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LP
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NOAJ 006LP
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It is 1971. South Africa is struggling with a myriad of political and cultural problems. Mandela is in jail and the United Nations has declared it supports isolating South Africa for its apartheid policies. The state-controlled South African Broadcasting Corporation has an almost complete monopoly on what is being played on the radio, and the advent of television wouldn't be seen in South Africa for another five years as such things are seen as a threat that would undermine the proud Afrikaans tradition and spread communism and immorality. The stain of apartheid also means that most of the music being aired on the radio comes from exclusively white artists and the majority of accessible music comes from the States and the UK, with many people not realizing that local exports like Manfred Lubowitz (later known as Manfred Mann) actually come from South Africa. Despite such a tumultuous social and political backdrop, or perhaps because of it, music remains an escape for much of South Africa's youth and local scenes do spring up. This is the setting in which a band with the unusual name of Humphrey is born. The album was recorded over two weeks, and upon its release is met with rave reviews and nominated for a SARI award. Naturally, a single -- "Down Down" b/w "In The Morning" -- is released, but is met with a surprisingly lackluster response. Humphrey seemed to fade into obscurity not long after the album came out. Until, that is, Notes On A Journey's own Stefan Leisering stumbled across the album in Johannesburg, while touring South Africa with the Jazzanova live band. The Anglo-American folk, pop, rock, and psych influences on Humphrey are undeniable, something about these influences finding a voice at such a particular time and in such a particular place makes this album truly unique. The record seems almost polarized in nature, the saccharine melodies of the harmonized vocals and the band's pop sensibilities are kept from becoming throwaway bubblegum tunes by the songs unexpected psych elements, chord changes, and arrangements that bring a touch of darkness and mysticism. An early '70s South African pop psych gem, NOAJ reckon you'll be delighted it's getting another chance to shine. 180 gram vinyl; Old School Tip On cover; includes download card.
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