The Zodiac - Cosmic Sounds (1967, Reissue 2010)

Digitally remastered edition of this classic 1967 Elektra album conceived by label head Jac Holzman, who claimed that the success of the Doors was a primary inspiration for the project, the Zodiac's Cosmic Sounds is a concept piece based on the twelve signs of the Chaldean astronomical zodiac. It combines the music of electronics pioneer Mort Garson, performed on early Moog synthesizer by Paul Beaver, and the words of Jacques Wilson, which would be delivered in Morrison-esque style by the Iranian-born folk musician, Cyrus Faryar, a man dubbed by Holzman "the Persian minstrel of Barham Boulevard". One of the earliest psychedelic / progressive concept albums, Cosmic Sounds is performed by members of the Wrecking Crew, the loosely affiliated assembly of West Coast musicians, who during the 1960s worked extensively with Brian Wilson, Phil Spector, the Monkees, Simon & Garfunkel; Carol Kaye: bass guitar; Hal Blaine: drums; Bud Shank: flute; Mike Melvoin: keyboards, Emil Richards: exotic percussion. Technicians of the highest pedigree. The producer on the Zodiac sessions was Alex Hassilev, a former member of the Limeliters vocal group.