Customer Reviews

Kak-Ola

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A lot of obscure '60s "psychedelic" albums have been hailed by pundits as "lost classics." I've been suckered into buying many of these, and have often been disappointed.

Kak's sole album from '68 is a happy exception. If I had to compile a list of the Top 10 West Coast psych albums, KAK-OLA would be on it, right along with the best of the Airplane, the Dead, QMS and Love. Derivative? Sometimes, but who cares? Kak absolutely NAILED this idiom. If you like the above-named groups, you simply have to check out KAK-OLA.

I dare you to hear the dreamy, cannabis-infused guitar riff of "The Lemonade Kid" and not buy this! Betcha can't get it out of your head ...

Many psychedelic albums that are regarded as
"lost classics"would be overshadowed by this album,the packaging alone is a treasure trove,that answers all the pertinent questions regarding this release,and how the group and the album came into existence.
All of this would mean nothing if the music were not of such a high standard throughout.I believe that this album distills many of the great things about the psychedelic sixties.Highlights are many and the guitar work is awesome.Rain stands out as particularly memorable.Of course the album meanders occasionaly,but it is difficult to believe that,with all that is so excellent about this album Kak never emerged at the time and made a larger impact.Big Beat records should be congratulated for this brilliant release.Also listening to Gary Yoder"s tracks as basically works in progress is an inspired and inspiring move.For all those people that have been let down by lost classics,please go out and give this a chance.

Simply put, this is a good album. Historians and completists will note that this was the group Gary Yoder was in before Blue Cheer, and indeed, much of this album sounds like later Blue Cheer, and I mean that in a good way! The later Blue cheer Albums were a forum for Gary Yoder's songwriting, and he wrote some good ones. Kak also had Chris Lockheed on drums, who later played on the legendary (and very rare) solo LP 'Population II' by Randy Holden, another Blue Cheer alumnus. Kak were often accused of being a bit 'derivitive' but that doesn't bother me if the influences are good ones. (Quicksilver, Moby Grape..etc...) They were considered a 'second string' SF band, and often were an opening act for the above mentioned groups. Buy this..you'll like it!...

Psychedelic band's sole effort, originally released in 1969. This CD reissue gives you the original lp's nine tracks + ten added bonus cuts of unreleased songs - with a few alternative edits. Not a bad choice. Tunes I liked best were both versions of "Everything's Changing", "Bryte 'N Clear Day", the Grateful Dead-ish "I've Got Time", "Mirage / Rain" and the rocking "Lonely People Blues". Line-up: Gary Yoder (Blue Cheer)-vocals, Dehner E. Patten-guitar, Joseph Damrell-bass and Christopher Lockleed-drums & tabla. Definitely worth checking out.

The bass player in this band is my sociology professor. Last month's Mojo Magazine (out of the UK) has a bit in it about the band, and my professor is wearing a lot of pink. I give it 5 stars. 4 stars for the outfits.

Kak is straight forward rock from the late 1960s. It has a unmissable garage twinge.

But the playing and the arrangements here are more fleshed out than on your average garage album. Both the guitars and bass are heavier, and the recording has a lot more bottom. Top quality sound. There are also some San Fransisco psych touches, but these songs are quite structured.

Excellent

A lot a great music came out of San Francisco in the late 60's. Some bands went on to become famous worldwide. Some, like Moby Grape got a cult following only. KAK never really got known outside the local area. I'm glad to see this back in print. This music is a great example of the emerging music of the Bay Area at that time.

You haven't heard the BEST in northern California psychedelic rock until you've heard KAK. This CD includes extensive notes from the band members & an extra half hour of bonus tracks, including Gary Lee Yoder demos. Loaded with excellent lyrics & mind-boggling wah guitar work. The highlight of this CD has to be track #8 "TRIEULOGY". Overall great, catchy psych! Also check out AORTA & OXFORD CIRCLE.

I found this on vinyl at a record shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA and bought it merely because the cover art caught my eye. It seemed to represent music from the late '60's, for which I am a fan of. Later, playing the album on my turntable, I found I was right: this is melodic and pleasant rock 'n roll. Since no dates or years are given anywhere on the album's jacket, I can only guess when and where this music was recorded. If you are familiar with the later Beau Brummels' music, early Jefferson Airplane or any West Coast area, late '60's rock, then you know a little of what this sounds like. Aggressive rock jams alternate with light and pretty folk music. The lead guitarist is amazing, and reminds me of a lot of what is heard in the best of Lindisfarne's work. Like I said earlier, I know nothing of this band or it's work other than what is said on the album's jacket. If you like music from the Bay area during the "Summer of Love," then you should like this, a sort of "lost gem" from that time (I imagine).

yeah, i did some drugs in the late sixties. bought a bunch of LP's too. later on, when i recommitted my life to Christ, i ditched most of the old albums, but there was one gem i kept....KAK. i thought i was about the only person to know about this group. they have a unique sound which i find enchanting and it continues to satisfies me as it draws me into the music. i like KAK. i never heard a group quite like them. definitely acid rock. but not at all abrasive. nice