The Crystal Mansion — The Crystal Mansion 1972 (USA, Psychedelic-Folk-Funk Rock)

The Crystal Mansion — The Crystal Mansion 1972 (USA, Psychedelic-Folk-Funk Rock)

Formed in the early-1960s' The Secrets were a Mount Laurel, New Jersey, based R'n'B cover band. By 1968 the line up consisted of singer Johnny Caswell, guitarist Ronnie Gentile, drummer Ricky Morley and keyboardist Sal Rota. Having adopted the name 'The Crystal Mansion', the band was signed by Capitol where they enjoyed a modest national hit with the single 'The Though tof Loving You' b/w 'Hallelujah' (Capitol catalog number 2275 ). The single's success led Capitol to finance an LP, 1969's "The Crystal Mansion".

Dropped by Capitol, in 1972 the band reappeared on Motown's rock-oriented Rare Earth label. Co-produced by the band, the cleverly titled "The Crystal Mansion" found the band largely abandoning their early pop sound in favor of a into a myriad of styles, including country, psych and even progressive moves.

Even though it takes awhile to get organized, material such as 'There Always Will Be More', the funky 'Somebody Oughta' Turn Your Head Around' (imagine Rare Earth having spent a weekend in Miami) and the blazing 'Let Me Get Straight Again' (one of two group-penned originals) is actually pretty good.
Bad Cat



In 1970, the single "Carolina In My Mind" was released, reaching number 44 on the national chart. In 1971, percussionist Mario Sanchez joined the band, and finally, in 1972, the album "The Crystal Mansion" was released on the Rare Earth label. This time, the band abandoned their early pop sound and showcased a fusion of different styles, including country, funk, folk, and prog.

Tracks:

01. There Always Will Be More - 0:00

02. Bad City Ways - 6:00

03. I Love You - 10:19

04. Satisfied - 13:25

05. A Song Is Born - 17:05

06. Somebody Oughta Turn Your Head Around - 20:44

07. Boogieman - 24:11

08. Let Me Get Straight Again - 29:28

09. Peace For A Change - 35:27

10. Earth People - 40:38


Personnel:

Johnny Caswell - vocals, piano
Ronnie Gentile - guitar
Bill Crawford - bass
Sal Rota - organ, piano, vocals
Mario Sanchez - congas, vocals
Rickey Morley - percussion


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