Not to be confused with the Croatian band of the same name, Dorian Gray was an amateur German band who only released one album in 1976. Not much is known about the band, but it doesn't take away from the genius of the album; a combination of catchy guitar riffs, downplayed synth lines, grooving bass and winsome sugary female vocals.
Amon Düül was spawned from the German art collective of the same name in the 1960s. The commune also conceived the band Amon Düül II. Members from each reunited in the early 1980s under the name Amon Düül, however, fans have often referred to them as Amon Düül III or Amon Düül (UK) to avoid any confusion. The free-form psychedelic jazz matches the tenacity and heart of other psychedelic bands such as Os Mutantes.
"Paramechanical World" - Amon Düül
The sound on Paradieswärts Düül is a bit more folk-influenced than their two previous albums. A folk inspiration that seemed to carry on and peek its head up greatly on the Amon Düül III later release Meetings with Menmachines, Unremarkable Heroes of the Past, as showcased on the song "Things Aren't Always What They Seem."
"Things Aren't Always What They Seem" - Amon Düül
Guitarist, John Weinzierl, was said to not be pleased with the album, deeming it "unfinished." Although the album lacks many of the krautrock roots of Amon Düül's earlier work, there's no denying the sweetness and perfection of Julie Wareing's vocals over the album. The soft touch adds a new dimension to an already multi-dimensional soundscape.
Polyrock was formed in New York City in 1978. The minimalist sound of their first self-titled album, was made possible by the producing of Philip Glass and Kurt Munkacsi. Kurt Munkacsi was previously Philip Glass' producer/technical collaborator on the soundtrack for the film Koyaanisqatsi and later Mishima: A Life In Four Chapters. Kurt Munkasci is also known for his production and technical work with other 1970s/80s post-punk/new wave bands such as Bow Wow Wow and The Waitresses, as well as his work with heavyweights such as Harry Belafonte and Plastic Ono Band. Glass' influence on the sound is apparent with synthesizers taking the lead and repetitious background melodies.
The self-titled album was released in 1980 after Polyrock had been signed to RCA Records. They were compared by critics and fans to the music of Talking Heads, although they did not share the same massive fame. Polyrock's most notable single is the album's opening track "Romantic Me." The band's unique vocal stylings are rich and apparent, a sort of David Byrne meets Alan Jenkins, on tracks such as "This Song." Take a listen below. The first 30 seconds sound like they were ripped straight from The B-52s debut album.
"This Song" - Polyrock
Polyrock disbanded in 1982, but the search continues for their rumored Electro-Romantic album that was said to have been recorded or released in 1981.
