Secret Oyster - "Straight to the Krankenhaus" Review

Artist/ Band: Secret Oyster
Title: Straight to the Krankenhaus
Label: Laser's Edge
Year of Release: 1976/2007
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

Straight to the Krankenhaus was the fourth (and final) release from Danish progressive fusion band Secret Oyster. It was originally released in 1976 on CBS Records, and now available for the first time on CD, re-mastered thanks to Lasers Edge. Even though this is the first time I’ve heard the music, I have to say it’s sounds great. The music is rooted in progressive fusion with some symphonic prog rock added in to make an rather unique listening experience.

The line-up on this album was Vogel on sax, Claus Bohling on guitar, Kenneth Knudsen on keyboards, Jess Stahr on bass, and drummer Ole Streenberg. These musicians are on par with those major fusion acts such as Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return To Forever, Weather Report and others. In fact I’d say Secret Oyster can be put along side those acts, thanks now to be reissued for those original fans and news ones such as myself.

Just like the other Secret Oyster reissues, Straight to the Krankenhaus contains some bonus tracks "Alfred" and "Glassprinsen". One thing I noticed is the these two bonus tracks have more muscle than the album-major. As with the others, I’d recommend getting this one to add to your collection. It’s some of the most important fusion ever recorded!

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on December 8th, 2007

Tracks:

1. Lindance

2. Straight to the Krankenhaus

3. My Second Hand Rose

4. High Luminant Silver Patters

5. Delveaux

6. Stalled Angel

7. Rubber Star

8. Traffic & Elephants

9. Leda & The Dog

Bonus Tracks

10. Alfred

11. Glassprinsen [Glass Prince]

Reviewed Discography

Here are other reviews by this artist at ProgNaut.com.