This is one of those records that’s so obscure, you think there’s no way it’s NOT at the bottom of the label’s “must reissue” list. But never say never, repress dreams do come true, and Real Gone Music have just laced us with a stunning new pressing of Jack Kerouac’s second album (they’ve also just repressed the impossibly rare Scientist and Jammy Strike Back, if you like your beat poetry with a side helping of spaced-out dub) produced by the great Bob Thiele. It features Kerouac reciting his own poetry, occasionally accompanied by Zoot Sims and Al Cohn’s tenor saxophones. It follows the same basic formula of his first album, Poetry For The Beat Generation released the same year, but without the novelty of “yeah, you heard me right Bob, I’m going to read poems and they’re gonna just jump in and play some sax on top, so what?” - at this point, Kerouac & co. were comfortable with this ridiculous-on-paper process and felt comfortable enough to really go for it. Jack even sings a little bit. Frequently fetches upwards of $300 on ’scogs, but if you’re here you probably already know that. Limited edition pressing of 1000 copies on blue & yellow ‘starburst’ colored wax.

• first-ever official vinyl reissue
• blue & yellow starburst colored vinyl
• replica pic sleeve includes original liner notes
• limited to 1000 copies
• music label: Real Gone Music 2018

reviewed by nick nightingale 04/2018