Paul Roland: Danse Macabre 1987

Paul Roland (born 1959 in Kent, England), ‘England’s psych-pop guru’, must surely qualify as unique amongst cult independent recording artists. Not only is his quintessentially English music alive with 19th century literary references and characters that would not be out of place in the pages of writers as Edgar Allan Poe, Peake, Charles Dickens, H.G. Wells or H.P. Lovecraft, but he is also a serious literary figure in his own right. His preoccupation with the supernatural takes an often whimsical slant in his lyrics. ( Wiki )

IN THE OPIUM DEN

Three stone steps lead down into heaven,

Three stone steps to the Opium Den,

Ecstasy waits coiled like a snake,

Draw from the hookah and the serpent will awake.

In the palm of a young peer prostrate upon cushions

A phial of liquid-fluorescent solution,

Ecstasy waits coiled like a snake,

Draw from the hookah and the serpent will awake.

Caressing a carved pipe with long bony fingers,

Delerium blossoms in cool vivid colours,

Ecstasy waits coiled like a snake,

Draw from the hookah and the serpent will awake.

Tracks

1. Buccaneers
2. Gabrielle
3. In the Opium den
4. Madam Guillotine
5. Matilda Mother ( Composed by Syd Barrett )
6. Requiem
7. Still falls the snow
8. The great Edwardian Air - Raid
9. The hanging Judge
10. Twilight of the Gods
11. Witchfinder


Bonus track
Witchfinder ( Original Version )

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