This project turned out to be a real beauty. Headstone Circus was formed in 1966 by Glenn Faria (who
also released some solo music on World In Sound). This beautiful album was recorded between 1968-1970, and on the first spin it is reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – four-way street electric sides. Well-composed, well-performed, and in line with some of the better Neil Young albums, with an extra weird touch. "Around 1966, Nick Bonis, Mike Johnstone, Randy Pope, and I formed a psychedelic band.
Around 1966, Nick Bonis, Mike Johnstone, Randy Pope, and I (Glenn Farla) formed a psychedelic band. On a Halloween night we went to an old cemetery, dropped acid, and spent a very strange night
amongst the tombstones. The tombstones appeared to be melting and taking on animal shapes. Some of us saw spirits, and I'm not sure what I saw, but it was disturbing. Afterwards we referred to that night as the "HEADSTONE CIRCUS". It seemed appropriate to call ourselves HEADSTONE CIRCUS as a band so we did!!
˝The band called Washington, D.C. home and the line-up featured Nick Bonis on bass, Faria on vocals and lead guitar, Mike Johnstone on rhythm guitar, and Randy Pope on drums. With Faria writing their
material, the band apparently recorded material over a two year period, but never scored a contract, or attracted much local attention. That's unfortunate since based on these twelve tracks, they were an immensely talented outfit who managed to soak up then-prevalent sounds (Allman Brothers, Buffalo Springfield, CSN&Y, Neil Young, etc.), without losing their own identity.
Faria had a wonderful voice that was flexible enough to cover the entire musical spectrum from blues ('Born In Georgia') to commercial pop ('Reach Out') and the rest of the band were never less than
impressive with guitarist Johnstone showing major talent whenever he stepped into the spotlight. The abundance of CSN&Y influences (check out 'Bear Down') meant this wasn't the most original album you've ever heard, but it was fun from start to finish and way better than a slew of better know million sellers. You had to wonder why it took decades for this one to see the light of day. Wonder if he band members ever saw any royalties off of this one...˝
LINE - UP
Nick Bonis: Bass
Mike Johnstone: Rhythm guitar
Randy Pope: Drums
Glenn Farla: Vocals and lead guitar
Headstone Circus – Headstone Circus
Label: Shadoks Music – SHADOKS 061
Format: CD, Album, Remastered Jun 5, 2007
Country: Germany
Released: 1968 - 1970
Genre: Rock
Style: Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock, Folk Rock
TRACKS
02. You Don't Know 6:51
03. Summers Gone 4:43
04. I'm Crazy 5:57
05. Healer 4:09
06. Arms Of God 3:31
07. Born In Georgia 3:55
08. Reason To Live 3:15
09. Reach Out 2:45
10. I Hear The Thunder 3:43
11. I Love The Wind 4:11
12. Bear Down 5:17
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