Album of the Month: Ted Lucas – Ted Lucas

Ok, the real reason to start this album of the month category was that this wordpress theme I’m using had a place for ads there on the right. I didn’t want ads and I didn’t know how to remove that section. Therefore I replaced that ad picture with a self-made album of the month picture. That’s how it started and if I keep on choosing albums of the month, I suppose I better write a couple of words about those albums and tell people why I love them so much.
Ted Lucas still remains as the great unknown, but many have heard him play, because he was “exotic instrument specialist” for Motown and played on several late 60s records by groups such as The Temptations, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. The bigger reason to love him are his fantastic solo recordings.Ted Lucas’ self-titled album (also known as The Om Record) originally came out back in 1975, but has recently been reissued by Yoga Records and Riverman(and it’s a wonderful vinyl replica reissue).
 
The A side of the album is just brilliant. Totally captivating psych-folk that grabs your attention. The album feels like a) So completely carefree, laid-back and easy sunday morning recording b) Very carefully crafted, detailed and thoughtful piece of folk music. I know  those things almost rule each other out, but maybe that’s what makes this so magical. The B side enters into other dimensions and shows more of his indian influences and classical guitar background. My level of musical education hasn’t reached those heights yet and therefore I’m not that thrilled about the b-side. Maybe one day I understand indian guitar raga, but meanwhile I can just keep on listening to the amazing first half of the album over and over again. That stuff is totally worth all five hearts.