![]() Poe through the Glass Prism |
Quoth the Raven, "Oh my God!"
Here's another one of those "concept albums" that people used to do back in the 70's before musicians realized that it was a bad bet to expect people to have any interest in actual artistry. This one has the bold idea of recording a series of rock tunes set to the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe. All in all, it's not a bad idea, and one that must have been largely lost on the dope-smoking rock-n-roll record buyers of the era. The music on this album is really pretty cool. Check out "The Raven", which I understand hit the charts for at least a little while in 1974. Its wailing Hammond organ sounds and monotone vocal delivery are pretty catchy. I also enjoy the way the band combines early-Beatles haircuts with late-Beatles costuming. Who can possibly resist a band with a velvet jacket and a giant black bird? Not me! |
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The Raven (MP3) | Once upon a midnight dreary... |
See Also:
The National Gallery
G Holden
says: I first saw Carl and Tom with George and Steve at West Side Park in Berwick. We followed them everywere. They used to play at high schools, parties, clubs, colleges, teen centers, you name it. They were the top band around. Their name was the El Caminoes and it stayed that way even after George and Steve. I came to see the new guys in a place called Tippers. They were better than ever. Then the album came out with their new name and we were all impressed. Seeing this sight brings back some great memories. They were always nice guys to talk to. You never got ego trips like with other bands. You would hear about them playing here and there. It seems like every week they were somewhere else. I would call Tom and find out where they would be. Some times if I got there at the right time I could get in for free while carring a case or something. Now that was cool. Thanks for the great memories guys. (06-16-2004)
Billy Chen
says:
S Omar
says:
Mitch from Syracuse
says: Some of the guys I worked with are still working with him. That's great.
(06-16-2004)
Jackie Saunders
says:
Brad Mead
says:
Dell Hunt
says:
J Marquez
(Jmarquez@tmail.com)
says:
Richard Cranium
says: Thanks, Professor Harper....thought I was back in Bullshit 101 there for a minute. Please tell me the relevance of pointing out that Yes were around from '69 to '83, but Glass Prism for just one year. I would think that someone with your "apparent" intellect would realize that Prism SOUNDED like Yes and other prog rockers, but I guess THAT particular point went over your head. And oh gee, no overdubbing. Right back to the old days of 4-track recording hmmm? Perhaps that little Edison cylinder would be the ticket for Prism. Hey, cylinder or 4-track or even 32-track....shit is shit....and I don't need no degree from Berkley or 2500 studio hours to realize that. But, uh, thanks for the soliloquy.....
Tim Harper
says: First, I'm not a fan of the Glass Prism. I never heard of them before I came to this site. Here are some facts for Richard: 2. Again, according to Billboard, Pink Floyd hit the charts in 1973 with Money and 1980 with Another Brick in The Wall. The Glass Prism were ahead of these groups. It's probably not fair to compare them due to the many improvements in recording techniuques etc. 3. I've listened to the Raven and a couple of things stand out. One, there is no overdubbing. Sounds like piano, organ, bass, drums and one voice. The song is decent and the arrangement is very good. Two, the idea of using Poe's words is original for it's time though others tried it latter. Apparantely, the Glass Prism was the first. 4. It seems that there are alot of fans that do appreciate what this group did. I see no reason to put them down. My guess is that the live group was very good. I think you have to put this in context with it's time, as well as consider how it stands up. By the way I'm a music student at Berkley School of Music in Boston. I have been teaching and performing for years. I have perfect pitch and I have written scores for 2 movies. I'm also a session musician and have logged over 2500 hours in the studio. I know much about rock history and I wonder how this song got away. It's just great.
(06-15-2004)
Richard Cranium
says: Most of you people need some lessons in music appreciation.....I am utterly fascinated by the support from all you tone-deaf arseholes out there for these YES-wannabees. Play in Philly....STAY in Philly. Oh, and the prism thing? done FIRST and BETTER by Pink Floyd! Look it up.....on second thought, don't...you bunch of deaf bastards wouldn't be able to appeciate it anyhow.
(06-13-2004)
Tanya
says:
Shelton L
says:
bill dewar
says:
chris
(cc_union@excite.com)
says:
Phylis Rhodes
says:
The Bishop
says:
Reese Langston
says:
Sugar
says:
Kimberly Washburn
says:
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