The Nightmare Of J. B. Stanislas – NICK GARRIE***

The Nightmare Of J B Stanislas/Can I Stay With You/Bungle’s Tours/David’s Prayer/Ink Pot Eyes/The Wanderer/ Stephanie City/Little Bird/Deeper Tones Of Blue/Queen Of Dreams/Wheel Of Fortune/Evening

The Nightmare Of J. B. Stanislas was the debut album from the little known British singer songwriter Nick Garrie. Described as baroque pop, the album features lush orchestrations.

“It's usually referred to as 'psych pop' although I think it veers towards easy listening at times. Imagine folk songs dressed up in a string laden 60s easy listening gloss. These songs would fit perfectly on the play list of some bizarre world oldies station.”

“The music is very cool, with good songwriting. It's chamber-psych/sophisticated late-60s pop with lots of strings, some orchestral horns, and interesting arrangements with echoed harpsichord.”

“Great album, very obscure. But Bungle’s Tours and Queen Of Dreams, just sound out of place on this great orchestral effort. The opener is an overwhelming piece of music that puts you right in the mood.”

“A couple of the tracks here are of that purely late 60s British pop whimsy that so many similar-in-genre LPs went for. If one removes Bungle's Tours and Queen Of Dreams one has quite a good album.”

“Despite the gothic gloom of the title, this is one of those bright, occasionally eccentric, sunshine pop albums with a few dark corners and a sprinkling of psychedelia. Though obscure, it's hardly low budget, what with sumptuous orchestral arrangements, the acoustic, the electric, harpsichords and pianos, all frequently coming and going. Garrie's tenor suits the music though his voice sounds limited at times.”

“The title track is a five-minute tour de force, as much for its far out orchestration as for the song itself. Most of the first half is melodic, easy pop. As it progresses however the material seems to grow stronger. Deeper Tones Of Blue is particularly haunting and mysterious, a far cry from the music hall feel of Bungle’s Tours.”

“Garrie's songs are both poetic and melodic. These are brilliantly structured songs, backed by strong production and a dizzying tapestry of instruments.”