Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Now that the unexpected but hugely welcome return of vinyl is underway, all manner of music old and new is beginning to appear in the beloved format. America's Old Bear Records have grabbed this opportunity to reissue, in a beautiful-looking release, one of the most sought after albums in the whole history of Jesus Music. The history of the All Saved Freak Band has been told more than once on the Cross Rhythms website - a Christian commune in Ohio, caught up in the Jesus Movement revival, recording and releasing low-budget independent albums in '73 and '76. They had in Glenn Schwartz a truly brilliant guitarist who, having played with The James Gang and Pacific Gas & Electric, could have continued on to rock and roll superstardom but chose instead to join a commune. In fact, the title of this album evolved from a bizarre incident when Glenn Schwartz was kidnapped by cult de-programmer Ted Patrick after his family had deemed Schwartz "brainwashed". Understandably, Patrick's de-programming efforts were a failure. Schwartz returned to the fold declaring, "The only difference between our detractors and ourselves is that we've chosen who washes our brains." 50 years on, an original vinyl copy of 'Brainwashed' would have cost you, if you could find one, $700+, but now Old Bear are offering collectors and devotees this handsome reissue. Heavy organ harmonica and, of course, Glenn's searing guitar fireworks all come together on the storming hand-clapping opener, "Peace, Love And Rock 'N Roll", which is followed by a swamp rock groove, "Ode To Glenn Schwartz". Side two of the vinyl features "Messed Up", with Glenn rattling off his testimony at an absurd pace while playing some sweet acoustic blues licks. Kim Massmann handles the lead vocals for the final three tracks, ranging from a powerhouse piece of electric blues on "Smilin' Dog" to a baroque folk ballad "Our Answer" (the 54th psalm in King James English). Very much of its age, but magnificent music now respectfully repackaged for collectors and Christian music connoisseurs. The album can be purchased from Old Bear Records (http://Oldbearrecords.com).

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.