Poe through the Glass Prism

Here's another one of those "concept albums" that people used to do back in the 70's before musicians realized that it was a bad bet to expect people to have any interest in actual artistry. This one has the bold idea of recording a series of rock tunes set to the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe. All in all, it's not a bad idea, and one that must have been largely lost on the dope-smoking rock-n-roll record buyers of the era.

The music on this album is really pretty cool. Check out "The Raven", which I understand hit the charts for at least a little while in 1974. Its wailing Hammond organ sounds and monotone vocal delivery are pretty catchy. I also enjoy the way the band combines early-Beatles haircuts with late-Beatles costuming. Who can possibly resist a band with a velvet jacket and a giant black bird? Not me!

NOLA says:
I just can't believe it. I used to hear about The Glass Prism and The El Caminoes when I lived in PA many years ago. They were the tops. I guess they were the first to get a big record deal. Any way I was looking around the web and found this sight. I nearly started to cry when I heard the song that I have not heard in years. I am just so pleased to see the wonderful tribute that has been created here for them. (04-19-2005)

SCOTT says:
HOW DOES A BAND THAT RECORDED A SONG ON AN ALBUM OVER 30 YEARS AGO RETAIN SUCH A GREAT FAN FOLLOWING? IT SEEMS LIKE MANY PEOPLE REALLY LIKE THIS SONG AND THE BAND IN GENERAL. THAT IS REMARKABLE. BY THE WAY, I THINK THE RAVEN IS GREAT AND I WILL TRY TO FIND A COPY OF THE ALBUM. (04-19-2005)

Carrie Alston says:
I can't believe this song was recorded 36 years ago and still sounds so good. This must have been a great band. I wonder what happened to them. (04-19-2005)

Bob Martz says:
Just couldn't believe my eyes and ears. This brings back so many good memories. (04-18-2005)

Ralph Barden says:
What can you prove with a reunion? That you are still alive and can still play and sing.
OK, let's do it. The old and new fans alike would not, could not miss this one.

We love you Prism, oh yes we do. (04-18-2005)

Sal Q says:
I've seen 7 reunion type shows in the last year and I have to admit it, I was pleasantly surprised. Even thou some of the members have changed, a significant number of key originals are still around. I think reunions are worth a shot. It's always great to see great performers doing what they love. It's something anyone can appreciate. (04-18-2005)

LEIGH F (lf biz@aol.com) says:
I FIRST HEARD THIS SONG AND ALBUM 20 OR SO YEARS AGO WHILE RUMMAGING THROUGH MY FATHER'S ARCHIVES. WHAT CAN I SAY.THIS SONG,"THE RAVEN" IS MAGIC. IT HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME AND ALWAYS SOUNDS GREAT. IT BRINGS BACK GREAT MEMORIES FOR ME AS I WAS INTO THE PRISM CIRCA 1982 AND HAVE NEVER LOST SIGHT OF THEIR MUSIC. BY THE WAY- THE ENTIRE ALBUM,"POE.... IS EXTRAORDINARY. AS FAR AS A REUNION, SOMETIMES NOSTALGIA IS BEST WHEN IT REMAINS IN ONE'S HEART RATHER THAN TRYING TO RE-CREATE,ETC. LET'S ALLOW THE REPUTATION OF THIS FINE BAND TO BE UNBLEMISHED BY A REUNION SHOW THAT IS JUST THAT; A SHOW. WHAT WAS HAS BEEN AND WHAT HAS BEEN WAS CLASSICAL MAJIC."IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT." WITH WARMEST REGARDS AND EVEN FONDER MEMORIES, LEIGH F. (04-16-2005)

PHIL says:
MAN WHAT A GAS TO SEE THIS AND HEAR THE RAVEN AGAIN. RICK(THE BEST DRUMMER EVER)WHAT IS UP?
YOU GUYS ARE STILL FAMOUS. I LOVE IT. RICK, CARL, AUGGIE, TOM AND LOUIE (ON THE BACK END) I LOVE YOU GUYS IN ALL OF YOUR INCARNATIONS. HEY, HOW ABOUT A "REINCARNATION". COME ON GUYS, LIFE IS TOO SHORT. LET'S DO IT AGAIN FOR OLD TIME SAKE. (04-14-2005)

Gusty says:
This song is almost classical. The arrangement is everything. No strings, no horns. Just these rock guys laying down a sharp piece of music behind Poes awsome lirics/poem. How cool!!
And that lead vocal is just perfect. I love this song. (04-10-2005)

Drex L says:
I recently heard The Glass Prism on a radio show called Adventures In Plasticland with radio personality Stan Hillburn. I think he's from Canada. Anyway, it's pretty cool to still be getting airplay after all these years. These guys should be proud of they musical achievements. (04-05-2005)

Jan Puma says:
Really nice song. I never heard it before and I've never heard of the band but I like what I'm hearing. I just ordered the album. (04-01-2005)

Greg T says:
I wonder if we could hear more of the songs from the album. I really like the Raven. How about adding another one? (03-24-2005)

Braxton says:
Those of us who were around in their day know the Glass Prism were the best. Their potential for being one the top groups in the country was apparant to everyone. We appreciated every show we saw. Their live performances were historic and far superior to the recordings. You had to be there. Now all we have left is their few recordings which are great. More fans are around than you might think. I know many that bring up fond memories all the time. What a legacy. (03-22-2005)

shawn (sherpadurk@aol.com) says:
this song is amazing i came from the city they were from though i wasnt even born yet when this was released it still is awsome. is there anyway to get this song or the whole ablum on cd. i have the 45 rpm for this song with the b-side eldorado and it plays well i just want a version i can put in my car. the whole album is actually pretty cool if following the lyrics. there will never be another raven like this one. (03-21-2005)

SCOTT COLEMAN says:
YOU KNOW I SAW THESE GUYS MANY TIMES IN THE LATE 60'S EVEN BEFORE THE NAME CHANGE FROM THE EL CAMINOS TO THE GLASS PRISM. THE THING THAT STANDS OUT IS THAT THIS POE CONCEPT WAS JUST ONE OF THE MANY STYLES THEY HAD. THEIR LOOK WAS DIFFERENT MOST OF THE TIME AND THEY HAD THIS CONCEPT ALBUM THAT EVERYBODY REMEMBERS BUT THERE WAS SO MUCH MORE TO THEM. AS THEY CHANGED IN THE 70'S WITH THE TRIO CALLED SHENANDOAH AND THEN WITH THE ADDITION OF LOUIE THINGS REALLY GOT INTERESTING WITH GREAT SONG WRITTING AND GREAT ARRANGEMENTS OF OTHER GREAT SONGS. EVERYTING SEEMED TO FIT. THEY REALLY GOT VERY GOOD. THE VOCALS AND THE SONG WRITTING GOT MUCH BETTER. THE STAGE SHOW WAS MUCH MORE POWERFUL THAN ANY OF THE OTHER BANDS AROUND AND PROBABLY BETTER THAN MOST OF TODAYS ROCK GROUPS. IT'S GREAT TO SEE THEY HAVE LEFT A MARK. THEY ARE ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES. (03-20-2005)

Dave Allen (dox4engs@aol.com) says:
How do I get a copy of this album on CD? These guys were great, they should release this album on CD. I believe it would sell better now than when it was made (03-08-2005)

Jim Marco says:
I know that the songs on the album were all written by Varano or Christiano, with Poe poems, but does anyone know whose who on the photo. I would like to know all the names if possible. By the way I love this song The Raven. (03-05-2005)

Dobson says:
The resurrection of this album and the great band that recorded it is a real tribute to the quality and longevity of their work. Both of their albums are seen on the internet and many are available to purchase. My respect for their work is immeasurable. How many of todays artists will have this kind of recognition and pure love devoted to them in 35-40 years. If I could put my feelings for the Glass Prism in one word it would be "Congratulations." (03-05-2005)

hannibal (hanniballecturer@gmail.com) says:
this is a good band, seriously. Nice sound, original sort of idea, there's simply nothing like this today. (03-02-2005)

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