KEVIN AYERS/THE CONFESSIONS OF DR. DREAM ILPS 9263 (-74) UK

After leaving hard-core psych group Soft Machine 1969 Ayers has recorded seventeen solo albums so far. To my taste this is the best of them all. With a mix of art rock, psych and pop songs it's a journey through a dreamy mind where every minute counts. Although the lyrics follows a sleepy logic, the musical themes and strong melodies keeps it together. As I understand the project was a collaboration with producer/musician Rupert Hine who also plays on most of the tracks. The backing is top notch with the cream of English session musicians and a two special guests - Mike Oldfield and the lovely Nico. Side one has six good songs, loosely connected with the album theme, while the title number - divided in four movements - covers the entire second side. Nico contributes vocals for the first movement "Irreversable Neural Damage", setting the mood for the rest. For me this is one of the records where I can listen and relax and let the music take me places, and even if some of them are dark it's so well done the feeling is good all the way. Originally released on Island in US and Canada (ILPS 9263). First UK issue on pink rim label had fully laminated cover with relief faces on front and a lyric/credit inner. Also re-issued on vinyl and CD by BGO 1990 (BGOLP/BGOCD 86) and as remastered on CD 2009 (Harvest 268 2952). (NÖC*)  (ÖYÄL*)