Search - Earth Opera :: Great American Eagle Tragedy

Decent 2nd album

Stephen F Mulcahy | United States | 12/23/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album really should be a three and a half star recording. It's not as good as their debut album, which featured some of the best lyrics of the period. There are four fine songs here: the epic title track, the eerie and beautiful "Mad Lydia's Waltz", the early country-rock number "Home to you", and "All Winter Long." "Alfie Finney " is ok too.The other songs aren't very good however. Guest musicians on this album include John Cale of Velvet Underground fame. This album made the charts, which is kind of surprising when you consider that their eponymous debut album is a much greater recording, and yet that album somehow failed to reach the top 200. Perhaps the Boston area band suffered from the backlash against "The Bosstown Sound." Peter Rowan's vocals and songwriting skills aren't nearly as strong on this followup album, although the playing on it is still of a high standard. More kinds of instruments are used on this album, especially saxophones. Overall, a decent enough record, but get the eponymous album first"

Taste of History

John M. Benante | 05/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I actually had the LP, back during the turbulent late'60s - early '70s. And here we are, more than 30 years later, and the sentiments expressed in the title song couldn't be more cogent in these days of a bumbling chief executive and more death, all around, in Iraq. We sure haven't learned very much in the interim. Sure, the song has an overwrought quality to it - but it's still quite effective, and beautifully sad in sections. Peter Rowan's voice isn't especially wonderful, but its strained, almost reedy quality serves this song well.Beyond the title song, we have a mixed bag. "Home to You" has aged well, I think. "Mad Lydia's Waltz" is a little known gem. Only "Roast Beef Love" and "Sanctuary From the Law" seem like throwaways, to my hearing at least.Overall, this CD is highly recommended. At only about 37 minutes in length, it's rather short. But there are several high points that will reward the listener."

EXCELLENT

William R. Nicholas | Mahwah, NJ USA | 08/04/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the second of Earth Operas two albums, released in 1968 and 1969. Their first was ornate, combigning tight songs with jazzy arrangements.



But between 1968 and 1969, rock changed. The Byrds replaced their fuzz-wrapped experiments with country. The Band became stars with roots Music From Big Pink. The Stones got shredded with Satanic Majesty's Request, but invited you to a Beggers Banquet, the stipped calling card to their peak years. Even the Beatles-who ushered in psychadlia and still undisputably ruled the henhouse-came back to base. Elvis joined in, making two masterpieces of Memphis soul.



The Great American Eagle Tragedy followed this parade. Peter Rowan, singer and mandolin player for Earth Opera, had bluegrass roots. The album's first side reflects this. "Home To You" could be straight from Nashville. "Alfie Finny" was a folk ballad. These and other tracks create a homey, rustic landscape.



But next is the title track, a long, driving peice about Vietnam carnage. Rowan sings operatically, building to a scream. "Stop The War. I can't take it anymore." Moving, almost violent, it still maintains an organic sound. The song was used in protest sets on FM progressive radio.



The album ends, returning to roots music. Rowans voice is searing, giving an ominus hue to even the lighter material. The title track is the only topical one here, and still works. The lyrics date it, but the music and the emotional impact is fresh.



Earth Opera may be buried in long-ago rock history, but both albums hold up.



Highly reccomended"