The MG Album Club - #3) Zero Time (Tonto's Expanding Head Band)

[lpfreak1170]

Finally...album 3 in our latest listening series.

Tonto's Expanding Head Band - Zero Time (1971)


A trip into early electronic (listed on RYM as progressive electronic) music. Yeah, I'm no good at writing about why I like something, I just do. Anyway, I consider this a classic of early electronic music that has stood the test of time. Also, they work with Stevie Wonder of some of his classic early 70s albums.

 

[Nickyboy]

It's on Spotify.

 

[lpfreak1170]

It's on Spotify.

And Tidal.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

What, no Zep IV?

Haven't heard it - looking forward to this one

 

[lpfreak1170]

What, no Zep IV?

Is that the Sandy Denny album?

 

[Nickyboy]

And Tidal.

Not to side track this, but what is Tidal? Better/easier/more than Spotify? I don't know that site.

 

[Unsomnambulist]

Not to side track this, but what is Tidal? Better/easier/more than Spotify? I don't know that site.

Tidal is a streaming site owned by Jay Z. Notably, they have a lossless streaming tier (that is popular with audiophiles) that uses FLAC.

 

[Ojai Sam]

Here ‘tis:

 

[axolotl]

"Oo. Oo." I know this group.

Officer Toody, from Car 54 Where Are You?

Spoiler

Still, I haven't listened to them in years. This promises to be enjoyable.

 

[Unsomnambulist]

Quirky, innovative and interesting-- I liked this very much on first listen. I'm familiar with their second album, but that one is not as good.

Thanks, lpfreak!

 

[Ojai Sam]

flisten.

I've been exploring early electronica lately so this record is a real revelation. We learn the following from AMG:

In 1969, engineers Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff worked with synthesizer pioneer Robert Moog to develop additional modules for the centerpiece unit of Moog's keyboard empire. The result was T.O.N.T.O. -- the Original New Timbral Orchestra. Built into a collection of gently curving wooden cases, T.O.N.T.O. became the world's largest Moog synthesizer. While Robert Moog headed into the development of the Mini-Moog, Cecil and Margouleff took their baby onto the studio circuit, providing Moog elements for a bewildering variety of album projects and film soundtracks. T.O.N.T.O., like most Moog synthesizers, was notoriously temperamental, requiring constant adjustment -- reports mentioned Cecil being found buried in the back of the beast, tweaking oscillators and adjusting circuits. This bulkiness later led to the replacement of Moog parts with Serge Modular units.

As freak points out, this monster also made guest appearances on records by Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers, Joan Baez and others. It now has a home at Calgary's Music Center. More backstory here.

In the digital age, we take manipulation of sound for granted. But back in the day, this was a monumental innovation.

Thanks for sharing it, lpfreak!

 

[Old Uncle Toe]

My flirtation with Prog music is fairly limited. I enjoyed it some back in the mid 70's, but didn't really dig deep. I think even at that time I needed some kind of melody to hang my hat on. But I'm listening now.

I'm glad to have that bit of history, Sam. It shines a light on what the band was trying to do and why. Given that, it's less of a time-worn album and more of an appreciation for the accomplishment this album is.

 

[Nickyboy]

While this may sound very primitive to some, if yo put it in the context of what was being produced at the time, it was way ahead of its time, as Sam pointed out. I definitely hear the foundation of Kraftwerk's "Autobahn" album here, as well as Harmonia's "Deluxe". And I will bet dollars to donuts that Roger Powell got this as a birthday present and then sat down to compose his album "Air Pocket".
Surprisingly enough, I had never heard of this band before. I am glad that LPF brought it to my attention! I will be ordering this on disc.

Five stars on the NickOMeter (I had a copy of the SamOMeter made for me in Macau and slapped a new label on the front. It's bitchin'.)

 

[lpfreak1170]

Wow...I'm pretty floored by the response to this. I'm glad it's being enjoyed so much. I love you guys!

 

[axolotl]

Wow...I'm pretty floored by the response to this. I'm glad it's being enjoyed so much. I love you guys!

You only say that because Worm hasn't posted, yet.

Spoiler

Any chance you will listen to The MG Album Club #2 selection, sometime?

 

[lpfreak1170]

You only say that because Worm hasn't posted, yet.

Spoiler

Any chance you will listen to The MG Album Club #2 selection, sometime?

LOL

I definitely will...just seems to be other things begging for my attention right now. Heck, I haven't even listened to the new Richard Thompson, yet.

 

[Ojai Sam]

on the NickOMeter (I had a copy of the SamOMeter made for me in Macau and slapped a new label on the front. It's bitchin'.)

TFTFY

 

[Nickyboy]

TFTFY

indeed.

 

[axolotl]

This was the album of TEHB that I remember. It's clear as day to me now.

It's good to hear it again.

I give it . on the axometer. I'm inclined to give it 4.5, but that would give me a splitting headache.

 

[Worm]

Yeah, I'm no good at writing about why I like something, I just do. .

Same here.