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Bob Smith - The Visit (1970)

Track listing:
  1. Please 3:14
  2. Donīt Tell Lady tonight 3:09
  3. Constructive Critique 4:44
  4. Ocean Song 4:50
  5. The Wishing Song 5:04
  6. Can You Jump Rope 5:47
  7. Latter Days Matter 3:31
  8. India Slumber 7:47
  9. Source You Blues 6:02
  10. Sunlight Sweet 3:10
  11. Of She, Of Things 3:17
  12. Mobeda Dandelions 3:18
  13. The Path Does Have Forks 5:25
  14. Try, Try To Understand Yoursel 3:23

Notes

A double album that was released in 1971, this didn't recieve adequate distribution for a considerable period, so it wasn't really available until late '72.This is a classic psych album in every sense: trippy effects, phased/wah'd guitars, searing leads, wasted vocals/subject matter and the obligatory 'experiment' pieces, tho' these are not as prominent as you'd figure knowing that this is a double lp. Despite the title, this is not a solo album by any means, as Mr. Smith had a large backup band that featured members of the Mothers of Invention.I got this out today and have been enjoying it all morning- it's not gimmicky or wacked-out or anything, just good, solid psych that still holds up well today. Personal favorite is 'Don't Tell Lady', a loud psycher about hiding the ingestions of certain substances from a spouse: "If you go out tonight/And I can't stand up tonight/I said don't tell lady/Tonight"... Ha! This is (of course) sung over a snaky flanged out stoner guitar lead, heh-heh. A reasonable buy if you have all of the 'mainstream' psych albums and are still hungry. Great sounding CD reissue of a rare and highly prized double album, from the west coast. Chock full of psychedelic goodness fuzz, effects, harpsichord and lost drifting vocals. A superb CD.

Another significant collectable from the California rock scene that will interest readers. Not really a solo album at all, as Smith is backed by eight very capable musicians. Much of the music is instrumental, achieving a mystical and 'psychedelic' atmosphere, although there are a few more mainstream tracks and some nice bluesy guitar work in places. Interesting and a must for fans of psychedelia. The original pressing (especially with the amazing psychedelic poster) has skyrocketed in value in recent years; as such, the recent reissue is most welcome. It includes a bonus disc of material recorded by Stop, Bob's later band from the early seventies.

Prior to the Kent album, Bob was with Silverskin, and before that, Lid (not to be confused with The Lyd), who recorded an album in 1968 which remains unissued.

Don Preston was a member of Frank Zappa's Mothers Of Invention and Daryl Dragon was with The Dragons. Daryl worked on various projects with his brothers Doug and Dennis (Farm, A Sea For Yourself, et. al.) before finding fame and fortune as the 'Captain' in Captain and Tenille. Bob Smith continues performing locally in Florida and has finished a new recording, The Visit - Destiny 2000 From Bob Smith which he will make available on his own Southern Rose label.