Much has been said and written about Peter Brötzmann's Machine Gun, an album as violently intense as the title implies. But as seminal and acclaimed as that album is, Nipples, recorded around the same time with many of the same people, seems to be forgotten. Until now, that is. Atavistic's Unheard Music Series presents Nipples as part of its mission to help fans of improvised music have access to past gems. Here's one of those gems. Brötzmann is joined by saxophonist Evan Parker, percussionist Han Bennink, guitarist Derek Bailey, pianist Fred Van Hove, and bassist Buschi Niebergall. ECM Records founder Manfred Eicher handled the production duties. The full sextet hard-charges through the title track, with members matching the paint-peeling intensity of Brötzmann for nearly 18 minutes. Less dense, "Tell a Green Man" leaves more room for Bennink to come to the forefront in a leaner quartet rounded out by Brötzmann, Van Hove, Niebergall, and Bennink. Recorded in 1969, Nipples is a vibrant, early testament of this cast's lasting talent and creativity. --Tad Hendrickson