Aorta – AORTA***

Main Vein I/Heart Attack/What’s In My Mind’s Eye/Magic Bed/Main Vein II/Sleep Tight/Catalyptic/Main Vein III/ Sprinkle Road To Cork Street/Ode To Missy Mxyzosptlk/Strange/A Thousand Thoughts/Thoughts & Feelings- Main Vein IV

Self titled well regarded debut album from the Chicago psychedelic rock group Aorta whose sound featured organ, fuzz guitar plus string and horn arrangements. (US:167)

“This is a late-60s gem from a Chicago-based band. Plenty of psychedelic effects, sprinkled with some lighter sounds. A fantastic album from the age.”

“One of the great psychedelic rock albums. The tremendous production merged heavy rock with horns, orchestral strings and church organ combine to form a swirl of attention getting stereophonic touches.”

“An interesting and pretty solid album only spoiled by a few of the linking theme parts. Those aren't enough to detract from its overall effectiveness. The rest is really good stuff, though it took a few spins to appreciate, as it doesn't have any killer tracks but instead is made up of solid song ideas. This is a well thought out, well played, well wrote and well produced record.”

“Where this album might not have that one standout track, it does sport an unending series of way above average, and wonderfully sequenced, psychedelic morsels.”

“The first side is full of excellent slabs of groovy psych goodies. Heart Attack, Catalyptic and the obvious single worthy What's In My Mind's Eye are must-listens to any fans of that genre. The Main Vein suite songs are fun as well. The second side isn't as solid, with the sole exception of the fairly experimental droning blues of Strange. All in all a solid album that is worth checking out.”

“This album really has the whole package, from the sophisticated production blending killer organ and guitar sounds, horns, strings, etc to distinctive, great vocals and outstanding songwriting. There are no weak tracks here, and each one has some melodies or hooks or stinging, powerful instrumental ideas that suck me in. There are also at least two or three bona fide elite classic songs here, really memorable, catchy slices of genius.”