(Psychedelia) Bob Smith - The Visit - 1970, FLAC (image+.cue) lossless

This is a classic psych album in every sense: trippy effects, phased/wah'd guitars, searing leads, wasted vocals/subject matter and the obligatory 'experiment' pieces, tho' these are not as prominent as you'd figure knowing that this is a double lp.
Despite the title, this is not a solo album by any means, as Bob Smith had a large backup band that featured members of the Mothers of Invention.

(Fuzz Acid & Flowers)

Very good Bay Area forerunner of the epic 70s psych sound of Zerfas, Garret Lund, DR Hooker etc. A 2 LP set and except for one or two unnecessary "experiments" solid all through. Wellcrafted psychrock with strong, heartfelt vocals and marvy sound tapestries of fuzz, flute, mellotron and more. All psych collectors need this. The original came with a great poster that's often missing. The retited Swiss 3LP box-set features an LP of unreleased material featuring Bob's post-"Visit" band Stop, 1971-72. This bonus material is remarkably good in a style close to the double LP, and should be checked out.
~~~
Although 1970's "The Visit" featured support from eight musicians (including Mothers of Invention alumnus Don Preston), the focus was clearly on namesake Bob Smith. In addition to handling all of the vocals and lead guitar, Smith wrote all 14 tracks, arranged, directed and along with Mark Taylor, co-produced the album. Musically the set was quite diverse, taking credible stabs at pop, blues, hard rock, psych, jazz and even occasional detours into outright experimentation. Luckily aural experiments such as the instrumental 'Indian Summer' were far and few between, leaving most of the set with a surprisingly commercial sheen. Smith had one of those flexible and likable voices that allowed him to find a nice balance between commercial and non-commercial moves. Elsewhere, judging by tracks such as 'Constructive Critique' and 'Source Your Blues' he was also quite an accomplished guitarist. Personal favorites included the opener 'Please, 'Don't Tell Lady Tonight' and the scorching rocker 'Can You Jump Rope'.

(Acid Archives)

This album is a very ghostly visit from Bob Smith. On much of the album the music seems to draw together the various strains of west coast psych and folk rock, and then slathers it with reverb and hay production. Mr. Smith's voice also helps with his fine, expressive baritone. He often comes across as a far more chilled out Jim Morrison, complete with metaphysical hippy 'poetry.' The music itself manages quite a bit of variation, with some first rate guitar, fun touches such as vibraphones, and a truly groovy rhythm section. There must be a few samples lurking about in Maury Alexander's and Smith's production for those who have already cashed-out on David Axelrod's albums.

This albums starts of strong, with the first three tracks all making a positive impression. "Please's" bittersweet vibe and distant harmonies are custom for a documentary soundtrack where they cover one of those San Fran festivals with headbands and hippy moms breastfeeding. "Constructive Criticism" does the same before launching into a fun, full throttle acid-guitar and cheese organ groove. I'm sure at the time this music seemed about two years or so behind the times, but I'm willing to say that doesn't matter 40 years after the fact. I find that "Mobeda Dandelions" is a particular standout. It starts sounding much like a "Morrison Hotel" outtake before launching into a wild, almost krautrock-sounding rave-up. "Can't You Jump Rope" also catches my attention through some great interweaving guitar parts. The primary flaw here is really just another example of the double-album curse. The atonal plodding of "India Slumber" really disrupts the flow, and if you also cut the somewhat dull blues of "Source You Blues," you'd have an even better single album.

While there is some mild experimentation, "The Visit" doesn't do a whole lot that you haven't heard before. It is, however, a top rate encapsulation of some late 60's (especially West Coast) styles. With it's distinctively late 60's production and find performances throughtout, I find it's mostly a joy to listen to and a great, poppy psychedelic obscuritiy.

Bob Smith (vocals, guitar);
Mike Degreve (guitar);
Larry Chapman (violin);
Stan Keiser (flute);
Don Preston (Mellotron);
Captain Keyboards (keyboards);
Skip Schneider (drums);
John Latini (bass);
James Curtis (hand drums);