"Magick Brother" is the debut studio album by the progressive rock band Gong. It was released in 1969. This album is a unique blend of psychedelic and progressive rock, presenting the quintessential aspects of Gong's musical sound including storytelling, beat poetry, and an intricate fusion of jazz and rock.
The band, formed in Paris in 1967 by Daevid Allen, an Australian musician and poet, and Gilli Smyth, a professor of the Sorbonne, also from Australia. They were joined by notable musicians such as Didier Malherbe, Earl Freeman, and Rachid Houari.
"Magick Brother" represents the beginning of Gong's 'Radio Gnome' concept, the complex narrative which was later continued in their second album, "Camembert Electrique," and then in the "Radio Gnome Invisible" trilogy. The album also introduces listeners to the 'Planet Gong' and 'The Octave Doctors.'
Combining exotic, often whimsical themes with virtuosic instrumental performances, "Magick Brother" laid down the foundational sound of Gong, showcasing their remarkable musical evolution and their bold foray into the unexplored realms of progressive rock. Throughout the years, Gong's musical philosophy of mixing the irreverent with the sublime, the terrestrial with the cosmic, has made "Magick Brother" a truly timeless piece of music.
The album is comprised up of 13 tracks, with "Mystic Sister - Magick Brother" as the opening track and "Pretty Miss Titty" and "Cos You Got Green Hair" among the famous ones. It was a combination of both studio and live recordings. Gong's work was both influential and revolutionary for its time, which has given it enduring appeal for many rock and music fans globally.
