Moondog Vol.1 & 2

The first 9 tracks ("Moondog I") open with "Theme" and "Stomping Ground" - two somewhat coherent pieces which a few years ago were made quite famous through the soundtrack of Coen Brothers' wonderful movie "The Big Lebowski." The album features a 50+ piece orchestra, which, among other greats, includes jazz veterans Don Butterfield (tuba) and Ron Carter (double bass.)
The beautiful Charlie Parker homage "Lament I: Bird's Lament" is here performed in its original form, but can also be found on the 1994 Moondog recording "Sax Pax For a Sax" on only saxes and percussion.
The orchestral performances on "Moondog I" aren't always 100% flawless, but should not be judged harshly because of the very personal, highly individual, and wonderfully eccentric form of compositions that they are. Budget, which is a very common issue when it comes to orchestral recordings, is another element that probably has not allowed many re-takes.

Before my making an order of this music, I knew that I'd love "Moondog I" since I'd heard most of it previously, but I was skeptical towards "Moondog II" because of some reviews I'd read of it. I was however curious, and listening to it when it had arrived was a very nice surprise.
Aside from performances by Louis "Moondog" Hardin (percussion, piano, vocals) and his daughter June (vocals,) "Moondog II" features 6 other musicians who, at different points throughout the album, play virginals, recorders, harpsichords, ancient organs, guitars, schom, viola de gamba, and troubadour harp. These instruments alone make a very individual sound, but the compositions (many of which are in 5/4 and 5/8) and the poetry make this the most wonderful group of rounds (short vocal canons) you've ever heard.

In my 500+ CD collection, these two are among my favorites.


Thank heavens you don't have to play Moondog 2   January 21, 2005
Alan Sturgess
3 out of 7 found this review helpful

Moondog 1 is a joy and just as fresh and interesting as when it was released on vinyl in '69. Even today, you still hear snippets of the music used in TV documentaries. Original and interesting.

But as for Moondog 2 ..... oh dear. Drivel with inane lyrics. But at least it's in one ghastly lump starting at track 10 and lasting until track 35. Truly abysmal and to include it with the magnificent Moondog 1 is to seriously impair the impression you get of Moondog's music.

Imagine a gathering of pretentious alcoholics burbling together and endlessly repeating meaningless gibberish - that's Moondog 2.

Take my tip - delete tracks 10-35 from your playlists and consign '2' to eternal silence. But, at least, if there is the odd track that you like (I doubt it), you've got it for no extra charge.

But as for Moondog 1 - treasure it as a true classic and forgive the composer for what can only have been a series of tasteless aberrations.