RARE 1971 WITHDRAWN HALFNELSON SPARKS Quirky GEM +

$

50

RARE & CLEAN 1971 WITHDRAWN FIRST PRESSING                     

>>  ZANY QUIRKY MELODIOUS GEMS GALORE!  <<                                               

                                                               HALFNELSON

                         ((Sparks))

                                                              USA - Bearsville - BV 2048

Original 1972 first pressing...very limited back then as the band basically pulled the Lp, changed their name and re-recorded it under their new name "SPARKS" ...this is the then, very unknown, but thoroughly charming & wacked pre-Sparks LP, called "Halfnelson"...complete with the original large foldout lyrics sheet and all in TOP minty condition...harder to find than you may imagine...

HALFNELSON has two Mankey brothers, two Mael brothers, is produced by Todd Rundgren, and sold very few copies when released. Too way out for sure - but for you, the reader, get this. There are moments of brilliance, lots of risks , and it will blow your mind but maybe not sure in which direction. We like the record as much as the cover. Anyway, the Lp is Waay ahead of its time - hooo boy. Its in the same kind of space as Eno's Here comes The Warm Jets & Taking Tiger Mountain By Strategy, but its nothing like those. And how many other records have two Mankey brothers?

Compared to their most popular production, this first album bit less high pitched (with the exception of the bizarre "Biology 2"), a tiny bit less burlesque, less trashy colored and circus than what they would become later. Maybe more "timid" also. But it is anyway quite a pleasant and joyful album with a seducing 1971 spirit. Russell Mael already sings like a true cabaret resident. The album contains some very radical songs like "Big Bands" which only take off after 3 quiet minutes and start again after the take off in a completely different shape 45 before the end. Definitely this first album does not care about conventions and is really not boring in its structure. "Fletcher Honorama" is also one of those nice songs that make you remember the album and miss it. You may be quite happy to hear it. There is really nothing to trash from the album, no horrible or weak tracks you would feel the need to switch. Everything on here is quality stuff which is really great for a first album even if there is no true highlights and that the album lack a bit of reliefs. While there are probably more essential albums to buy from the band in their 70's discography, think twice and pick this album first. And this one is on the side of their best

'Wonder Girl' was released as a single and promptly shot to number 1 in the charts (the local charts in Montgomery County, Alabama, that is !!!).  The song was performed live on 'American Bandstand'.

'Slowboat', a gorgeous, sensuous ballad, is the most commercial sounding song on the album and should have been released as a single.  The song is similar in style to 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', a chart-topper for Simon & Garfunkel in 1970.

'Fletcher Honorama' is a rather morbid sounding song about a dying man ("Please go easy now with him, because this is his final whim.  So be sure that the boy don't die before the morn").

Other highlights include 'Fa La Fa Lee', 'High C' and 'Big Bands'. 'Simple Ballet' sounds like a tune from an old-style mechanical music box.  And the final track of the album, 'No More Mr. Nice Guys', is a classic hard-edged rock song.

Many of the sounds on this album were created simply by beating on cardboard boxes or glass bottles, and running the sound through an amplifier with reverb on.  The end product, however, sounds highly polished, professional and well ahead of its time.

Side One:

No.

CONDITION: The cover is very collectible "EX" (excellent) no split seams and will provide for a keeper with NO need for upgrade...

The vinyl is all glossy clean clean M- with no marks...playing TOP!

      A cool addition to anyone's music library!

SEE: SELLERS OTher items for similar cool sounds for "head" people...

EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING

All imperfections are noted both cover & record