LES BAXTER - "Moog Rock"

Original released on LP Crescendo GNPS 2053 (Stereo)
(US, 1968)

A happily misleading title - these are (as ought to be obvious given the tracklisting) exotic electronic interpretations of well-known classical standards, and they have absolutely zero to do with rock music. The interesting thing is that they also have very little to do with Wendy Carlos or anyone else doing synthetic art music at the time; Baxter's pop sensibilities have never been keener and by isolating and reiterating the most iconic themes from these compositions he converts them into dancy hooks and insistent jingles. The percussion arrangements are nothing unusual for an exotica record but occasionally quite stunning paired with the Moog. You might call Baxter lazy or deceptive for playing the polyphonic bits on a transistor organ instead of overdubbing the synth but the effect is quite ethereal and pleasant. If anything could ever get me seriously interested in exploring romantic-era Western art music, this album is it! The sound is not excelent, 'cause it was ripped from an original vinyl copy, but is good enough for you to listen to this rare album. There's a copy in CD, but it's a very expensive one.