Amon Duul II
Yeti


Released 1970 on United Artists
Reviewed by kaktus, 22/08/2008ce


After the sprawling chaos of 1969 debut 'Phallus Dei' comes the double album 'Yeti' which to me is the best thing they ever did and in no way could ever match.Led by two singer/guitarists Chris Karrer and John Weinzierl Amon Duul II combined dissonance and melody add drugs in the mix and out comes 'YETI'.

The album begins with the 13 minute suite of 'Soapshop Rock' which is divided into 4 segments, the first segment A)'Burning sister' rumbles with great riffs,insane lyrics and bouncing octavetastic bass from future Hawkwind member Dave Anderson.B)'Halluzination guillotine' slows the pace with eastern tinged guitar licks and powerful sparse drums.Things turn silly for the pointless C)Gulp A Sonata and the band round things up with with final attack of last part/reprise of D)Flesh Coloured Anti-Aircraft Alarm.

'Archangel Thunderbird' is a great rock n roll song sung by the German version of Grace Slick Miss Renate Knaup whose vocals and lyrics struggle to keep up with the riff but its a belter of a song nonetheless.
Things mellow out for acoustic flavoured 'She Came through the Chimney' the vibe begins to slowly darken with more eastern influences the driving 'Cerberus' the menacing 'The Return Of Rubezahl' and the truly weird slow stoner riffs and creepy robotic vocals of 'Eye Shaking King' and Kraut experiment of 'Pale Gallery'.

The last 3 songs of Yeti are the much maligned improvisations which are the 18 minute title track,'Yeti Talks to Yogi' and last song 'Sandoz in the rain'.I admit these improvs took a few listens but after getting used to them they reveal wonders in their madness.I couldn't stop listening to this album and its one of my all time favourites cos of it's scope and don't give a fuck attitude.Great guitars,fucked up vocals and experimental acid rock,a double album thats fascinating from start to finish.Highly recommended


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