Just thought I'd hip people here to this reissue which is one of the best things I've bought all year. It's basically a demo LP recorded by a guy who played in a few garage bands in the mid-60s and was later institutionalised. This was cut in '71 and the music is a kind of lo-fi ravaged, weary garage blues but the whole thing has an incredible atmosphere - sliding down the slopes of madness. Beefheart recording in his mother's basement, drunk on cheap wine and valium might be the best point of reference. Maybe it's a bit ethical questionable to celebrate the guys breakdown but - oh well. It's a powerful and compelling listen.
Much lauded by sources like Acid Archives - which said:
“Intense real people/fringe LP popular among psych mafiosos, a 3-man band with guitar, bass and drums led by Steven David Heitkotter, presumably recorded inside the mental institution where the guy has been for decades. Track titles include “Hangin’ All Night”, “Quaker, Dog Got Away” and the 14-minute “Fly Over The Moon”. The vibe is intense and feverish like a nightmare, unique LP that lives up to its reputation. This may have been a test press only and comes in a blank cover, except for the handwritten title. He was also in a garage band in the 1960s that released a few 45s. [PL]”
“This is a truly disturbing record… so far out-there it goes beyond what could be classified as “genius”. At times all three musicians sound like they are playing different songs and somehow you’re able to groove along on three different levels. This is not for everyone, but if you’ve been down every “psych” road out there and enjoyed each and every one of them, Heitkotter might be for you. I can see 20-25 people thinking this is the greatest LP ever recorded and everyone else thinking it was a piece of trash. [RH]”
Edit: This is one of the more restrained tracks
Much lauded by sources like Acid Archives - which said:
“Intense real people/fringe LP popular among psych mafiosos, a 3-man band with guitar, bass and drums led by Steven David Heitkotter, presumably recorded inside the mental institution where the guy has been for decades. Track titles include “Hangin’ All Night”, “Quaker, Dog Got Away” and the 14-minute “Fly Over The Moon”. The vibe is intense and feverish like a nightmare, unique LP that lives up to its reputation. This may have been a test press only and comes in a blank cover, except for the handwritten title. He was also in a garage band in the 1960s that released a few 45s. [PL]”
“This is a truly disturbing record… so far out-there it goes beyond what could be classified as “genius”. At times all three musicians sound like they are playing different songs and somehow you’re able to groove along on three different levels. This is not for everyone, but if you’ve been down every “psych” road out there and enjoyed each and every one of them, Heitkotter might be for you. I can see 20-25 people thinking this is the greatest LP ever recorded and everyone else thinking it was a piece of trash. [RH]”
Edit: This is one of the more restrained tracks