Though Zim Zam Zim was originally released back in 2014, it's making its way across our review desk now thanks to the first US tour for The Crazy World of Arthur Brown since 1969...that's a long damn time, and surely reason to celebrate. Zim Zam Zim didn't necessarily arrive with a lot of fanfare back in 2014, but it sure shows the eccentric vocalist still in fine form (he's now 74 years old) singing in a variety of styles. Don't expect anything as exciting as the psychedelic rock classic "Fire" off his 1968 debut album, or as full blown proggy as his band Kingdom Come (no, not the '80s hard rock act), or even a venture into space rock like he explored with Hawkwind during his brief associations with that legendary band. No, Zim Zam Zim is more like some bizarro blues/pop/jazz trip, chock full of catchy arrangements over which Brown croons over. His vocals will be an acquired taste for some, mostly dipping into a bluesy drawl as opposed to the histrionic hight pitched wailing of the '60s. The strongest tracks here are the upbeat title cut (which is a great tune, complete with a neat hook), the somewhat ZZ Top-ish "Junkyard King", the proggy "Touched By All", and the brooding, spoken word & percussion heavy menace of "The Formless Depths".
Essential listening Zim Zam Zim certainly is not, but there's still enough here to recommend to anyone who followed the music of Arthur Brown close to 50 years ago. In addition, in case you have tickets to go see him on this brief US tour, might as well get acquainted with some newer material as he's sure to play plenty of it.
Track Listing
1. Zim Zam Zim 02:16
2. Want To Love 04:56
3. Jungle Fever 05:05
4. The Unknown 05:01
5. Assun 03:44
6. Muscle Of Love 05:23
7. Junkyard King 06:05
8. Light Your Light 05:30
9. Touched By All 06:20
10. The Formless Depths 06:26
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