Customer Reviews

Space Opera I

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I used to see this album in record bins in the NY/NJ area but I never bought it. However the group's name and the artwork always left me curious as how this was musically. Collector's Choice cleared up the mystery by releasing this on cd in 2004. What a stunning work! Why this wasn't on regular rotation with the playlists of New York FM stations is even more of a mystery. Guitar fans will find nirvana here is the riveting interplay of the 6 & 12 string workouts,sometimes overdubbed to the level of frenzy on tracks like "Holy River" and the closer "Over and Over". This is not the only calling card as there are fine melodies and excellent vocal harmonies throughout. Comparisons to the Byrds are valid, but Space Opera is no CLONE! The country influence is seamlessly blended into the music, making it unique enough that it could hardly be compared to the country rock of its era. Too bad I never got to see them live; even more of a pity that this was their only release. I guess the old saying "leave 'em wanting more" more than applies here. Don't miss this one!

Actually, there was a 2001 release of new material from Space Opera. It's available on their website. If you like the original release, I think you might like this one as well. I'll admit I'm a bit prejudiced, as I engineered and played keys on the new release, and remastered the old one for Collector's Choice. BTW, for all their West Coast influences, the band is from Fort Worth, Tx. Two of the four original members have passed away, Brett Wilson(drums) about 2 years ago, and Scott Fraser(guitars, vocals, and writer) in September. And, yes, I was a fan long before I met or worked with the guys.

The increadable thing about Space Opera is how easy the music fits into the early '70s time frame. I never heard the album back then - but I should have. The music is like finding some lost high school or college record you somehow did not know about. You put it on and think, how did I miss this?

Yes, it is kind of like the Byrds, or Buffalo Springfield, but Space Opera is not a knock off group. They have their own unique sound. And it is very good.

What if Buffalo Springfield had put out only one album, then disbanded, with its members no longer in the music business? It would be a great album, but really hard to find. And it would be a sound unique to the time. If you enjoy the better music from the early 70's, Space Opera is for you.

I remember hearing "Holy River" on the Progressive station in Baltimore in 1973
and I was hooked. Never did understand why they didn't release a 2nd album soon after except
their bandname and music did not really match which probably confused the public and radio stations.
In places they were country rock, other places they remind me of the bands America or the Byrds until they
let loose instrumentally and then you see how unique this band was.

I would say if you're a guitar afficionado who enjoys electric 12 string playing you will really
appreciate this. A lost gem.....

Like Mr Chiaro has stated in his review, it did not recieve the reognition it deserved. I was fortunate enough to see Space Opera in an outdoor concert in Delaware park in Buffalo NY in July 1971. They are as great live as they are on lp. I'll never forget the audience reaction to the refrain in Country Max: 'yes I'm High. high. high...'
From what I recall they did reside here in the Buffalo area for a time. I was lucky enough to pick up a used copy of their 1st lp in 1977, which mad plenty of trips around my turntable.
I also was fascinated by the layers of guitar solos thru out the lp, certainly a real treat for the long time prog fan. Really a must for the serious listener's collection. My condolences to the families and bandmates of the deceased members.