Belgian rare groove and soul jazz classic! Before moving on to synth pop with the Eurovision spoof group Telex, musician and journalist Marc Moulin lead the pioneering jazz rock group, Placebo. Their 1971 debut, Ball Of Eyes, is a deep diggers holy grail of holy grails. The album features some compelling renditions of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues," and Sam & Dave's "You Got Me Hummin," but the real meat is in the original material. "Aria" leads off with a heavy bass line before opening up with some horn section harmonies and guitar improv. Both "Showbiz Suite" and "Ball Of Eyes" ride on subtle grooves as the musicians are allowed to let loose. You'll almost immediately recognize the insanely good "Humpty Dumpty" as the source for Dilla's "Love Jones." What's most intriguing about the album is how Moulin is able to guide the band through all of the different sections of each song. The band holds tight to the groove throughout the record, but they never stick on anything for too long. They incorporate elements of 60s pop and electrified jazz to come up with some truly original and completely enjoyable music. Recommended.

• Music On Vinyl 180 gram pressing
• music label: CBS 1971 / Music On Vinyl 2014

reviewed by Sensational Stu 07/2015