Biography
Formed at Exeter University in the late sixties (their name was apparently inspired by the head of the university), Principal Edwards Magic Theatre were more a multi-media enterprise than a rock group, appearing with dancers and lightshows. John Peel signed them to his Dandelion label and helped produce their albums. They also appeared regularly on his ‘Top Gear’ show. One of the main assets was lead vocalist, Vivienne McAuliffe, whose crystal clear voice helped make them a little special. Their music was innovative and imaginative with a strong folk influence and an air of mysticism. This is typified by The Death Of Don Quixote and Third Sonnet to Sundry Notes of Music on their second album. However, arguably their best track was Pinky: A Mystery-Cycle. It’s a melodramatic number with a thudding drumbeat, haunting lyrics and frequent changes of tempo.
Album & Cover
Cover Location:
Who Did What: Photography – S. Thorgerson
Label: Dandelion DAN 8002(UK)
Source: Vinyl. Album. Cover. Art, The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue: Aubrey Powell
Tracklist
| Side Three / The Asmoto Side McAlpine’s Dream McAlpine Versus The Asmoto The Asmoto Running Band (Hou’Amih) Asmoto Celebration Further Asmoto Celebration (After The Ball) |
Side Four / The Gambini Side Total Glycerol Esther Freef (R’) All Autumn Lady Dancing Song The Kettering Song Weirdsong Of Breaking Through At Last |
Credits
Bass Guitar – Jeremy Ensor
Congas, Tambourine, Percussion [Wooden Block], Bongos, Cymbal, Gong, Maracas, Bass Drum – David Jones
Drums, Timpani, Percussion [Wooden Block], Finger Cymbals, Snare, Congas, Tambourine, Talking Drum [African], Acoustic
Guitar, Tabla, Xylophone, Cymbal – Roger Swallow
Electric Guitar, Guitar [Spanish], Acoustic Guitar, Recorder, Bass Guitar – Root
Engineer – Robin Sylvester
Producer – Nick Mason
Recorder, Piano, Vocals, Violin – Belinda Bourquin
Vocals – Martin Stellman, Vivienne McAuliffe
Notes
Released on a purple Dandelion label with a yellow flower on top at the A-side, and a black and white label at the B-side, in a fold-out cover with lyrics inside. Notwithstanding ”side three” and ”side four”, this is not part of a double album.
