Song Cycle by Van Dyke Parks. Van started work on this album immediately after his collaboration with Brian Wilson on the ill-fated Smile album was prematurely ended before that album was completed.
Song Cycle is not Rock, not Pop, and is in fact impossible to define in terms of genre. Semi-Classical, or Art Rock, maybe. Not a talented singer, but that is not what the album is about. Clever, cryptic lyrics (lots of word play, Van’s specialty ;-), and sophisticated, heavily-orchestrated compositions. It may be that most listeners will find it too intellectual for their liking, not a trace of sentiment or emotion to be found. For the musically adventurous only, therefore.
But be forewarned: Van is somewhat of a genius, and has a perverse sense of humour. The music on Song Cycle is VERY odd, and causes discomfort, anxiety, or even fear in some listeners. Beware, all who here enter. Like the music of J.S. Bach, listening to Song Cycle can get you high. Seriously.
