About this item

‘Back From The Brink’ is the only legitimately licensed collection of the godfather of Iranian psychedelic rock, Kourosh Yaghmaei, whose recordings were thought lost after Islamic fundamentalists took control of Iran. They weren’t: Kourosh had protected them, and their collection here - spread over three LPs, double CD or a limited quadruple 7" box set - bolstered by Kourosh’s first person recollections of Iran’s 70s rock scene and its death after the Khomeni Revolution, tells the story of an immensely talented artist’s desire to persevere in the face of terrible adversity. Kourosh and his brothers Kamran and Kambiz were amongst the few inspired Iranian musicians determined to change Tehran’s musical landscape in the late 60s and early 70s.

The trio, armed with rented, second-hand instruments and records by The Ventures, The Kinks, and The Doors, merged Western garage rock, psychedelia and Iranian folkloric music to create a sound unlike anything that came before them. Later, inspired by the unlikely duo of Elton John and James Taylor, Kourosh’s music took a sophisticated turn, and he churned out funky, progressive rock that is as imminently enjoyable as it is impossible to categorize. But while most Pre-Revolution musicians - including his brothers - fled Iran in 1979, Kourosh stayed, loyal to the country of his birth. He has suffered a performance and recording ban for 22 of the last 32 years. Yet he remains stoic and resolved to continue bolstering Iranian musical tradition.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Gole Yakh
A2. Dar Enteha
A3. Hajme Khali
A4. Paiz
B1. Leila
B2. Del Dareh Pir Misheh
B3. Akhm Nakon
B4. Shirin Joon
C1. Ghazal 
C2. Tavalode Yek Seda
C3. Mosafere Shar Baran
D1. Saghe
D2. Entezar
D3. Niyayesh 
E1. Saraabe Toe
E2. Reyhan
E3. Baroona
F1. Khaar
F2. Havar Havar
F3. Ashiooneh
F4. Bachehaye Khoobe Koocheh