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In the late 60s the old exotica composers of the 50s had one more shot at commercial success with the advent of the new fangled synthesizer and the resultant outpouring of kitschy novelty records featuring this new space age instrument. Although many of these records were no more than trendy fluff, Les Baxter’s “Moog Rock” stands above the pack with songs that deliver more than just exotic cuteness. It is ironic that the word rock would be used in the album title as the music on here is made up of late-romantic period classical melodies backed with a lounge Latin jazz percussion section or trap set. This record may not rock, but it does hit a nice groove at times.
One of the things that sets this record apart from the masses is Baxter’s attention to rhythm. It was typical for novelty synth records to barely have any rhythm section at all, usually just a bare beat mixed low as an almost afterthought. In contrast, many of the tunes on here feature a sophisticated Latin percussion section mixed loud and playing samba flavored beats that really help drive the melodies. Baxter’s choice of melodic material is also nice, focusing on late 19th century Russian and east European composers who wrote during a time when dramatic melody was king. These composers were masters of the long line melody that went through many interesting and bold harmonic developments before reaching the end of its phrase. Such lush melodies and constantly modulating harmonies are like gold for the creative exotic arranger. On tunes like “Rachmaninoff 2nd Piano Concerto” and “Chopin Prelude in E”, the dramatic melodies combine with the driving percussion to produce masterpieces of the exotic genre. Another top cut is a fast paced reading of “Claire de Lune” that doesn’t just play the main melody but instead plays much of Debussy’s entire arrangement with Baxter paying tribute to electronic music’s past by using a classic theramin type sound on the Moog.
