Marcus

Band members               Related acts

- Regan Calhoun -- bass, backing vocals (1995)

- Doug Fisher -- keyboards (1978)

- David Frazier, backing vocals -- keyboards (1995)

- Tim Gladen, backing vocals -- guitar (1995)

- Al Jones -- bass (1978)

- Jeff Kruer -- percussion (1978)

- David Ledger -- keyboards (1978)

- Marcus McDonald -- vocals, guitar, keyboards (1978)

- Ronnie Morrow -- drums (1995)

- Will Naugle -- bass (1978)

- John Pring -- lead guitar (1978)

- Butch Stultz -- rhythm guitar (1978)

- Terry Tyler -- rhythm guitar (1978)

- Lynn Yeakey -- backing vocals (1995)

 

   

 

- none known

 

 

 

Genre: psych

Rating: **** (4 stars)

Title:  From the House of Trax

Company: private press

Catalog: NR10788

Year: 1978

Country/State: Kentucky

Grade (cover/record): VG+ / VG+

Comments: has the paste on blue photo cover over the generic white sleeve

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 4440

Price: $500.00

Cost: $66.00

 

Nine times out of ten it seems that heavily hyped albums turn out to be major disappointments.  1979's "From the House of Trax" is one of those one out of ten exceptions - it lives up to and may even exceed the hype !!!

 

I can't say I know a great deal about Marcus McDonald.  He was apparently from Kentucky, but relocated to Indiana where this album was recorded at Trax Studios (hence the title).  Produced by Jim Fergusson, this private press release was also a production exception in that it sounded far more accomplished that most vanity projects.  Literally dripping with spooky, heavily treated vocals, heavy guitar and psych moves, tracks such as 'Locked Inside a World', 'A Trip In Time' and 'The City of In Between' were great.  Exemplified by Marcus originals such as 'Gary's Song', 'I Want To Fly' and 'Right Inside of You Baby', the 'B' side opted for a slightly more mellow attack, but was every bit as impressive as the first side. Tuneful and concise (most of the nine selection clocking in under four minutes), this one served as a must own classic.  Besides, it was a wonderful guitar album to crank up on a good stereo system.  (As far as I can tell this is one of the real things - packaged in a plain disco cover with the bluish title past on over the center hole.  This one's retained it's blue color (some tended to turn green with time)).


"From the House of Trax" track listing:

(side 1)

1.) Locked Inside a World    (Marcus McDonald) - 3:56

2.) A Trip In Time    (Marcus McDonald) - 3:27

3.) The City of In Between    (Marcus McDonald) - 3:31

4.) Sweet Inspiration    (Marcus McDonald) - 3:32

 

(side 2)

1.) Gary's Song    (Marcus McDonald) - 3:38

2.) Captain Zella Queen    (Marcus McDonald) - 2:51

3.) I Want To Fly    (Marcus McDonald) - 3:24

4.) Right Inside of You Baby    (Marcus McDonald)  -3:49

5.) Satin    (Marcus McDonald) - 4:21


 

Genre: psych

Rating: ** (2 stars)

Title:  The Return

Company: private press

Catalog: --

Year: 1995

Country/State: Kentucky

Grade (cover/record): VG+ / VG+

Comments: 500 copy pressing

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 5164

Price: $75.00

 

Well there's nothing wrong with people changing their outlooks on life and trying to become better people as they grow older.  Judging by 1995's "The Return" singer/songwriter Marcus McDonald underwent quite a few changes during the 17 years it took for him to release a sophomore album.  In addition to getting a little older, going by these eight original tracks, those lifestyle changes included a major religious awakening.  (Mind you, while I don't have a problem with such personal discoveries, I do have an issue with dealers who try to pedal this to you as another slice of 'acid rock psychedelia.'  Don't believe it for a minute !!!)  Not meant as a dig at this album, but anyone expecting to hear "From the House of Trax Part II" was bound to be in for a major disappointment.  So as Christian rock, how bad was this album?  Musically most of these tracks were innocuous, reflecting a modest mid-1990s AOR sound; tracks like 'Sins of the Flesh', 'Strong Enough' and 'Judgement Day' espousing straightforward religious oriented themes that probably wouldn't have much appeal to rock fans.  To be honest, it's doubtful Christian rock fans would find much to get excited about here.  This time out McDonald's voice was a little deeper, darker, gruffer and shakier, though those changes weren't a major problem.  In fact, all told McDonald sounded pretty good - check out the ballad 'The Midnight Sun'.  Unfortunately, nothing here really stuck out and as hard as I wanted to like the set, I can't give it more than a lukewarm recommendation.

"The Return" track listing:

(side 1)

1.) Sins of the Flesh    (Marcus McDonald) - 4:45

2.) The Midnight Sun    (Marcus McDonald) - 6:45

3.) Strong Enough    (Marcus McDonald) - 5:45

4.) Your Time Is Coming    (Marcus McDonald) - 5:30

 

(side 2)

1.) Whatcha Lookin For    (Marcus McDonald) - 3:45

2.) I'll Do Anything    (Marcus McDonald) - 5:09

3.) Judgement Day    (Marcus McDonald) - 5:43

4.) Easy Come Easy Go    (Marcus McDonald) - 5:00

 

 

 

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