Innhold: Jimi ; Ruler Of The Universe ; The Kiss Of A Butterfly ; Hey Mr. Lonely Man ; Lost ; Spoonfull ; Preacher Of Rock'N'Roll
. - The debut Terry Brooks album is credited with the band name Strange, though reissues included the label Terry Brooks & Strange. The albums opens with Jimi, pummeling the listener with raw crashing power chords and solos that are so manic you might envision a man possessed. Terry’s vocals are a little different from the more screaming style of later albums, being characterized by a passionate, almost Jack Bruce quality. Though an ode to Hendrix, the music’s only relationship to the legend is its fit with the power trio style of the late 60s/early 70s and Terry’s adventurous use of the guitar, and across the album it becomes apparent that he has taken the spirit of Hendrix and incorporated it into his own trademark style. Ruler Of The Universe is next and a song I consider an unsung Space Rock classic. It starts off in easy-paced heavy Prog fashion, with cosmic lyrics about people who come from the stars. It then goes into an instrumental segment, with Terry soloing in his wild but expressive style. But then at the 6 minute mark of this 11 minute track, Terry goes into deep space, cranking out swirling and screaming effects that sound like a UFO in distress. A truly mind-blowing, expansive track that is characteristic of, yet beyond its time. And while it’s interesting to note that Translucent World was released the same year as Hawkwind’s Space Ritual album, it bears repeating that Terry had not heard of Hawkwind at this time. “The solo of Ruler Of The Universe was guitar echoplex voices, it was the feeling of the combat of the universe.” Once again crediting the DJs who were so crucial to promoting his music, Terry says, “DJs would say – and now the father of cosmic rock, Terry Brooks and Strange. This was the DJs way of saying Terry has been there before the rest and he is a major influence in the music world and still is today. A lot of artists took his style and energy to influence their music.” Rounding out the album are such tracks as The Kiss Of A Butterfly, on which Terry demonstrates his flair for slower, almost ballad-like songs that include intense solos which fit seamlessly with the music and mood. Even this relatively short 5+ minute song has an epic quality, transitioning through several themes. Hey Mr. Lonely Man is a soulful tune, with what continues to reveal itself as Terry’s trademark epic quality. Lost opens with a light, cosmic, meditative atmosphere, with expressive, ever changing guitar, organ, piano, and emotional vocals – “Take the train of life, keep on rolling, I’ll keep on rolling till the end”. The Akarma Records reissue of Translucent World that I own includes two bonus tracks. One, from a live performance, is a cover of Willy Dixon’s Spoonful and is a killer take on this Blues classic. Terry alternates between traditional acid-Blues, cosmically Hendrix drenched guitar, and his own ballistic take-no-prisoners runs. And Preacher Of Rock ‘N’ Roll is a studio track that sounds like just guitar, organ and electronic drums, and is a passionate testament to Terry’s belief in the power of ROCK.
