Ever stumble across a record that just completely baffles you? Yea…I know…they’re the best ones….Well I have one to add to your list.

Chico Magnetic Band were formed in Lyon, France in 1969 originally as Chico and the Slow Death (they changed to the magnetic band a year later). Their self-titled debut was released in 1971 on a small subsidiary of French label Disques Vogue called Box Office. The album is a heavy, freaked-out mess (and I mean that in the best possible way). Chico and the boys sound like they love drugs first and foremost and while they were busy getting high they listened to alot of Amon Duul, Hendrix, Deep Purple, Funkadelic, Beefheart, Can and maybe even some Zepplin. Chico’s vocals are definitely a highlight. I’ll buy a box of donuts for anyone who can decipher a whole song let alone a couple phrases. My man sounds like he just burned a spliff bigger than a baby’s arm then cooled his throat off with a bottle of Tussin….and it WORKS! I honestly don’t wanna know what he’s saying…the delivery is MORE than enough. The Magnetic band are not to be trifled with either….searing wah’d out guitars abound….tight-heavy drums and studio fuckery that would make most “psych” bands of the time piss their flares.

I chose to post “My Sorrow”…one of the more straight-forward rockers on the album. Driven by a sick beat complete with copious cowbell, howling guitars and Chico conjuring Ozzy on the sizzurp. Seems like a Brobots no-brainer to these ears. I urge you to hunt down the whole album. If you are into any of the bands I mentioned above you will certainly be a Chico freak in no time. The Portuguese label No Smoke “reissued” the album in late 2008….you can get the CD at FE or your favorite shop….the LP is sadly out of print but I’m sure could be found on ebay or the likes. Good luck if your into the original pressing…I’m sure she fetches a pretty penny.

ARTIST: Chico Magnetic Band
TRACK: “My Sorrow”
ALBUM: S/T
YEAR: 1971
LABEL(s): 1971 - Box Office / 2008 - No Smoke