Here's an old review I dug out from 22+ years ago. In hearing this album again recently for the first time since then (see what I mean about having too much stuff?), there's little to alter here (note that the cost has gone significantly up though). Definitely one-of-a-kind and worth seeking out.
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In the late 1980's a collector friend of mine was mining through a huge pile of records in an obscure New Orleans, Louisiana record store when he came across what was obviously a private press. He bought it on a whim and after one listen realized he was sitting on a BIG piece. Fortunately for me, I was able to hear this before most and I was impressed immediately. Not soon after, the going rate was around $400 and the progression to bootleg LP was inevitable. And now, finally, is the legitimate CD issue of this Baton Rouge album for all to hear. I mention this, because the liner notes penned by leader Robert Everett mention this episode in detail. And because of that find, we have this CD. So, what about the music? It's an even balance of progressive, psychedelic and folk. The lineup is a fairly basic trio with two guitarists, a drummer, and a female guest vocalist. Robert adds some bass, piano, and organ on some of the tracks. What makes this stand out from the pack is the loud fuzz tone guitar prominent throughout which explains why it is popular with psych heads. Prog fans have plenty to get excited about too. A concept album, Robert, who is a history buff, based the album loosely on the French Revolution. With this concept comes many changes in theme, tempo, and mood. For folk fans, there is the fine acoustic guitar work, top level compositions, and excellent delivery of vocals. Not really comparable to any album or band, this deserves a listen by all who want to hear something different within the realms of prog, psych, and folk.
Ownership: CD: 1996 Mellow (Italy). Excellent reissue containing a history of the band and full lyrics.
In the late 1980's a collector friend of mine was mining through a huge pile of records in an obscure New Orleans, Louisiana record store when he came across what was obviously a private press. He bought it on a whim and after one listen realized he was sitting on a BIG piece. Fortunately for me, I was able to hear this before most and I was impressed immediately. Not soon after, the going rate was around $400 and the progression to bootleg LP was inevitable. And now, finally, is the legitimate CD issue of this Baton Rouge album for all to hear. I mention this, because the liner notes penned by leader Robert Everett mention this episode in detail. And because of that find, we have this CD. So, what about the music? It's an even balance of progressive, psychedelic and folk. The lineup is a fairly basic trio with two guitarists, a drummer, and a female guest vocalist. Robert adds some bass, piano, and organ on some of the tracks. What makes this stand out from the pack is the loud fuzz tone guitar prominent throughout which explains why it is popular with psych heads. Prog fans have plenty to get excited about too. A concept album, Robert, who is a history buff, based the album loosely on the French Revolution. With this concept comes many changes in theme, tempo, and mood. For folk fans, there is the fine acoustic guitar work, top level compositions, and excellent delivery of vocals. Not really comparable to any album or band, this deserves a listen by all who want to hear something different within the realms of prog, psych, and folk.
1/25/98; 7/98 (Expose)
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