Search - Brainticket :: Cottonwood Hill

Pretty disturbing stuff

BENJAMIN MILER | Veneta, Oregon | 03/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brainticket was often categorized in the Krautrock category, when in reality, the band was of multi-nationalities, lead by Belgian-born Joël Vandroogenbroeck. But they did have many of the same traits you expect from the early '70s Krautrock scene. Regarded as one of the most psychedelic albums ever, you'll of course wonder why, when you hear the first two cuts, "Black Sand" and "Places of Light". They sound very much like typical organ-driven prog rock you expect from the time (I am especially fond of the latter as Dawn Muir spouts out some psychedelic poetry). It's the other two thirds of the album that justifies the album as being one of the most psychedelic ever. It's basically taken up by "Brainticket Part 1" and "Part 2", which is little else than a repeated fuzz organ riff with tons of very disturbing electronic effects, sounds, and Dawn Muir, well, sounding rather disturbed. It's one of those albums I can't recommend to everyone, if this is too much for you, let me suggest their 1972 followup, Psychonaut (as it's mellower, and more song-oriented). In fact, the experience of Cottonwoodhill was too much, and the band broke up leaving some of the members to form the Swiss band Toad (with Benjamin Jäger, later of Island, who released the excellent prog rock album, Pictures in 1977). That left Joël Vandroogenbroeck to form new versions of Brainticket with more great albums to come. Anyway, if you're looking for music that's way out there, then Cottonwoodhill is a must."

Thorazine please!

Warren W. Nelson | Mooresville, NC USA | 08/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Considered one of the most psychedelic albums ever released, 'Cottonwoodhill' is brilliant with amazing sound effects, propulsive keyboards(on the dominating namesake track 'brainticket pt.1 and 2),special vocal effects, great guitar work and a very demented monologue that puts you at the heart of the psychedelic experience. This album, recorded in 1971, accomplishes where others have tried and failed ('Anthem of The Sun','After Bathing At Baxter's')i.e. to record an acid trip. Whether by improved production techniques or more inspired performance, this is psychedelic music at its best!"

Brainticket - 'Cottonwoodhill' (Hallelujah)

Mike Reed | USA | 08/11/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'd rate it 4 1/2 stars.I heard about this reissue LONG before landing down a copy of it.Was originally released in 1971,but for reason(s) unknown I,personally like their follow up to this record,'Psychonaut'('72) a tad better.'Cottonwoodhill' is said to be a true krautrock classic that can make one's third eye cry tears of acid.I won't disagree with that one bit.In my opinion,Brainticket in general appears to be part kraut,part neo-psychedelic.A great genre if you ask me.The tracks that I dug the most were "Black Sand" and the band's namesake "Brainticket,Part 2".Joel Vandroogenbroeck's organ playing and Dawn Muir's stellar vocals seem to work well together as Brainticket more than succeeds to take it's listener's to another level of tripsville.One that's rarely visited anymore these days.Bet Tim Leary would've tripped MANY times to this record.Way-out cover."