One of the greatest albums of all time...
10/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"ONOFFON, the progressive jazz-rock trio from California, has once again achieved perfection with their second release, Your Mind. This one is a bit jazzier as a whole, but there are plenty of musical styles here, from hard rock to swing, odd (yet very well done) experimentation to solid jazz instrumentals.The album opens with the title track, a powerful, primal groove with some of Dave Goode's finest drumming yet. There are also great backing vocals, funky bass and rhythm guitar, and wild flanging effects thrown in to keep things interesting. After the explosive ending of "Your Mind" comes the album's first of three instrumentals, a wonderful, mellow song called "Shadowglass". This one features some melodic flute playing by additional musician Glen Garrett, which gives way to a great guitar solo by Don Lake, the band's virtuoso guitarist, vocalist, and harmonica player, among other things. Von Babasin's bass, as well as some piano and synths, give the song a brilliant, distinctive sound. Next up is one of my all-time favorites from ONOFFON: the six-and-a-half minute "Alley Want". Don's harmonica solo at the beginning is soulful, and the chorus is catchy, with great harmony in the background. Glen Garrett comes back on soprano sax on "Mardi Gras", the second instrumental, which sounds fresh and new with each listen. The ever-changing "Ocean's Cry", a track I didn't like at first but grew on me, pushes Von's funkified, innovative bass playing in the spotlight, along with a great vocal by Don. "Bebe's Song" is a swingin' little tune with Von on lead vocal. Changing rhythm patterns and great production (the dynamics soar in an unexpected buildup in the second verse) are in store for the next track, "For Hell Sake's". This one has funny, real-life lyrics, presented in a jazzy kind of way. The third instrumental, "Opus" comes next, my favorite song on the album. With Don's acoustic and electric guitars in full swing, you can't help being immersed in the broad soundscape. Von and Dave provide a strong rhythmic background for "You Know I Can't", a song with loud/soft/loud again dynamics and a sincere message. Next is "Wet Legs", a rocker with Don's jamming guitar, Von's powerful bass, Dave's extraordinary percussion, and edgy lyrics. The album ends with "Credits", a dizzying reading of the huge list of thank-yous of this self-produced venture that ends with the words "photography, ecstasy, beans" (you'll have to listen to understand it). Your Mind is one of the greatest albums of all time by any artist. I sincerely recommend it to anyone."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1