SPACE HYMNS

Well this is the fourth written 2 star review from the collaborators for this album, so I'm not alone. There's a 1 star review as well. This is such a strange story, but it begins with Barrington Frost having a vision of meeting Pharoah Rameses who tells Frost that he is his new incarnation on earth, and to tell the world about the truth of the universe. That was the unfortunate Pharoah to be in charge when an 80 year old Moses came and said "Let my people go". The rest is history. So Barrington renames his wife to that of an Egyptian goddess, and they decide to send the message through music. They released two singles under the name RAMASES & SELKET, one in 1968 and one in 1970 and both failed miserably. They decided to make an album and had the good fortune of going to a studio where four young musicians were willing to be their backing band. Those four happen to be the original lineup of 10CC, plus Frost wanted sitar on the record, so they added a sitar player. So a seven piece and this was released in 1971. 10CC would release their self- titled debut in 1973.

I like the idea of combining religion with science fiction as the album cover and title of this album strongly suggest. Roger Dean did the cover art, and it opens to a mini poster, and it is incredible. Like a spaceship busting out of a church. And I love that title "Space Hymns". The opener "Life Child" is by far the best track although I also like the folky "Jesus Come Back" for how hopeful it is. So that's the positives right there folks. Yes this album is unique and different, but that doesn't mean it's good.

The worst part for me by far are the male and female vocals. I can hardly tolerate them. Or the repetitive mantra-like vocal style that is often in play. This is a tough one for me. I get that a couple of our reviewers who gave this 4 stars are big Folk fans, and you all know I'm not. So there's that. The lyrics are also an issue for the most part. I'm just not a fan of this one. And it's so sad that Barrington took his life five years after the release of this record. He was in his early forties.

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