Daryl Hall - "Sacred Songs" (1977)
When this album was recorded in 1977, Daryl Hall's record company RCA wouldn't allow him to release it. They were afraid the 'weirdness' introduced by Fripp in the production would ruin his 'All-American' image. He was, at the time, one half of 'Hall & Oats' so perhaps they had a point. In fact this collaboration between the fresh-faced Hall and the decidedly left-field Fripp, ex- King Crimson guitarist, raised more than a few eyebrows. Nevertheless, after pressure from fans and journalists the album was released - with little fanfare. Originally conceived as part of a trilogy with Robert Fripp's own 'Exposure' and Peter Gabriel's 'Peter Gabriel' (1977) and featuring similar themes, songs, recording and production techniques. It's arguable that Gabriel and Fripp's albums stand out on their own but where does this misfit belong? Certainly not in Hall's 'normal' pop canon... an enjoyable album nonetheless and one for the Fripp fans as well as the Hall fans. His white-boy soul subtly twisted by Fripps electronic hands. Just don't go expecting 'Abandoned Luncheonette'.
Euripides May 2011
Tracklisting:
1. Sacred Songs (3:14)
2. Something In 4-4 Time (4:27)
3. Babs and Babs (7:51)
4. Urban Landscape (2:24)
5. NYCNY (4:36)
6. The Farther Away I Am (2:54)
7. Why Was It So Easy (5:32)
8. Don't Leave Me Alone With Her (6:26)
9. Survive (6:42)
10. Without Tears (2:53)
Personnel:
Daryl Hall: Vocals, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Mandar
Robert Fripp: Guitars, Frippertronics
Roger Pope: Drums
Kenny Passarelli: Bass
Caleb Quaye - Guitar
Charlie De Chant: Sax Background Vox (02)
David Kent: Background Vox (02)
Recording details:
Produced by: Robert Fripp
Recorded at the Hit Factory, NYC NY, Aug, 1977
Engineer: Ed Sprigg
Assistant engineer: Ted Spencer