Maitreya Kali - Apache-Inca CD
SKU
28-FTIN202.2
“Amazing and obscure psych-folk gem. It reminds me a bit of Skip Spence's sole masterpiece 'Oar' ...
An interesting back story for sure, Craig Smith had been a songwriter in LA from a folk background who had written songs recorded by the Monkees, Mike Nesmith and Glen Campbell before forming the psych rock band The Penny Arkade where he devoted himself to LSD and eastern philosophy.
Following a traumatic trip to India and Afghanistan he seemed to lose it completely and apart from a lengthy spell in South America he spent his life in an out of mental institutions and prison, before ending up homeless. A sad reminder that the 60s cultures push for mind expansion and spiritual enlightenment had its fair share of casualties that weren't necessarily all high profile.
He self released 2 albums after his trip to South America that mix unreleased Penny Arkade tracks with his own solo explorations. The former sounds like Buffalo Springfield or Moby Grape while his solo stuff is much more interesting and recalls similar levels of trippy, mellow folk of Dino Valente or Skip Spence. Some of the acoustic songs in particular are just brilliant. If you're like me, you'll find yourself slaving over your acoustic guitar trying to determine the tunings and capo positioning Craig used to achieve these unique voicings.
This collection packages both the albums together and is well worth picking up if you like west coast psychedelia and 60s folk rock.” - rym
- LabelFlatiron
- UPC810137042145