Magic Lantern was the sole album release from the Chicago psychedelic group Haymarket Square. The overlong jamming tracks, including drum solos, come as a disappointment.
“This is an interesting item by a unique late 60s group. The opening number has a dirge-like feel, and several of the songs have a pagan hymn quality to them. The lead singer, Gloria Lambert has a beautiful, soaring voice, as good as any 60s female singer. The band had a seeming knack for quirky rhythms and arrangements. The highlight of the album is Amapola with great wah wah guitar work throughout and a memorable chorus.”
“It is a very bleak and disappointing affair, never really pulling it off. I would say that about half the album is good with strong melodies, but then unfortunately it goes off in the wrong direction into pointless jamming, drum solos and other stuff that quite quickly makes me switch off.”
“The music is very classy psychedelic rock with awesome instrumental work and pretty long songs. The lead vocalist does some good work too. The songs of their own material are all more or less perfect. Just listen to Amapola or Funeral for example and you'll understand.”
“One of the most hugely overlooked classics of the psychedelic 60s. Haymarket Square's Magic Lantern represents some of the best obscure psychedelia you can get. Their sound is unique, offering flaming guitar work, stunning drumming, great bass and of course the beautiful lead vocals of Gloria Lambert. Most of these songs are pretty lengthy so much of the material here is just great jamming. That is one reason why I like this album so much.”
“I like parts of this but then there are the drum solos. These solos are long and way too common. Because of them it is unlikely I will listen to this album again.”
“This is pretty raw stuff with a real garage feel about it. The intent is admirable and there's some good stuff here but it ultimately disappoints. The poor arrangements and lack of cohesion with the vocal harmonies lend a rather amateurish feel to proceedings.”
No comments:
Post a Comment