Daevid Allen's University Of Errors: Money Doesn't Make It
(CD 44:09; Innerspace 7707)

A quick bit of history. Daevid Allen once spearheaded the French psychedelic/progressive ensemble Gong, before the talented polyrhythmitist Pierre Moerlen steered the band toward more fusionistic forays.

On his latest solo outing - with the help of his fellow "faculty," Josh Pollock, guitar; Michael Clare, bass; Pat Thomas, drums and percussion; and assorted guest musicians - Allen attempts to celebrate those foggy, chemically colored yesterdays through a dozen new songs. Dirges would be more apropo. Or minimalist monotonal sprechstimers. There's not much psychedelia here; it oft sounds more like psycho. Nor are there any hints, sighs or whispers of prog-rock or even Gong's latest excursions into jazz-rock. Maybe it's just that I've become more discerning these days, and hence perceive Allen's outings as a self serving ululation rather than avant-garde influenced audio pop art.
Died-in-the-wool or gong-with-the-wind fans may indeed revel in Allen's brooding threnodies. And admittedly, there are sporadic glimmers of instrumental intelligence in Allen's musings. For example, Erik Pearson's flute playing on "False Teacher" shines nicely through Allen's attempted Arabic outings. And Allen's off-the-wall often ascerbic poetry is sometimes clever, revealing his wry - if not warped - sense of humor. Check out the last 12 seconds of " Can't Buy Me Sex". Too bad there aren't more of those Monty Python cheeky bits to go around here.

Bottom line? If you're a dedicated Allen fan, this album may tickle your fancy. However, if your tastes veer toward the more polished and adventurous, you'd best look elsewhere. And very far away.

Robert Kaye