Blue Orchids - Mystic Bud
Recorded in 2003, the third studio album from Blue Orchids sees founder member Martin Bramah joined by Stuart Kennedy, Alastair Murphy, Charlotte Bill and Bud Umu. Mystic Bud features nine Bramah originals, ranging from the naked soul of Shining Brow to the more upbeat Soul Stuff and Freak Show, plus troubadour gem Sub Rosa. By way of a surprise the set closes with a narcoleptic cover of the Archie's classic Sugar Sugar. Says Martin: "I'm back from the wilderness with some interesting specimens. It's an album of songs I discovered in the inner jungle, made in my kitchen/living space plus bits I found in the backyard. I wanted it to be casual yet intimate, like the best encounters. I kept the mix quite dry and natural sounding, understated." Tracklist: 1. Soul Stuff2. Shining Brow3. Freak Show4. Angel of the Loop5. The Secret of the Sacred Orchid6. Earthling7. Black Peg's Son8. Bemused9. Sub Rosa10. Sugar Sugar11. Radiance12. Black Pig