Haymarket Square - Magic Lantern

Year of Release: 2001
Label: Gear Fab/Comet
Catalog Number: GFC417
Format: LP
Total Time: 46:14:00

Haymarket Square originally released Magic Lantern in 1968. The group was from the Chicago area and they played typical music of the time frame comparable to Jefferson Airplane. This album was a rarity and found mostly in bootleg versions. The original LP in mint condition commands a price of $2000 in the collectors market.

I noticed similarities in Gloria Lambert's voice to Deborah Harry and Grace Slick. She had a great rock voice and you can actually understand what she is singing about. Marc Swenson is mentioned as a Dave Davies imitator in the liner notes. He gets to move to the front of stage on several occasions during the course of this recording. On the nine minute "Funeral," both Swenson and drummer John Kowlaski cut it loose on a live in concert style track with long solos. And the other half of the rhythm section, Robert Homa, played a standup bass at all times to hold up the bottom end.

The sound quality is first-rate. Gear Fab always does a nice job with the remastering and original cover art. The LP is housed in a gatefold sleeve, which is complete with psychedelic swirls behind the liner notes, making it all very sixties, as it should be. This recording has a nice consistency about it and serves as yet another testament to the importance of the culture and music of the 60's.

Tracklisting:
Side One: Elevator (7:06) / The Train-Kept-A-Rollin' (7:20) / Ahimsa (8:14)

Side Two: Amapola (10:43) / Phantasmagoria (4:08) / Funeral (9:23)

Musicians:
Gloria Lambert - vocals
Marc Swenson - guitar, vocal
Robert Homa - bass, vocal
John Kowalski ? percussion

Discography:
Magic Lantern (1968/2001)

Genre: Rock

Origin US

Added: April 21st 2002
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website:
Hits: 2180
Language: english