A yarn too well spun
mark wirtz | Savannah, USA | 04/12/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Contrary to public perception, this is NOT The Teenage Opera.
RPM, with my co-operation and support, merely created an illusionary "What If...?" scenario - a compilation of tracks, including the only three genuine T.O. tracks ever recorded ("EFTO," Sam" and "Weatherman,") that were produced during the general time vicinity of the "Grocer Jack" release. Aiding and abetting the illusion was Phil Smee's fictitious cover and inlay art, so brilliantly conceived and executed, movie-poster-style, that it further fueled the imaginary "sound track" deception.Those who are genuine Teenage Opera fans, take heart. 30 years after the release of "Excerpt From A Teenage Opera," I finally revised, updated and produced a genuine, COMPLETE version of the work, faithful to the original vision and spirit, entitled "The Teenage Opera - TEMPO." General release of this work is projected for the fall of 2003.Mark Wirtz"
Childlike Psychedelia Circa 1968
Jeffrey W. Richman | Boynton Beach, Florida United States | 10/30/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this for the song "Grocer Jack" and I expected that to be my favorite track, but I was wrong. There's an amazing song called "(He's Our Dear Old) Weatherman"! That one is worth the price of the CD. Another highlight is a pop version of the Tomorrow song "Hallucinations". (It's called "Mr. Rainbow".)And there are remixes of a few other songs of theirs, plus a different band doing "Shy Boy".The disc contains some tasteful easy-listening instrumental music. The opening number stands out. Some tunes sound like they were designed for little children to listen to. That one track, "(He's Our Dear Old ) Weatherman", makes up for any weak tunes on this record."
I like it!
George Griggs | New York | 04/25/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"When I played this CD I was pleasantly surprised.
I actually liked it; making allowences that it sounds like 1967 --some pop psychadelia (with some unfortunate lyrics of that genre).
However the songs are pretty catchy and I like the vocals by Keith West.
I also enjoyed the instrumentals: most have very unique, creative gooves and melodies.
This is really not "THE" Teenage Opera --only some songs are from that original concept. I thought the music had a taste of Small Faces, some Ray Davies, Burt Bacharach, and Brian Wilson (in fact, this recording sort of plays like a very British "Smile".)"
Track Listings (23) - Disc #1