Daevid Allen - Invisible Opera Co. Of Oz: Melbourne Studio Tapes (2004) {Bananamoon Obscura No. 10}

Most releases in the Bananamoon Obscura series are recommended only to die-hard fans of Daevid Allen, but if one of them can have a wider appeal, it is number ten. Recorded in February 1990 and billed to the Australian branch of the Invisible Opera Company, this CD presents a set of studio demos recorded with longtime associate Harry Williamson, violinist Elliet Mackrell, and the Mother Gong rhythm section (Robert George and Dougie Kerr) -- excellent line-up, excellent set of songs, and very good sound. The first-released versions of several of these songs are much more sedate than what can be heard on these whimsical, beautifully arranged renditions. "Boperatica" and "Boperatico" are variations on what would become "Involve Me" a few years later, while "Trial by Headline" would qualify as the potential hit single of the album: a syncopated rap over a typically jumpy Gong beat. But the highlights are found in the three extended pieces. Clocking in at a few seconds under ten minutes, "Magick of the Circle" is full of glissando delight, supported by a fine melody and propelled by inventive psychedelic arrangements. "Idealist" is given the 12-minute electric treatment to a complex song that moves from delicate to upbeat in a matter of seconds. "Garden Song" is (along with "Never Too Late") the most acoustic selection. Its folkish treatment gives it an ageless finish, and despite its nine minutes, one wishes it would not end so soon. Of all of Allen's projects of the '80s, this album showcases his best songwriting of the era, music- and lyric-wise. A real keeper.