Smoke Rise - The Survival Of St. Joan (1971, 2013)

Artist: Smoke Rise
Title Of Album: The Survival Of St. Joan
Year Of Release: 1971/2013
Label: Flawed Gems
Country: US
Genre: Concept psych rock
Audio codec: FLAC | lossless

This is an underrated record by US progressive band Smoke Rise. In 1970 they created the first American rock opera and Paramount Records allowed them to release a double concept album. As a consequence the vinyl edition (with a gatefold sleeve and an accompanying booklet that explained the elaborate story) was released in 1971. It was backed by strong, progressive elements, tight rhythm section, smooth four parts vocal harmonies and enthusiastic performances. This very melodic album was actually quite heavy, with some tracks standing up well against far better known competitors like Grand Funk and Bloodrock. Unfortunately, commercially the set went nowhere. This reissue is simply too good to be ignored!

Tracks
The Prison
1. Survival - 3:42
2. Someone Is Dying - 2:40
3. Run, Run - 0:47
4. Back In The World - 2:30
5. I'm Here - 2:33
6. Love Me - 1:02
The Farm
7. Stonefire - 3:35
8. Love Me - 2:47
9. Lady Of Light - 2:14
10.Country Life - 1:41
11.Run, Run - 1:33
12.Precious Mommy - 1:52
The Encounters
13.Medley - 2:14
Survival/Run, Run/Back In The World
14.Lonely Neighbors - 2:37
15.Cornbread - 1:44
16.This Is How It Is - 1:24
17.Cannonfire - 3:40
The Submission
18.It's Over - 2:22
19.Darkwoods Lullabye - 1:42
20.You Don't Know Why - 2:46
21.Propitious - 1:04
22.Burning A Witch - 4:09
23.Love Me - 3:58

Personnel:
Gary Ruffin - Guitar
Randy Bugg - Bass
Hank Ruffin - Keyboards
Stan Ruffin - Drums, Percussion