GRAPES OF WRATH – Deserter U.S.A. (HB Artist, EP 1969)

English vocals, instrumental
International relevance: ***

A very rare EP featuring Janne Schaffer and Jojje Wadenius on guitars, and Ola Brunkert on drums, consisting of four tracks taken from the movie ”Deserter U.S.A.”. The movie is a documentary about that exactly, Americans that fled to Sweden to escape the Vietnam draft.

There's a dash of horn rock on the first song ”Tell Me the Reason”, which despite not being very good is the best of the lot. The remainder of the EP consists of instrumental jazz rock that might sounded fresh then but unimaginative now. Sometimes Grapes of Wrath sound like a lightweight version of Made in Sweden which after all isn't that surprising given Wadenius involvement.

The EP's certainly not worth the money asked for it; it's reputation is solely built on scarcity and the musicians' names, and not on musical merits.

Schaffer and Brunkert went on to form the equally shortlived Opus III soon after.

Pi + Tell Me the Reason

OPUS III & FRIENDS – Opus III & Friends (Sonet, 1970)

English vocals

International relevance: ***

An album known as much for its rarity value as its musical qualities. Released in 1970, it's an early example of guitarist Jan Schaffer performing with flute player Björn J:son Lindh on record, standing as Schaffer's first proper album.

The date suggests a transitional work between pop, psych and prog, and that observation is close to the truth. Fans of the earliest, endearingt progg years will be delighted. The songs are well crafted and melodic, sometimes with jazzy touches. Most of them stand up well, including the and the softly moving instrumental ”General Mojo's Well Laid Plan”. The musicians' interplay builds on harmony and responsiveness and not ego trips. Which is not to say they never rock out; ”Juice of Joy” and to greater effect ”Natural Thinking Boy” let it loose enough.

Perhaps not a 100% impeccable album but nevertheless a very good one, with the enjoyment further aided by a warm sounding production. Well worth getting, especially if you can lay your hands on the Record Store Day reissue. 

Full album playlist