Processed for Dna [Import]

Sun Dial | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 18, 2010)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: 101 DISTRIBUTION
• ASIN: B002XMGJE4
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #393,811 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Apollo

2. Exploding In Your Mind

3. Bad Drug

4. Rollercoaster

5. Star Baby

6. Reflecter

7. Fireball

8. Kohoutek

9. Tumbling Down

10. Open Your Eyes

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Ghost Machine

2. The Skies Above

3. Plains Of Nazca

4. Lorne Blues

5. Never Fade

6. Detonated

7. Nova

8. Blue Sugar

9. Slow Motion

10. A.C. (Bringer Of Light)

See all 14 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

2010 two CD compilation from the British Psychedelic rockers. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, this set boasts a number of previously unissued recordings, alternative mixes, rare non-album tracks and classics such as 'Plains Of Nazca' and 'Exploding In Your Mind'. The package also boasts three tracks from Sun Dial's previously unissued 1997 album, Kohoutek. Fronted by guitarist Gary Ramon, Sun Dial emerged in 1990 with the classic LP Other Way Out, which attracted rave reviews. Their next album, Reflecter (1992), reached the Indie Top 5, prompting a deal with Beggars Banquet. Libertine (1993) streamlined their Psychedelic sound towards a more sophisticated brand of Indie Rock. The follow-up, Acid Yantra (1995), introduced a heavier sound with echoes of Black Sabbath and early Nirvana, pre-dating the Stoner Rock movement. Ex-Chapterhouse bassist and long term collaborator Russell Barrett then joined Sun Dial, who returned in 2003 with a new album Zen For Sale. Cherry Red.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Introduction for the Curious Listener, June 13, 2011

By 

Cannibal Cheerleader "Merzbau" (Illinois, U.S.) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Processed for Dna (Audio CD)

I'll be honest, I just started listening to Sun Dial about a year ago. I came upon them on a local independent radio station, very early in the morning. The track I heard was "Mind Train" originally from their album Reflecter, it took a little to build up and slowly it eased itself on my consciousness. After that I liked them immediately; the reason I came upon them is that it was the day they released this very nice compilation.

Both Discs have unissued tracks and alternate stripped down versions of songs from previous released albums as well as tracks from the unreleased album Kohoutek[Originally supposed to be released in 1997 as a follow up to Acid Yantra]. Old fans may want to pick this up for the unreleased alternate takes, especially the Kohoutek tracks which haven't seen the light of day for 13 years(with the exception of "Ghost Machine" from Shards of God compilation released in 2007).

The first disc of their compilation starts out with their earliest singles(Apollo, Exploding In Your Mind) and some of their material from albums(i.e. Reflecter, Acid Yantra, Zen for Sale, Libertine) midway in their career. Where as the second disc touches more from their earlier work from Other Way Out and some newer stuff they have been releasing. The second disc feels like a victory lap for Sun Dial showing off work their most proud of, not to mention a band that has been ignored this long was able to reissue their older albums and have a double disc compilation. I can't really blame them at all.

Sun Dial, in a nutshell, is a time capsule from 60's and 70's space rock & psychedelic. Many bands have tried to master the sound of both genres, but at most times it seems rather forceful. Sun Dial is not one those bands, they display their knowledge of their influences with nothing but naturalism. That isn't to say Sun Dial is just a group of impressionists. Sun Dial likes to mix it with elements of muscular grunge and little bit of droning shoegaze. It's quite a style to hear in execution; Although they do play their chosen style well, you might find yourself antsy or bored if you're not into classic psychedelic and/or prog.

A curious listener will find this more than adequate to touch on this band and probably be all you need. But, if you do fancy yourself in being a pretty avid fan of all things psychedelic you won't be disappointed in Sun Dial, although I would tell you to pick up Other Way Out and/or Reflecter if you're looking to attack it more traditionally than a compilation. Just be sure not to lose your dentures from joy when you press play!