SUPER COSMIC FLOYD STYLE = 1st PULSAR "POLLEN" WARBLY PSYCH PROG EXPERIENCE LP

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33

           ORIGINAL 1975 UK PRESSING

 TRIPPY PROGRESSIVE COSMIC ROCK EXPERIENCE

                                  PULSAR

                       POLLEN

               UK - DECCA RECORDS - SKL R 5228 

HIGHLY RATED/RECOMMENDED LP ... A FINE KEEPER COPY!

RARE ORIGINAL 1975 first UK DECCA Records pressing... the preferred issue over the French "Kingdom" release. The very first PULSAR, one of the *best* when talking early '70s Pink Floyd styled atmospherics with sonic-psych layers and blends. Majestic atmospherics, Hammond/Mellotron keyboard sound backdrops, voice effects & acid-distortion guitar leads form & shape the highly creative tracks, mostly in long form.  

Very much Floydian sounds for this good spacey and atmospheric album from this French band. Featuring a mixture of symphonic influences and dreamy space-rock, Pulsar's slow-burning debut would mark the French outfit out as one of the few European progressive rock group's not to borrow heavily from their own country's musical heritage, instead brewing up a distinctly British-style sound strongly informed by the mid- seventies work of Pink Floyd.

Pulsar being the most accomplished prog acts to ever come out of France. This first album, is the best, and is obvious in taking the greatest parts of Pink Floyd, their sonic basis bears a complete resemblence. Their main motifs and musical arrangements bear a higher degree of finesse than many other progressive bands of the era. The lead-off track that is titled after the band itself erupts as an electrifying astral travel turned into rock: the pulsating bass and the interplay between guitar and synth are so unearthly. this 3 minute long track really feels too short. Following is 'Apaisement', a haunting prog atmospheric that gives introspection a majestic vibe, in no small degree due to the wise use of those dreamy synth layers that go floating on and on across the air, bringing an extension to the lead vocalist's melancholy. A special mention goes to the beautiful whirling flute solo in the end, typical Pulsar at its most pastoral. Next comes one of the most complex pieces in the album, 'Puzzle / Omen', which kicks off with a prog fanfare led by Gandil's powerful guitar lines, so energetic and cosmic. Then comes a 5/4 motif sustained on a jazzy cadence, with highlighted lines on guitar, synth and flute. The slower section includes the recited warbly voice effects in omen tone by guest Carmel Williams, after which a Floydian dreamy motif enters and displays an aura of languid sophistication right towards the end. The album's second half comprises the most mysterious ambiences of the album. It begins with 'Le Cheval de Syllogie', a piece full of dense, somber atmospheres that allow the band explore their spacey vibe a bit further than on any of the previous tracks. Things get gradually more intense as the track progresses: the distorted recitation sounds like a robotic wizard. The namesake track that closes down the album is also the longest one. It is a majestic progressive creation that follows in a similar introspective vein to track 2, although developing it with a bigger dose of intensity and incorporating an increased inventiveness in the adornments, ultimately, leaning closer to the album's predominant space prog tone. A special mention has to go to the fluttering flute interventions, captivating beyond words. The final synth sounds, emulating sea waves crashing against rocks during a windy winter night, appropriately echo the song's overall contemplative mood. "Pollen" is an excellent album, indeed. Pulsar is one of France's greatest, no doubt about it.

 Pulsar (3:00)

 Apaisement (7:30)

 Puzzle / Omen (8:00)

 Le Cheval De Syllogie (7:00)

 Pollen (13:05)

CONDITION: The cover: rated: very fragile, rated: VG++ very slight bit of previous use, still looks fine, just not quite mint (the dark cover is absolutely impossible to find any better) ... there are no delete marks, no split seams, and no writing  ... overall a VERY collection worthy and recommended rarity.

The vinyl: Rated: M- clearly filled with shine, play graded here with very enjoyable minty audio...play back should not reveal alarming distracting surface problems ...  both UK - Decca labels are clean

SEE: SELLERS OTher items for more & more of similar cool sounds for "head" people...

EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING

All imperfections are noted both cover & record