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Kip: The early 70's seemed to spawn a number of groups that were characterized (usually questionably) as “Supergroups.” By name recognition of their previous bands, that term would seem appropriate for Captain Beyond. Lead singer Rod Evans had just been unceremoniously dumped by the soon to be massive Deep Purple (it is him you have heard countless times on the radio singing their cover of “Hush,)” Rhino (Larry Reinhardt) and Lee Dorman had just left Iron Butterfly and monster drummer Bobby Caldwell had just finished a tour as a member of the Johnny Winter Group. Championed by soon to be label mates the Allman Brothers, Captain Beyond quickly entered the studio to record the songs they had presented in demo form to Duane and Gregg Allman. The result was a heavy, esoteric album that was both very much of its time in the early 70's and something completely different from anything else. With all songs being written, surprisingly, by Caldwell the drummer and singer Evans, the album was heavy, proggy, featured ethereal lyrics (sometimes presented in spoken form), and just exploded from the speakers (this is a headphone junky's dream album.) Met with tepid sales, and following Caldwell's departure to join Rick Derringer's band, the remaining members entered the studio, with several extra musicians, to record the follow up release, Sufficiently Breathless. Fans of the debut album must have been slack jawed to hear soft acoustic guitars, lyrics featuring “puppies” and “bouncing balls,” and songs featuring every accompanying percussion instrument that we were first exposed to in elementary school band. The second album makes Zeppelin III sound like Blue Cheer. And the entire album is written by bassist(!?) Lee Dorman. But upon repeat listening, it became apparent that it was also a very GOOD album as well. New listeners would be wise to give both albums Jeff's required seven listens before making a judgement, and I would venture to guess that you will find yourself highly enjoying both albums immensely.

   NOTE: because I (Kip) brought this band to the guys' attention, they let me set the parameters for our review. I have found over the years that I only listen to the first side of each album, so that's what we focused on in our group listen. I have a suspicion that side 2 of each album might benefit from headphones, low lights and some medication from the early 70's, but I'm such a nerd, that setting is just not me. Knock yourself out.

   P.S. About a year before he passed, my brother Mike sent me a CD for my birthday that apparently is the original demo they presented to the Allman Brothers. It features alternative (sometimes better) versions of several songs that ended up on the first album. It is readily available on Purple Pyramid records and is worth your time.

   If you've read any of our previous stuff, you'll know my oldest brother Mike was my biggest musical influence. I can honestly say, without his sharing, I never would have heard Captain Beyond or Montrose, both of whom are among my all-time favorite bands. As mentioned above, the albums are almost schizophrenic in their tone. The debut album features incredibly complex arrangements, Deep Purple level musicianship and a compressed, room filling sound that I've always imagined had to have been painfully loud in the studio. Opening with “Dancing Madly Backwards,” the album immediately dares you to try and keep time with or dance to these songs. (Mike and the guys covered several of these pieces and dancer's angst at trying to find the beat was real.) When we did the group listen, I realized that I had never noticed how each song segues right into the next, making our method of listening to and discussing each song individually rather uncomfortable. Similar to Rush (maybe?), the songs tend to feature dramatic tone and key changes that are both exciting and challenging. The rather random guitar riff that finishes “Myopic Void” (you are quite likely to get a contact high from their song titles), “Mesmerization Eclipse” and “Raging River of Fear” (one of my favorite songs) might rank as my favorite consecutive 10 minutes of music on any album.

   As stated above, my initial reaction to hearing the second album as a 12-year-old must have been, “WTF!?” Mellow, acoustic, bordering on easy listening, it bears little resemblance to the fury of the first album. But as I aged, I came to realize how good the album made me feel. The title track, “Bright Blue Tango” (the best song on the album,) “Drifting in Space” and “Evil Men” all form a very positive vibe for me. During my college baseball years, I often listened to “Raging River of Fear” on my way to face a particularly daunting pitcher and the second album unfailing brought me either solace after a bad game or decompression after a particularly intense game.

   Captain Beyond was rather the epitome of everything Mike taught me to appreciate in music: top drawer musicianship, great songwriting and tunes that I felt rather than heard. Every time I listen to these albums I both thank and miss my big brother.

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Mark: I must admit that Captain Beyond was not in my sphere of listening or even knowledge. All be it my sphere is oh so tiny, I’ve only heard of them through music magazine or maybe saw their albums in the C section at Budgets. It has been my loss for sure. This month’s write up is a Kip selection and I am pleasantly happy that he did. What a wonderful group of musicians. These guys have some serious melodious and technical chops! Kip guided us through this music with great stories of his brother Mike and tales of hanging out with his band Asia. I will admit I enjoy the stories as much as the music. We listened to side 1 of Captain Beyond’s first and second albums. I loved their cross between post hippy psychedelic of the 60’s and the kind of new heavy progressive rock of the early 70’s. In spots it’s almost fusion or as I like to call it “catastrophe rock”. Very satisfying! The guitarist Larry Reinhardt is so good! Both as a song writer and as a guitar slinger. Great tones and music imagination. The stand out tracks for me were: Raging River of Fear, Bright Blue Tango and Evil Men. Thanks Kip for sharing, my sphere has been widened!

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Jeff: I really enjoyed sitting down with Kip and Mark to listen to the first sides of Captain Beyond’s first two albums. It was a refreshing and nostalgic trip back to the early ’70s, reminding me just how adventurous rock music could be during that era. Since we only listened to the first side of each album, I don’t feel it’s fair to give a full album review, so instead I’ll offer my track-by-track thoughts.

Captain Beyond

Dancing Madly Backwards (On a Sea of Air) -  I’m a big fan of Rod Evans’ commanding vocals, and the song is packed with great riffs that create an awesome groove. For me, though, it becomes a little too busy at times. The musicianship is undeniably impressive, but the constant changes occasionally pull me away from the song’s main melody.

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Armworth -  This song bursts out of the gate with so much energy and promise. It’s a shame it’s so short because I could easily listen to another couple of minutes. One of my favorite tracks from our listening session.

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Myopic Void - What a fantastic title! The opening instrumental section is absolutely beautiful, and I love the way Rod Evans’ vocals float over the top. It’s a rewarding listen every time. I do wish the heavier ending had transitioned back into the melody from “Armworth” to tie the songs together even more effectively.

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Mesmerization Eclipse -  A heavy rocker with some truly outstanding drumming. Bobby Caldwell is incredible throughout. My only criticism is that the vocal melody doesn’t grab me as much as some of the other songs, making this one a little less memorable.

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Raging River of Fear - This track blends hard rock and progressive rock exceptionally well. There’s a little bit of everything happening here without losing its identity. The main riff is excellent, and it’s hard not to admire how bold and adventurous this sounded in 1972.

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Sufficiently Breathless

Sufficiently Breathless - This was a surprising opener. It’s relaxed, melodic, and reminds me a little of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young or America. It’s a beautiful song and wonderfully recorded, with a production quality that still sounds remarkably modern today. I enjoyed it a lot, although I’m not sure it was the best choice to open the album.

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Bright Blue Tango - My favorite track of all. I absolutely love the Latin influence, and the musicianship is phenomenal. Everything about this song feels vibrant and alive. In my opinion, this should have been the album opener.

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Drifting in Space - This one has a nice Santana-inspired vibe and some tasteful playing throughout. While I enjoy the atmosphere, the vocal melody doesn’t connect with me quite as much, making it for me a less memorable song.

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Evil Men - Turn this one up! There are so many great moments packed into this track. My only complaint is that the fantastic opening riff deserved to come back later in the song because it’s simply too good to use only once.

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Overall, I think Captain Beyond’s greatest strengths are their complex arrangements, adventurous songwriting, and outstanding musicianship. There is always something interesting happening, and it’s clear these guys were incredibly talented. Ironically, those same strengths can sometimes become weaknesses. The songs occasionally get so focused on intricate arrangements that the vocal melodies aren’t always as memorable as they could be. Likewise, some of the short connecting pieces feel more like musical ideas than fully realized songs. I completely understand why Captain Beyond has such a devoted following, but I can also see why some listeners walk away appreciating the musicianship more than actually remembering the songs. Even so, there’s no denying they were a remarkably creative band that wasn’t afraid to take chances.

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