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1976 Albums

Roller > Goblin

Artist: Goblin
Label: Attic Records Limited
Catalog#: LAT 1031
Format: Vinyl
Country: Canada
Released: 1976
Strawberry Bricks Entry: 
In 1971, keyboardist Claudio Simonetti and drummer Walter Martino first teamed up in Il Ritratto di Dorian Gray: a band from Rome that played British-style prog rock. In 1973, Simonetti, now with guitarist Massimo Morante and bassist Fabio Pignatelli, traveled to London and recruited an English singer, Clive Haynes. Adopting the name Oliver, the band reputedly sparked the interest of producer Eddie Offord; it's an unsurprising connection, as music from this era sounds a lot like Yes! However, nothing panned out.

Romance 76 > Baumann, Peter

Artist: Peter Baumann
Label: Virgin
Catalog#: PZ 34897
Format: Vinyl
Country: United States
Released: 1976
Strawberry Bricks Entry: 
Born in 1953, Peter Baumann attended the JFK American School in Berlin, gaining an education in American culture as well as language. He first joined Tangerine Dream in 1972, following his stint with The Ants. Released in 1976 on Virgin Records, his solo record, Romance 76 was recorded during one of Baumann's hiatuses from the band. "Bicentennial Present" opens the album, and revealing Baumann's musical contribution to TD; mostly it's the melodic synth lines where the band's tone is instantly recognizable.

Sequencer > Synergy

Artist: Synergy
Label: Passport Records
Catalog#: PB 6002
Format: Vinyl
Country: United States
Released: 1976

Shamal > Gong

Artist: Gong
Label: Virgin Records America, Inc.
Catalog#: PZ 34156
Format: Vinyl
Country: United States
Released: 1976
Strawberry Bricks Entry: 
With Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth in Majorca, the remaining members of Gong—Mike Howlett, Didier Malherbe and Pierre Moerlen—were left holding both the proverbial torch and a two-album contract with Virgin Records to fulfill. Tim Blake had already split to France to start his own solo career, while Steve Hillage would make a final guest appearance here. The band toured the UK in late 1975 with Clearlight, and live tapes reveal the full impact of the new members. The set list includes tracks from the Trilogy era and Hillage's Fish Rising album, as well as new material.

Ship Of Memories > Focus

Artist: Focus
Label: Sire Records
Catalog#: SA-7351
Format: Vinyl
Country: United States
Released: 1976

Snorungarnas Symfoni > Samla Mammas Manna

Artist: Samla Mammas Manna , Gregory Allan Fitzpatrick
Label: MNW
Catalog#: MNW 70P
Format: Vinyl
Country: Sweden
Released: 1976

Softs > Soft Machine, The

Artist: Soft Machine
Label: Harvest
Catalog#: SHSP 4056
Format: Vinyl
Country: United Kingdom
Released: 1976

Sommerabend > Novalis

Artist: Novalis
Label: Brain
Catalog#: BRAIN 1087
Format: Vinyl
Country: Germany
Released: 1976-05
Strawberry Bricks Entry: 
Novalis were reduced to a quartet for their next album, Sommerabend. Produced by Achim Reichel, the symphonic record again bypasses the overt complexities of most prog rock of the day. Written by Lutz Rahn, the instrumental "Aufbruch" opens. After the spicy intro, Novalis' large, sweeping and melodic lines take over, propelled by Hartwig Biereichel's powerful drumming. Detlef Job's guitar is at the fore, and Rahn lays his hand on a few more keyboards.

Sowiesoso > Cluster

Artist: Cluster
Label: Sky Records
Catalog#: 005
Format: LP
Country: Germany
Released: 1976

Starcastle > Starcastle

Artist: Starcastle
Label: Epic
Catalog#: PE 33914
Format: Vinyl
Country: United States
Released: 1976-02
Strawberry Bricks Entry: 
Hailing from Illinois, Starcastle was one of a few US prog rock bands (along with Ethos and Symphonic Slam) that achieved some recognition in the mid-70s. After trudging the bar circuits under various names, the core of guitarist Steve Hagler, drummer Steve Tassler, keyboard player Herb Schildt and bassist Gary Strater were joined by another two members: second guitarist Matthew Stewart and vocalist Terry Luttrell, the latter previously in another Champaign band, REO Speedwagon. In 1974, they changed their name to Starcastle and signed to Epic Records.