Alan Cohen shook your world in 2008 with the ultimate ode to the then president-elect (Senator) Barack Obama with his intense dance track “The Obama Groove”. In 2009, he took us on a journey back in time with one of the greatest hippie rock albums since Country Joe & The Fish, the Experience’s EP Eat The Peace. So where should a guy go when politics have faded away into the popular culture oblivion? Well, how about THE oblivion. Or how about the entire solar system for that matter?

Cohen and his band of fun loving gypsies are out to set a new high in 2010. Garnering inspiration from the genius (literally) mind of Stephen Hawkings and his famous book, A Brief History of Time, has inspired Alan and his band to develop Space & Time (to be released August 31st), a sort of musical inspiration of one of the greatest group of words ever written about the theories (or facts) of the world that lies far beyond your elaborate living rooms and subtle coffee shops.

The track “Einstein” is, like most of Space & Time‘s playlist, a quick and awesome little ditty about precisely what the title says. Old Albert has made his way into the hearts and minds of the indie rock scene. Who would have thunk that one? Obviously, Alan Cohen found it to be a brilliant idea. And based off the catchy hook and mainline of captivating information that a track like this provides, he might not be as far from brilliance as Mr. Human Robot Hawkings himself with an idea like this.

“Einstein” is available as free download in the form of a digital single along with another cut from Space & Time, entitled “The Universe Is Expanding”, at the band’s website. Above photo by Seth Kroll.

Download: “Einstein” by Alan Cohen Experience

There isn’t much you could say about a group like Alan Cohen Experience that wouldn’t be bloody obvious after a quick listen to Alan and his orchestra’s latest experiment, Eat The Peace. This is piano-laced and hippie-friendly southern driven rock and roll that also parallels Phish at their happiest moments. It’s happy-go-lucky storytelling about every free-loving individualist’s favorite subjects: peace, love, train rides, and truck drivers. The lava lamp torch should instantly be passed down to Mr. Cohen.

Any given track on Eat The peace creates a valid argument material for “the better times,” the times when Kesey and Cassady parked their bus wherever the LSD took them. When The Grateful Dead were more than a cliche’ poster in every head shop across the land. Yes, Cohen and his Experience bring forth remembrance of such a justly romanticized time most of us now will never truly know about.

It may not be entirely obvious to some what a “Rock Biter” really is. But, tracks like “Peace”, “Jester”, or “Truck Driver” are as obvious as they are delightful. The mastermind of the “Obama Groove” never ceases to create such a likable persona in video and stage presence. But, even his album can make you feel joyous on your way to work. And maybe a bit shameful for listening to it in a gas guzzling SUV. Such is the power of the free mind in a not so free world. Well played Mr Cohen. Well played.

Alan Cohen Experience: Ranger Stranger [mp3]

[CDEP, 2009]

1. Rock Biter
2. Train God
3. Ranger Stranger
4. Jester
5. Peace
6. Truck Driver

Written by Fense

Alan Cohen Experience came to me about a year ago when I was sent the group’s debut LP. Now they’ve got a new EP and a little political ditty. So, it’s fitting that this feature goes up today, November 4, the day we will vote a new man into office. Along with Cohen, I sure hope Obama is the man the country chooses. So, before I go any further, let me say this: if you’re in the states, please go vote (I can only hope you’ll vote for Obama, but even if you’re an McCain supporter — or even an Nader supporter — it’s your duty).

To be honest, Revolutions, the debut by Alan Cohen Experience, didn’t really catch my interest. But he’s got a new one — a self-titled EP — that begins with an awkwardly catchy tune called “Elephant”. Cohen sings monotonously with a robotic accent: All’s quiet on the waterfront, just me and my elephant (the second e is pronounced long, giving it somewhat of a Devo-ish-minus-the-synths feel). The rest of the EP is just as much of a delight, like “Roy’s Rock”. Cohen often injects a humorous edge into his music, which is distinctly pop.

And that’s also what you find in “The Obama Groove”. You’ll see cameos by all the notable politicians… W Bush, Clinton and his sax, Obama and his wife. Most dance along with Cohen. If anything, it’s amusing…

Oh yeah, and that self titled release is out today!

Alan Cohen Experience: Elephant [mp3]