Although this is actually the
Kak album with a bunch of bonus tracks, it merits a separate entry both because this version boasts a different title (
Kak-Ola), and because the bonus tracks make this disc twice as lengthy as the original LP. Those curious about the original
Kak because of its high reputation among some collectors might be disappointed by its average, often derivative (particularly of
Moby Grape) San Francisco psychedelic rock. Some of the more folk-rock-oriented numbers are pleasant, however, especially
"I've Got Time," "Flowing By," and
"Lemonade Kid." The ten bonus tracks do much to round out the picture of the little-recorded band. These include the 45 version of
"Rain" (which is different than the one that appears as part of the
"Trieulogy" medley on the LP); 1968 acoustic versions of four songs from the album that may actually be more attractive to some ears due to their folkier bent, along with one acoustic rendition of a song (
"Bye Bye"/
"Easy Jack") that was not included on the album;
Gary Yoder's solo single
"Flight from the East" and
"Good Time Music"; and three
Yoder demos from late 1967 with
Blue Cheer's
Paul Whaley on drums and
Bruce Stephens on guitar. The
Yoder solo material is pretty routine heavy late-'60s San Francisco rock, and not up to the level of the
Kak stuff. ~ Richie Unterberger