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Saturday, September 22, 2012

May Blitz - The 2nd Of May (1971 uk / canada, fine hard rock with prog folk traces, japan SHM remaster)



The second and final May Blitz album basically picked up where its predecessor left off, with the thunderous and foreboding "For Mad Men Only," and then bludgeoned on from there. Except, where May Blitz concentrated on weight, 2nd of May is more interested in mood and even mirth -- "25th of December 1969" would be almost jovial, if the lyrics weren't so harsh, while the balladic "Just Thinking" closes the album with the sweetest of whispers. 

It's a tighter disc than its predecessor. Just two of the eight songs really top five minutes, as the band learned how to cram maximum impact into minimal space, and layered the virtuosity on from there. The helter-skelter blur of "Eight Mad Grim Nits" is as electrifying a guitar workout as you're likely to hear, with the axe panning wildly while the rhythm section soars like a steeplechase behind it; while "High Beech" takes the opposite tack entirely, a psychedelic dream that builds so gently that the effect is almost boleric. "Honey Coloured Time," too, has a gentle mood that puts one in mind of labelmates Black Sabbath's "Planet Caravan," as performed by the Full House era Fairport Convention. 

And, while a lengthy Tony Newman drum solo doesn't really repay repeat listens (well, not unless you like drum solos), still 2nd of May remains one of those albums that you will find yourself returning to again and again, while wishing May Blitz had held on long enough to cut a follow-up. 
by Dave Thompson
Tracks
1. For Mad Men Only - 4:16
2. Snakes And Ladders - 4:42
3. The 25Th Of December 1969 - 3:12
4. In Part - 6:10
5. 8 Mad Grim Nits - 4:33
6. High Beech - 5:02
7. Honey Coloured Time - 4:13
8. Just Thinking - 5:12
All songs written by Reid Hudson.

May Blitz
*James Black - Lead Vocals, Guitar
*Reid Hudson - Bass
*Tony Newman - Drums

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7 comments:

  1. These May Blitz albums are overlooked gems. Not as well known as some of their rockier contemporaries (Groundhogs, T2, Budgie, etc.) they are nonetheless a force to be reckoned with. As power trios go, May Blitz are up there with the best (and heaviest) of them. To get their two albums in glorious SHM remasters is a gift. Many thanks for making my weekend.

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  2. all right, a welcome upgrade, many thanks

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  3. Awesome killer Rock! Thank you very much!

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  4. I would really appreciate if you could, at least, reup this one. These guys are local bys and it takes me back to when there was a small but active music scene here in Victoria.. Thanks , Doc

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    1. Doccus Rockus Maximus, May Blitz - Two

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    2. Oh my goodness that was fast! Thank you ever so much!

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