HAYMARKET SQUARE Magic Lantern (Rare 1968)

 

Here we have a copy of the incredibly scarce LP by US Psych Band Haymarket Square called Magic Lantern, released Privately through Chaparral (CRM 201) a pressing label used by Laddies Recording Studios (named after proprietor and engineer Laddie Oleson). An estimated 100 copies were released it was mainly composed for a museums sound and light show. Therefore features long instrumental passages of Fuzzy Psych (and lots of drums). A copy sold in 2015 for £3169. Why not subscribe as I post rarities regularly Side 1 Elevator 0:00 Train Kept A-Rollin' 7:04 Ahimsa 14:25 Side 2 Amapola 22:38 Funeral 33:22 In 1967, drummer John Kowalski and guitarist Bob Homa were in a Chicago-area garage band called the Real Things. When the Real Things broke up, they decided to form a new band, and placed ads in several newspapers, seeking additional musicians. On the strength of their auditions, Marc Swenson became the lead guitarist, and Gloria Lambert the lead vocalist. Homa switched from guitar to bass. The new band named themselves Haymarket Square, a reference to the 1886 Haymarket Square Riot. They soon became popular and played at various venues in the Chicago area. They performed on the same bill as more well-known groups, including the Yardbirds and Cream. In 1968, they played as part of the Barnum and Bailey Light Circus, a sound and light show that was produced by two college professors, and which was performed at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art.. Later that year, the band's only album, Magic Lantern, was released by Chaparral Records. After the recording of Magic Lantern, Homa left the band, and was replaced by bassist Ken Pitlik. Robert Miller joined the band and played rhythm guitar. This reconfigured lineup stayed together until Haymarket Square disbanded in 1974.