From: "Mark Fonda" <>
I got this e-mail from the lead vocalist and keyboardist of Babylon who's
obscure self-titled 1977 recording was just released on CD by Syn-Phonic. I
picked up a copy at NEARfest and I have not had much time to listen to it
yet. Any one else hear it yet? BTW, the cover is of an alien head with large
oval eyes and is the same image used on Syn-Phonic's printed catalog. The
band includes dual keyboards, guitars, bass and percussion and the music is
indeed symphonic, progressive and spectacular. The album has four tracks
totaling 35 minutes. The website is
http://www.visionarymusic.com Here's the band's biography shown in the
liner notes:
"Babylon was formed in 1976 in central Florida from a core of like-minded
musicians who played in various bands in the area. Their focus was
progressive music having been influenced by the likes of early Genesis, King
Crimson, Gentle Giant, Van Der Graf Generator, Happy the Man and various
European and American progressive bands. Their live performances were
multimedia extravaganzas encompassing film, large screen multi-image
projection, theatrics and audience participation. The various members strayed
apart in 1978 after this, their one and only studio album."
From: Adam Perkowsky <>
I picked up the Babylon CD at NEARfest and I must say it was one of the best
purchases from the 14 I bought. Classic Genesis style, with a vocalist
reminiscent of Gabriel, Peter Hammill and Fish. The only problem is, the CD
runs very short. I think it is just under 40 minutes long. It's a shame these
guys didn't put out any more releases. Maybe Dorrocas has some archival stuff
that could see the light of day someday.
From: "Jim Gualtieri" <>
Actually it's under 35 minutes, but it is great!
From: "alexandre a. s." <>
Actually, Syn-phonic have released 2 LPs of archival Live shows, called
"Night over never" (vols. 1 and 2). I believe the 4 songs from the original
LP are there, plus a whole lot more. The sound quality is fairly good, and
the music is just great!
From: "Adam Perkowsky" <>
Fans of the band Babylon may be interested to know that a CDR has been made
from the best songs from the two live LPs the band put out. I just received
my copy (the first copy of the CDR project) today and I must say it is
outstanding. The sound is on par with the best sounding audience recordings.
Below is the e-mail I received from Steve Repetti, who put the project
together. Now all we need is a Babylon video. :) Fans of classic Genesis will
love this band. I can't say enough about them. The vocalist is a cross
between Peter Gabriel, Fish and Peter Hammill, and the music is reminiscent
of the stuff Genesis was playing up to "Wind and Wuthering". You can get the
self-titled CD from Greg Walker at Syn-Phonic. Here's Steve Repetti's
e-mail:
BETTER CONDITIONS FOR THE DEAD - The Official BABYLON LIVE Bootlegs have
just gone through a major face lift. Culled from the original Reel to Reel
Tapes which were used to press the two Babylon Live Albums (Live From The
Empty Keg 1 & 2), a new Limited Collector's Edition is now available
containing the best of those live tracks along with 2 never released items.
The Bonus Tracks are comprised of 3 segments originally recorded as; a
Concert Intro Tape, a "Dreamfish" Intro Tape and a segment we used to refer
to as "The Beast" which supported an inspired bit of theatrics taking place
in the middle of "The Forest Of Orelse" (primarily due to the fact that it
accompanied Doroccas's temporary imprisonment inside an 8' monstrosity of
melted plastic, seaweed, tubing and vinyl molded to look like 23 agonizing
faces with smoke pouring out of every orifice while the stage lights went
berserk). They total 7 minutes and 13 seconds, neatly filling in the
remaining time on the CD, and were originally produced in a recording studio
for that purpose. The live recordings were originally done using a single
pair of Sony Condenser Microphones in an X/Y axis configuration to achieve a
natural live stereo spread. Unfortunately, that doesn't leave a lot of room
for manipulation or mixing after the fact, that is until now.... Thanks to a
bit of alien technology called the Hughes Sound Retrieval System. Thanks to
the Hughes SRS and some selective digital equalization in the mastering
stages I've been able to restore a considerable amount of content,
instrumental balance and tonal spectrum that wasn't even on the original tape
or live albums as far as anyone could normally tell. Hopefully you'll agree
it puts the old vinyl to shame. Naturally, it's still live material so
nothing much can be done for the occasional slurred note, stab of feedback,
flying drumstick or change in lyrics. That's life in the big concert hall.
Here's what you get - 1. It Is Time 5:21; 2. Dreamfish 9:11; 3. Mote In God's
Eye 7:48; 4. Foam Rubber Philosopher 7:34; 5. Forest Of Orelse 8:04; 6. Saint
Vitus Dance 6:31; 7. Pyramid Mask 1:52; 8. Cathedral Of The Mary Ruin 8:15;
9. You Are Sentenced To Life On Earth 8:53; 10. Ultima Thule 9:13;
....further questions welcome -
From: "Jim Gualtieri" <>
> I just read about Babylon the other night. Anybody with any thoughts on
the band and whether they would recommend purchasing some of their work and
if yes which albums?
I would highly recommend their one studio album from 1977. It's short,
about 35 min., but it's potent. Very much influenced by early Genesis, but I
don't consider them a clone. Took me a little while to appreciate the vocals.
Available from Greg Walker (Syn-phonic). It is a classic!