Another musical gem which somehow or other managed tocompletely bypass the musical scene of its time, only to languishundiscovered in the vaults of obscurity until now.Released on the Cornball label (Cornball NR9348) in 1978, FootchKapoot (a silly name, admittedly, but don't let that deter you) this isan album of whimsical eccentricity which defies musicalcategorisation. From the opening bars of Don's Mom's Green BoiledHam you just sense you're in for something very different and everysubsequent track simply confirms one's first impression.All 6 band members are virtuoso's of their own chosen instrument,with several showing of their multi-instrumental skills withconsummate ease. The album rocks at times, then leans back andgives us a soft shoe shuffle a la Leon Redbone's Walking Stick.There's incredible honky-tonk piano, crazy clarinet made stranger bythe use of a reed modulator which gives the instrument a sound thelikes of which the human ear has seldom, if ever, heard. The slideand lead guitars are slick and effortless, the drumming tight as itcomes, and harmonies that just blend together into one angelicvoice.The final word on this beautifully recorded, strange and compellingalbum is probably best left to one of their admirers "Let's just sayI'm a changed man. It's not too often a person listens to somethingso genius [sic] so mind blowing that it changes their entireperception of music from then on. You just have to hear it!"Track Listing1. Don's Mom's Green Boiled Ham2. One Day At A Time3. Sleepy Time Day4. Das Is Wonderful5. Tall Tale6. Thee Andes Tune7. Theme From The Pet Dome8. Versatility9. Dreamburst
