I will start out by saying, always know the owner of your local record store. It is a great connection to have so treat them well, support their store and good things can come of it. I say that because my local record store, Noble Records, has started getting records that are exclusive to his store. They are usually a limited run and something really obscure, like this one. I had never heard of Organ-Utan prior to his mentioning of this album so I streamed it and when I did, I was blown away. I went to the website of the store to go ahead and order the vinyl, but sadly, it was sold out. There were very few copies printed (1000 per Discogs).

Fast forward to a few weeks later and I am in the store and I mention to the owner, Dillon, that I listened to the album and loved it, but missed out on the vinyl. He asked if I really wanted a copy and of course I said, yes I did. He got up, walked to the back and brought me a copy. I was over the moon appreciative for that and so I bought it right then and there. So, that is why you always want to get to know the owner of your local record store. He apparently had a few copies stashed for his most loyal customers and I am glad to say, I might be one since he was so kind to do that for me. So, enough about that, let’s get to this beauty.

If you’ve never heard of Orang-Utan, you are not alone. This was their only album and the UK band never knew it was released. Yep, can you believe it. There is a long story behind that so I am going to butcher it and shorten it as to not bore you too much. The band was called Hunter and their manager, Leo Rappaccioli, singed a publishing contract with Adrian Millar who put up the money for the recording of the album. Leo signed the deal in an alley on a trash can, so not sure he actually sat and read through it. The band recorded the album in two days and then went about their business.

Adrian flew to the United States with the recorded album without knowledge from the band. Claimed to be the record’s producer though did nothing but lend them money to rent studio space basically and sold the album to Bell Records. He changed the band name to Orang-Utan and the album was released in the U.S. in 1971 without permission from any one in the band as they knew nothing about it. They never received a dime from the sale of the records. Okay, that was a really dumbed down version as to not turn this post in to a novel. I am sure I left out critical details so I’m sorry.

Fast-foward to now and the album has been re-released numerous times with full permission and contribution from the band and this copy I have is an exclusive limited run for Noble Records and it is on what is called Voodoo Colour vinyl. It was printed out of Spain on the Guerssen label and there are only 1,000 copies.

The band is made up of drummer Jeff Seopardie who was the main songwriter for the band as well as Terry “Nobby” Clark on vocals, Paul Roberts on bass and dual guitar work from Mick Clarke and Sid Fairman. Their sound is pure hard rock borderline heavy metal with a slight psych sound to it and a little stone rock and a little blues but it is still basically a hard rock record and it will blow your mind. Think Zeppelin, Purple and Budgie and it gives you an idea of what to expect.

SIDE 1:

The album opens up with some dual guitar work from Mick & Sid both with distorted riffing and then Nobby comes in with a few screams and the song kicks in to full gear. The song “I Can See Inside Your Head” is a trippy piece and it sounds like it is out of the 60’s although came out in 1971. The guitar work on this song is truly exceptional with the back and forth between the two and the solo is just Wow! It sounds like there are a 100 guitars playing. It is a short piece but grabs hold and let’s you know this is going to be a killer ride.

“Slipping Away” makes me think of Deep Purple for most of the song, then the back half the vocals are changed up coming out with a distorted sound almost hollow sounding, the music slows down and it gets a little darker in tone before cranking back up and rocking out. A magical ride.

Then we get “Love Queen” which is a slower track, a little more deliberate in its vocal phrasing, but about half way through, the guitar picking picks up pace, the bass thumps a little louder and the whole vibe of the song changes to a more upbeat tune and a musical interlude of sorts in the middle of the track. Then a switch is turned and it is back to the more morose sound that started off the song. It is a sad, bluesy tune and I like that they keep it interesting and unexpected.

The final track on Side 1, “Chocolate Piano”, has a whole Zeppelin vibe both musically and vocally. Nobby really lays out those lyrics like a seasoned singer bringing as much emotion as he can. However, the guitars are King on this one. The two trade punches back and forth and really shred. The drums and bass are exploding around adding the right amount of color, but sit back and take in those guitars as it is nothing short of amazing. What a wall of sound. And yet, no piano and only the delicious flavors of the guitars. Might be my favorite track on the album.

SIDE 2:

If “Chocolate Piano” is my favorite song, this would be my second favorite. “If You Leave” is a master class on drumming as Jeff shows you how it’s done to perfection. His fills and rolls are the perfect accent to an already robust musical palate. The song has a whole 70’s sitcom theme song feel to the opening, but don’t worry it is a pure rock song because when Jeff starts in on the drums the whole sonics of the song change and it is time to rock out. Focus in on those drums and then thank me later for letting you know.

“Fly Me High” is where the psychedelic, stoner sound comes in for me. It is a calmer, more laid back track and the musical breaks are where it is interesting for me as the playing isn’t overly complicated, but it is musically rich and makes you feel good.

The next track is “Country Hike” and it has a funky groove to it with lyrics that are spit out to match that rhythm and groove. A Humble Pie feel to this one and more great guitar work (he’s not Frampton, but he’s good). A more mellow track with the right amount of punch to it.

The final track is “Magic Playground” and get ready to play as it is a high energy rocker. Nobby’s vocals soar at times, the guitars are fast and frenzied. There is a lot going on with this one and all are on their A-Game. The chorus gets a little psychedelic as Nobby sings a line and the guitar then sings a riff as they have a really great exchange. Each musician seems to be playing their own song, but all together it is magical and exciting. It is like a bunch of kids running around on the playground doing their own thing and everyone having a ball doing it. A great song to go out on.

An album that was so obscure even the band didn’t know it was released. That is nuts. But what isn’t nuts is this music. It is a little of the best of all the bands out at that time. They drew from a lot of influences as I mentioned Humble Pie, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. The dual guitars are my favorite thing about this album, but that doesn’t take a way from the great rock vocals of Nobby Clark and the stellar drumming of Jeff Seopardie. The bass work by Paul Roberts shouldn’t be ignored as he complimented the rhythm section nicely, although a little mechanical. The standout tracks for me where “Chocolate Piano”, “If I Can See Inside Your Head”, “Magic Playground” and “If You Leave”. I’m glad Noble Records released this and I am glad I got a copy thanks to Dillon. I think I’ll pay attention to his other Exclusives going forward so I don’t miss out. My Overall Score is a 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars. Too bad this got overlooked back in the day.