Signed by Roulette, the band debuted with the 1967 single "Face In My MInd" b/w "Isn't It Strange (Roulette catalog number 4758). While the single vanished without a trace, it attracted the attention of Musicor Records, which promptly signed them to a contract. Produced by Bob Schwartz, 1968's 'A Circus Of The Mind' is best described as an interesting mess. Musically the quintet was clearly trying to find a path between being cool and happenin' and top-40 commerciality. Interestingly, while they seldom managed to find that happy median (recalling The Mamas and the Papas with a fuzz guitar up there rectum, 'Sunday Kind Of Feelin'' was one of the few exceptions), the set has a goofy quality that makes it kind of engaging and worth a couple of spins. Randall had a decent voice and kicked in snippets of tasty fuzz guitar ('New York Mining Disaster 1941'). In contrast, given vocalist Andrea sounded like Minnie Mouse (check out her performance on the helium propelled "Sky Diver" and 'Positively Negative'), one had to assume her inclusion had something to do with physical attributes rather than musical talents.(clear spot-nl)
This is the kind of record where it seems that everything goes...or even not? I can't imagine what kind of concept was behind this. However
take it or leave it
Frank Flac & mp3@320
OH MY GODD!!!
ReplyDeleteI knew Paul Karp who was the drummer in this band, he's been bugging me to find him a copy of this album for years. He was last working for AEC in Coral Springs Florida. He'll now be a happy camper.