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Shades Of Joy - The Music Of El Topo

  • Shades Of Joy

    The Music Of El Topo LP (1970)

    Douglas

Infamous album cover that looks like it could double as a Halloween mask.  This is the second and last album of hippie jazz rock Bay Area group Shades of Joy who consisted of players who affiliations to bigger groups like The Grateful Dead and Quicksilver Messenger Service.  On their second record they recreated the score to Alejandro Jodorowsky's film El Topo.  What makes this version unique is the KILLER jazz funk tune "The Desert Is A Circle" which gets down to business about the 2 minute mark with jamming Hammond organ groove, "Freakout #1" is a 11 tense funky free jazz workout with a psychedelic buildup.  The rest of the album has its moments, but can't compare to the lead off cut.  Beware out in the field.  Many have confused this with the official El Topo soundtrack.  While it’s a great score, there is no funk to be had.


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