Les Baxter (1922-1996) was known primarily for being one of, if not the originator of the genre of exotica. Baxter was also known for various film scores through out his career.Baxter's "Quiet Village" which was covered by exotica legend Martin Denny became the bellwether for the genre. Denny probably ended up overshadowing Baxter in the end.
This pictured vinyl copy of Baxter's Moog Rock is a stone classic of early Moog and just oozes 60's kitsch.
Totally infectious classical compositions reworked in a way that really gets under the skin. I was thrilled to find this record in a thrift store bin. In fact, I have found copies several times over the years, and sold them on eBay for at least 15 dollars each time. I won't sell my original copy, but you can now get the music on CD at Amazon.com.
The haunting music is part exotica, part chamber jazz, with just a smattering of rock. The music isn't some over the top hard rock album like the title could mislead, Moog Rock is laid back chill-out music.
Moog Rock delivers some heat every now and then, I feel a Moody Blues vibe on this but don't think full blown orchestra or anything either, the music is small group intimate music.
"Rachmaninoff - Prelude C# Minor" is the best track in my opinion. Enjoy the clip of the tune, and don't forget to add this one to your collection of chill out, exotica, or 60's lounge music.
You won't be disappointed.
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