Mar 16, 2009

STONE CIRCUS - STONE CIRCUS (MAINSTREAM 1969) Jap mastering cardboard sleeve



An obscure bit of psychedelic pop issued briefly on the Mainstream label at the end of the 60s -- one that's got a tighter groove and hipper sound than most of its contemporaries! The Stone Circus may have only left this one album behind in their career -- but it's a plenty great one, and shows the group to be extremely focused and polished, with a sound that's often highly rhythmic, and even a bit funky at times! Before the release of the album, the combo were actually known as The Funky Farm -- which might have something to do with the sound -- and the music here is a tight blend of basslines, snapping drums, organ, and guitar -- with bits of vibes thrown into the mix at a few especially great points in the set. Tracks are mostly originals -- done with a bit of fuzz at times -- with clever lyrics and titles that include "People I Once Knew", "Camino Real", "Inside-Out Man", "Sara Wells", "Carnival Of Love", "Blue Funk", and "What Went Wrong"...[net]
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If you've been searching for an album full of dreamy, pseudo-psych pop-rock, then 1969's "The Stone Circus" may be the answer to your search. Largely written by keyboardist Caine (someone by the name of Murphy contributed two selections and co-wrote two of the songs with Caine), the album's quite enjoyable. Musically tracks such as 'What Went Wrong' and 'Sara Wells' were full of pretty melodies, nice harmonies and interesting studio effects. In terms of performances, Paige had a nice voice that was well suited to the band's blend of commercial moves and more psych/experimental efforts. Elsewhere, guitarist Haines offered up plenty of feedback drenched guitar on tracks such as 'Mr. Grey' and 'Blue Funk'...[net]
Here

9 comments:

GaragePunk66 said...

Thanks for this one, what a great album! Also thanks for the Art Of Lovin'

The Bomber said...

ok...this is really really good stuff...
again...good choice Georgie, all highligts here

..."All meat, no fat"...

Anonymous said...

Hey Georgie, once again thanks! I have all the Mainstrea re-issue LP's but it is nice to not have to transfer them!

Best!
George

Anonymous said...

thankx for this beautiful. cheers.

Georgie Hirezola said...

I'm waiting for the next "Mainstream" Jap reissues.....
you know..."Bohemian Vendetta", "Tiffany Shade"... e.t.c....Wooooooow!!!!!
thanks guys++++++++++

Subcomandante Marcos said...

This definetly sounds better than the Fallout release a few years ago, Cheers!

Georgie Hirezola said...

"Fall Out" reissues are usually vinyl rips.....
a good comparison is the "Carnival of Love", the last track of the original vinyl's 1st side...which suffers too much in the "Fall Out" reissue...
These Jap "Mainstream" reissues are perhaps the first ever official cd reissues from the master tapes..
thanks guys+++++

Anonymous said...

thanks Georgie.

Anonymous said...

Links dead...