The saga of
the Stalk-Forrest Group
is as rich a fable as could have ever been imagined in the tentative
rock & roll
world of the late '60s. For the first time, the band has been properly documented on
St. Cecilia: The Elektra Recordings
. This single disc gathers all known tracks from the
Elektra Records
vaults featuring the band known alternately as both
Oaxaca
as well as
. They would eventually become
Blue Oeyster Cult
less than 18 months after these recordings were completed.
contains two different, albeit completed versions of essentially the same album -- neither of which have been previously issued. Blending humorous, yet deceptively puerile, lyrics with exceptionally seasoned and intricate melodies and musical arrangements, there is more than a passing resemblance to some other late-'60s bands. The syncopated rhythms and airy harmonies found on title track
"St. Cecilia"
and on
"Arthur Comics"
bear striking resemblances to
"Love Me Again"
or
"Small Present"
by
the Strawberry Alarm Clock
. Likewise, the lead guitar riffs and churning beats found on
"A Fact About Sneakers"
and
"Gil Blanco County"
could easily be mistaken for unissued
Love
recordings -- with the latter track even replicating
Arthur Lee
's unique vocal delivery. Alternately, some of the heavier pieces, such as
"Bonomo's Turkish Taffy"
"I'm on the Lamb"
project toward the band's future as
. The fascinating albeit complex story of the band that began life prior to these recordings as
Soft White Underbelly
and would eventually become
is told via images and text in the 20-page liner notes booklet. As with all original
Rhino Handmade
titles,
is a limited edition via
. ~ Lindsay Planer