Genre: psych
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: Nil Desperandum
Company: Flat Rock
Catalog: FRS 1
Year: 1971
Country/State: Houston, Texas
Grade (cover/record): VG+ / VG+
Comments: minor ring wear; couple of very minor stains; no insert
Available: 1
Catalog ID: 4
Price: $100.00
Cost: $66.00
Can't say we know
much about this early-1970s quintet (bassist Charley Bickley, lead guitarist
Steve Coleman, keyboardist John Guerry, drummer Dennis Hansen and rhythm
guitarist Michael Hickman).
Recorded in Houston, Texas (we assume that's where the band originated),
their 1971 self-produced debut "Nil
Desperadum" offered up a mildly interesting mixture of
hard rock ("Better Way"), country ("The Great Rio Grande
Border Run") and occasional psych influences. Occasionally a bit under-produced,
the nine selections (including a triology), weren't particularly original
(or even all that memorable). The fact the band lacked a memorable vocalist
didn't help. On the other hand, Coleman was a good lead guitarist,
displaying a penchant for fuzz and feedback. All told, for a vanity project
the set came off well. Bottom line; a little too country flavored for out
tastes ... (Original copies included a letter in an envelop - it's missing
from our copy. Anyone know what it said?)
"Nil Desperadum" track listing:
(side
1)
1.) Nil Desperadum
(Michael Hickman - Steve Coleman) - 4:46
2.) Man from Barnaby (Charley Bickley) - 1:45
3.) Kitty Is a Lady (Michael Hickman - Pierce) - 3:28
4.) Family Comfort (John Guerry) - 4:04
5.) The Great Rio Grande Border Run (Michael Hickman - Steve Coleman) - 2:18
6.) Better Way (Dennis Hansen) - 2:35
(side 2)
1.) Megopolis/Out
Without (Charley Bickley - John Guerry) - 3:18
2.) The Trilogy
a.) Do You Believe In Words (John Guerry - Steve Coleman) - 6:02
b.) Sing Together (John Guerry) - 3:14
c.) Relax (Enjoy Your Friends) (Michael Hickman) - 4:01
3.) Riverside (John Guerry) - 5:18
By the way, our question regarding the insert was answered. According
to Aaron: "It's a collage of lyrics from the album, in the form of a
letter. It's not all of the lyrics, just a few lines from each song."
We've never seen it, but reportedly there's also a live set - "Deerfield
Live". Supposedly recorded before a partisan Houston crowd, the
set's suppose to include four tracks not found on the original studio set.
"Deerfield Live" track listing:
unknown