Recorded in 1974, Mu's second album never saw the light of day because the band broke up soon after recording. Finally released as a limited Italian-only edition in 1982, the music transmits a delicate mix of soundscapes, in which elements of blues, folk and psych rock.
The front cover was the wonderful 'hair blowing in the wind, heroic pose' photograph showing Randy, Merrell and Jeff. It's likely Jeff Parker took the shot which explains his absence although he plays bass on the album.
There is a picture of all four of them, smiling, outside their Maui shack on the inner cover, along with pictures of sheet music to Make A Joyful Noise and On Our Way To Hana, a map of the continent of MU and a psychedelic design incorporating Mu symbols (for a possible album cover?). Mary Lee, who features on violin isn't pictured
The packaged in a solid card gatefold sleeve using the same front as the original vinyl; the back cover just gives track information. Inside there is a brief run through Merrell's career, plus the same illustrations from the vinyl's back cover.
It's always good to have extra tracks but as these cover such a spread of time they do not all fit so well with the original 14 tracks. The Interview with Lew Irwin (the Earth News interview), Daybreak Sunshine, Showering Rain and You're Not The Only One are contemporary with the Maui tracks and will be familiar to most fans already. Raga Bill and Oceans Of Intelligence are the closest in feel to the others and may also originate from around 1974/76 timeframe but are Merrell solo songs.
Red House was recorded live in 1991 and includes Nicky Hopkins on piano while All Along The Watchtower (credited to J. Hendrix - I wonder what Dylan thinks of that?) was recorded in 2002 along with Merrell's new partner Yoriko.
1. The Land of Mu - 1:53
2. Make a Joyful Noise (Jeff Cotton) - 2:44
3. Haleakala (Jeff Cotton) - 2:29
4. Blue Jay Blue - 3:20
5. Who Will Write this Song - 3:25
6. Too Naked for Demetirus - 2:31
7. One More Day - 2:31
8. On Our Way to Hana - 2:15
9. You've Been Here Before - 2:58
10.Waiting For the Sun - 2:41
11.In Mu - 3:04
12.You and I - 2:49
13.Drink From the Fountain - 4:43
14.End of an Era - 3:10
15.Mu Interview With Lew Irwin - 2:41
16.Daybreak Sunshine - 3:46
17.Showering Rain - 3:39
18.You're Not the Only One - 3:00
19.Raga Bill - 3:38
20.Oceans of Intelligence - 3:43
21.All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan) - 5:04
22.Red House (Jimi Hendrix) - 6:25
All songs by Merrell Fankhauser exceot where noted
MU
*Merrell Fankhauser - Guitar, Vocals, Bass
*Jeff Cotton - Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Clarinet
*Jeff Parker - Bass
*Randy Wimer - Drums, Vocals
With
*Mary Lee - Violin
*Yoriko Hongo - Bass (Track #21)
*Art Dougall - Drums (Track #21)
*Nicky Hopkins - Piano (Track #22)
*Frank Parades - Bass (Track #22)
*Tim Fankhauser - Vocals, Guitar (Track #22)
1971-72/74 MU - The Band From The Lost Continent
Related Acts
1964-67 Fapardokly - Fapardokly
1968 Merrell Fankhauser HMS Bounty - Things
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