White Lady

Kaleidoscope's fourth album, recorded in 1971, was released for various reasons 20 years later, which was a real shame. Before this album, the group had recorded and released three fine albums (the third under the name of Fairfield Parlor), but the big commercial breakthrough was missing, despite fine reviews. The group played a melodious psych pop / rock that could be compared to contemporary groups like Tomorrow and South Barrets Pink Floyd. Despite the modest commercial success, the group's musical ambition level was still high in 1971 and it is hardly possible to discuss whether the "White Faced Lady" was its most ambitious project. It is a Concept album / rockopera, which in its presentation could remind you of The Pretty Things' SF Sorrow. The story that is told is about the girl "Angel" who grows up with his mother and brother and does not really fit into her peers. After an appointment, Angel is discovered a movie man and suddenly experiences a giant success as a star, a role she is not really interested in or real powers. It ends with the very big downturn, and the story was obviously inspired by the life of Marilyn Monroe. Musically, it is a very great and well-produced album, which is both melodic and varied. Many of the lyrics of the album are really well-written, although you may find it difficult to form a clear impression of the story just from them, "Angels' story is included and told as a little short story. The music has strong roots In the late sixties, and many songs would actually fit well into the group's 1967 debut album. Singer Peter Daltrey, who also is behind for the lyrics, has a really nice voice that fits really to psychedelic music-style. Most songs are really great and win with time. Several may easily stand alone, outside the album concept. Should some be brought forward, it might be the closing track "Epitaph"

This album was recorded in 1972-1973 if im correct but never saw release until 1990 after it was shelved for decades- amazing since its clearly one of the best albums of its era. Some will know Fairfield Parlour as Kaleidoscope- a much loved uk psyche band in the vein of sgt peppers meets syd barrett from the 60s. With a simple name change and a move into more orchestrated baroque pop- Fairfields output was flawless in its short career. White faced lady is a concept album based loosely on marilyn monroe or so its been said- and its damn near perfect. Stunning arrangements and melodies abound - near fluid production and not a sign of being dated! The only faults i could find is sometimes it gets a little light and too pretty for its own good but this is a personal thing on my part! There wasnt a song i disliked and theres 18 songs on my version- though some songs are just small sections linking the material! In some ways this reminds me of the moody blues or the left banke- but is its own thing- a mix of well played acoustic guitars strings flutes pianos and interesting percussion. I happen to think singer Peter Daltry has one of the coolest voices - part barrett part donovan!! i would snatch this up before it goes out of print like it did for years- a must own from the psyche goes prog era!

the term "lost gem" gets thown around a lot, but this album may be the best example of that phrase I've ever encountered. The lyrics on songs like "Nursey Nursey" and "Song From Jon" are among the most beautiful I've ever heard, and the arrangements on songs like "Epitaph: Angel" and "Broken Mirrors" are absolutely gorgeous, blending 60's baroque pop with early 70's Progressive rock. The story of the album tells is difficult to understand from the songs alone, but the booklet tells the entire story in vivid detail. This album is certainly on par with, if not above, works like "Tommy" and "SF Sorrow".

There are several 1960s bands named Kaleidoscope. This is the UK one. This concept album is very loosely based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. It was actually recorded after the band changed their name and released an album as Fairfield Parlour. I suppose they felt the name Kaleidoscope was more recognizable for this belated release. The music is orchestrated pop psych with some very catchy melodies. I think this is their best album but it wasn't released at the time as explained in the liner notes. I actually purchased the original 1990 release at the time and replaced it with this version since the old one was suffering from disc rot. This version sounds about the same but is superior for two reasons: 1) This version is properly indexed; the original incredibly didn't index track 9 so there were only 17 tracks instead of the 18 listed, and 2) This version includes liner notes with the band history; the original appeared to be a "new" release from 1990 with no explanation that it was recorded in the fall of 1970 and finished in 1971. Bottom line, this is a good one.