- Geoffrey (aka Geoffrey de Mers) -- vocals, guitar

- 2nd Story Band (Geoff de Mers)

- Meagan Lane and Geoff de Mers

Genre: folk

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Geoffrey

Company: Concert Arts

Catalog: CA-7056

Year: 1972

Country/State: Virginia

Grade (cover/record): VG/VG+

Comments: gatefold sleeve; split top edge

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 748

Price: $125.00

Grade (cover/record): NM / NM

Comments: sealed copy

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 749

Oh no ... I see dealers have labeled this one as 'acid folk'.   Grab your wallet and run for cover !!!  

Okay, okay that was a bit mean spirited.   Written and produced by Geoffrey [de Mers], 1972's cleverly-titled "Geoffrey" wasn't half bad.  Showcasing the man and his acoustic guitar on a collection of folky, acoustic numbers, the album actually had a couple of things going for it including;  1.) Geoffrey had a nice voice.   It wasn't the most distinctive instrument you've ever heard, but it was tuneful and well suited to folk material.  Imagine a mash-up of David Crosby, Donovan and Ritchie Havens and you'd have a  feel for what he sounded like.   2.) Geoffrey was quite an accomplished acoustic guitarist - a good thing given most of these tracks were pretty barebones in terms of instrumentation.   Less impressive - all eight songs featured a sensitive singer/songwriter vibe and the results occasionally got a bit heavy handed in an irritating self-absorbed Ritchie Havens fashion - the lead off 'Straw In the Sand' served as a good example of Geoffrey's strengths and weaknesses..   Best of the lot was probably the nine minute 'You, Me and the Ghost Man' which had some interesting melodic change-ups and some nice guitar work.  

"Geoffery" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Straw In the Sand  (Geoffrey De Mers) - 5:59   rating: *** stars

Musically 'Straw In the Sand' epitomized de Mers' sound - imagine a cross between the late Ritchie Havens and Donovan.   At least to my ears, the highlight on this one was de Mers pounding acoustic guitar.   The guy could sure play.

2.) You, Me and the Ghost Man  (Geoffrey De Mers) - 9:20   rating: *** stars

Yeah, clocking in at over nine minutes, it was way too long, but 'You, Me and the Ghost Man' also exhibited some of the album's most interesting melodic and rhythmic changes, while showcasing some of his best acoustic guitar moves.  

3.) A Tale of the Banshee  (Geoffrey De Mers - Erin McFadden) - 4:11  rating: ** stars

Not sure why, but 'A Tale of the Banshee' found de Mers deciding to take a shot at Fairport Convention-styled English folk.   I'm simply not a big fan of the genre and though well played, this one didn't do anything to change my opinion.  

(side 2)
1.) Rainbow Lady  (Geoffrey De Mers) - 4:49   rating: *** stars

Ah, the feeling of being in love ...   'rainbow lady' was one of the album's prettiest melodies.   Think my wife would probably go absolutely berserk if I referred to her as a rainbow lady ...  LOL    

2.) Hope Is Today  (Geoffrey De Mers) - 3:25  rating: ** stars

Not quite sure why - maybe it had something to do with de Mers' apparently giddiness, but this one's always reminded me of a John Denver song.   No, that's not a good thing. 

3.) Cry Me a Bowl of Cherries  (Geoffrey De Mers) - 4:40   rating: *** stars

The title's always made me smile and 'Cry Me a Bowl of Cherries' sported another tasty melody and one of his best vocals.   

4.) Yesterday's Shoes  (Geoffrey De Mers) - 2:00   rating: *** stars

Pretty, but hardly memorable acoustic ballad - nice lyrics though.  

5.) Poor Little Girl Song  (Geoffrey De Mers) - 3:07   rating: *** stars

I remember reading a short review of this album somewhere and the critic basically said he fell asleep listening to the record.   I guess I can see his point - the album does kind of fade into one of those bland zones.   The funny thing, is 'Poor Little Girl Song' was actually one of the album's more energetic performances with Geoffrey adding a bit of pounding acoustic guitar and percussion to the arrangement - I think the percussion was actually just him pounding on his guitar.  Regardless, the thumping was enough to wake up anyone dozing.  

Nothing psych or acid here, but if you like the singer/songwriter genre, this one might be up your alley.  In case you care about stuff like this, "Geoffrey" is listed in Hans Pokora's  3001 Record Collector Dream book.

Also, in 1996 the Psychedelic Archives label re-issued the album.  The reissue was limited to 290 copies and didn't include the original gatefold sleeve.

Still active in the Washington DC area, de Mers has a small web presence at:

http://www.2ndstoryband.com/