, followed by Erpland and Curious Corn. I should check out their 2015 release. People seem to dig it.

[Interstellar]

I only really know Technicians of the Sacred and have listened to some other material. I like what I hear, but I'm still on the fence.
It doesn't fully grab me. Maybe I need to be in a special state of mind to get into this groove. This music tends to create a state of trance (and I like that), so I have to find the right time to listen to it.
The other thing that troubles me is that I feel there's too much dynamic compression, and it doesn't do the music justice. The drums in particular sound thin and flat to my ears, and the whole thing doesn't groove and breathe like it could. Of course, it may be an artistic choice on their part.

[spacefreak]

I should check out their 2015 release. People seem to dig it.

While not a bad album per se, it has the same deja vu feel like all Ozric works since 1997's Curious Corn. More over it suffers from two culpits: a) being too long and b) don't having considerable peaks in its flow.

But, this is the opinion of one that follows them chronologically from their cassette days onwards. If you randomly choose from their extensive discography, you can probably appreciate Technicians of the Sacred through a different listening frame.

[abhorsen]

Thank you for the helpful post spacefreak!

[davis]

I just got Vitamin Enhanced in the mail. Looking for some live bootlegs