Goodthunder

This band has a song called “Barking at the Ants.” Couple that with a far-out piece of psychedelic cover art and an album that’s probably been out of print for close to 35 years and you’ve got yourself a prime candidate for The “I-Own-Every-Record-You’d-Never-Buy” CD Consumer’s Guide. First released in 1972 on Elektra Records, Goodthunder was produced by Paul Rothchild (best known for his work with The Doors). “For a Breath,” “Home Again” and “P.O.W.” best represent the band’s hard-hitting yet complex approach, the varying time changes and elaborate song structures creating a deliciously odd collection of progressive-based hard rock. The band’s creative sensibilities aren’t limited to the record’s numerous drum breaks, keyboard fills and guitar riffs. Lyrically, too, Goodthunder displays a flair for the imaginative: “Moonship square your sails/For lands uncharted/Faceless ghosts appear/Your dreams have started,” declares the group in “Moonship,” a ‘70s-styled space odyssey. “Feel crystal flames/Thru the rain/It’s driving me insane.” Speaking of lyrics, the aforementioned “Barking at the Ants” has nothing to do with barking or ants. In fact, I have no idea what it’s about. Consider its dizzyingly intricate instrumental passages a fitting conclusion to an album full of great surprises.

Notes: Here is an audio-only YouTube clip of "I Can't Get Thru to You" by Goodthunder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg_q9_K0LDM.