Genre: psych
Rating: 3 stars ***
Title: Persephone
Company: Orion
Catalog: S80-462-2823S
Year: 1972
Country/State: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Grade (cover/record): VG / VG
Comments: --
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4962
Price: $150.00
Point of order - the guy's name is Billy Halliquest, not Billy Peresphone as the cover would have you believe ...
Halliquest's probably best known for his work with the Minneapolis-based Thundertree. Following the former's breakup, he reappeared with a hard-to-find 1972 solo album. Released by the small Minneapolis Orion label, anyone expecting to hear another set of Thundertree styled pop/psych was probably going to be somewhat disappointed by 1972's "Persephone". Showcasing ten original selections, songs such as 'Desert Rats' (sporting some wild lyrics), 'For the First Time' and '' showcased a rather stark set of acoustic singer/songwriter material. Lyrically most of the album was pretty downbeat ('You and I'), but it was saved from oblivion by the combination of Halliquest's nice voice, engaging presentations and some decent melodies. Perhaps due to the fact they sported atypical rock arrangements (including support from ex-Thundertree drummer Rick Liabraaten), 'Help You Now' and the title track were the two highlights to my ears. (Pretty wild cover art courtesy of William Stille.)
"Peresphone" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Desert Rats (Bill Halliquest) -
2.) For the First Time ( Bill Halliquest) -
3.) You and I ( Bill Halliquest) -
4.) Blanche ( Bill Halliquest) -
5.)
Smiling Lady ( Bill
Halliquest) -
(side
2)
1.) Help You Now (Bill
Halliquest) -
2.) Buddah's Rosary ( Bill Halliquest) -
3.) Smiley ( Bill Halliquest) -
4.) Middle Lothian Folk Ballad ( Bill Halliquest) -
5.) Peresphone ( Bill Halliquest) -