The Equinox [Explicit Lyrics]

1. Interior Assasin's Car 3:35 A.M. (Skit)
2. They Don't Want It!
3. March 21 3:45 A.M. (Skit)
4. 9xs Out of 10
5. Questions
6. Soundman
7. Move
8. Confrontations
9. Life & Malice Exterior Club Nite (Skit)
10. Numbers
11. Shugah Shorty
12. Interior Car Nite (Skit)
13. Invetro
14. Chuck Cheese
15. Interior Marisol's Apartment (Skit)
16. Sin
17. Hate
18. March 21-3:47 A.M. (Skit)
19. Somehow, Someway
20. Epilogue
See all 21 tracks on this disc

Tracks:

Light Up
Lorelei
Mother Dear
Lonely Child
Midmight Ride
Born For Adventure
Prelude
Suite Madame Blue

Customer Reviews:

Not their best, but still very worthwile........2007-06-17

I'm 14, and I got into Styx almost completely by chance. My parent have no record players or LP's, and neither have any Styx cassettes or CD's. My Dad and I were just listening to SIRIUS classic rock, and Lorelei came on. I IMMEDIATELY LOVED THE SONG! That night, I also happened to watch "Big Daddy", and learned that the song Mr. Roboto was by Styx. Since then, I've been collecting their albums. In fact, this is the first of theirs I bought (because of Lorelei), and I was not dissapointed. The very first song I heard told me that I was going to enjoy this band for years to come. Well, one year later, I'm still into this album. Compared to their others, it's not their best, but it's still essential to have for Lorelei and Light Up alone.
Light Up: Ought to be in their Greatest Hits I. Very mellow, 60's feel. 9/10
Lorelei: Styx's first step towards stardom, and one of the their best songs to date. 10/10
Mother Dear: Strange, upbeat feel. It's actually very entertaining. 8/10
Lonely Child: Very nice, passionate love song. DeYoung's vocals are top notch here. 9/10
Midnight Ride: Probably the most forgettable JY rocker. Still O.K. though. 7/10
Born For Adventure:A DeYoung rocker. It's a very heavy sound, which doesn't quite match DeYoung's vocals. 6/10
Prelude 12/Suite Madame Blue: Just barely worse than Lorelei. Another classic Styx prog/mainstream hit. 10/10

"Lorelei" lets get together.......2007-06-14

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

In circa 1976 a group of punk rock/new wave/alternative fans that could actually read and write decided that Journey, Kansas, REO Speedwagon, and Styx were responsible for the problems of the world. They labeled these groups "Corporate Rock." Astonishing to the normal people on earth was seeing the word corporate because it contained three syllables. What these folks have never understood is the output of a band should be judged on the musical level and not the sales or lack there of.

For that reason alone you should purchase this recording.

On to serious business. Styx has had three very distinct phases of the band. The 1st would be the releases (4) on a small label "Wooden Nickel." Please check out the samples Amazon is kind enough to provide us on that period. It includes the tremendous tune "Lady" as well as many other interesting compositions.

Phase two would be "Equinox", "Crystal Ball", and "Grand Illusion." The next chapter would begin with "Pieces Of Eight."

Sometimes lost in the shuffle can be a recording or two that a band should be rather proud of. "Equinox" and "Crystal Ball" will look good in any Styx fans CD collection.

The opening track "Light Up" is straight ahead rock and roll. Getting your attention right out of the starting gate and rightly so. This is one of the finest tracks from the band.

"Lorelei" with the catchy keyboard mix and strong vocals takes us in a different direction and we aren't distracted.

"Mother Dear" has really nice inter-play with the keyboards and guitar. There is a vocal effect that makes the words stand out.

"Lonely Child" offers very well done production. The proper levels of guitar and voice are crucial for the song to thrive and thanks to the craftsmanship of the production team they have everything under control.

"Midnight Ride" is a relentless rocker. It is a sledgehammer all the way through. Pure intensity and one of the group's best.

"Born For Adventure" doesn't let you recover. It is more quality rock and roll. The energy is superlative.

"Prelude" allows you to regain your strength. The nice acoustic guitar gets us ready for the finale.

"Suite Madame Blue" a continuation of the same construction as the previous track. It is a good way for the album to end.

If you purchase this CD not only do you get back at the annoyances the punk movement caused to us years back but you put a solid rock and roll disc in your hands to play often!

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

Equinox-Styx.......2007-06-02

AWESOME seller! pristine condition and FAST delivery! Hope to do business with you again REAL soon! THANK you so much for your attention to these details!

Equinox - an album for all time.......2007-05-16

This album came out during the time when drugs were still popular just after the 60's movement. Many songs reflect the mood of the era where people just wanted to be free and enjoy life. Lyrics are more story telling rather than just catchy soundbites. Done befor the time of "gloom and doom".

The group is still exploring areas in music other bands seem to ignor. Perfect for just kicking back and letting your mind wander as they take you to places in your mind only STYX can create. The song "Midnight ride" is surprizing in that it is a hellacious rock song with good energy that is a departure from the other (mellow) themes in this album.

Likewise "Suite Madam Blue" became a famous "Power ballad" for STYX fans everywhere. Starting with a "Stairway to heaven" style intro, leading you on a journey of sound that finally brings on a pounding ride that features a ripping guitar solo that even headbangers love. It climaxs and finishes off almost where you started and leaves you thinking.

A great hard rock album with some prog.......2007-04-14

I waited at least (gasp) over 25 years from the time that I had first heard of Styx (maybe 79-80) before I purchased my first Styx album (The Grand Illusion, 1977). I enjoyed that album so much that I started right at the beginning with the Wooden Nickel albums and worked my way up through Pieces of Eight (1978). This 1975 release was the band's first major label release following the final Wooden Nickel album Man of Miracles (1974) and shows the band beginning to develop the signature sound that was brought to it's fullest expression on albums like The Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight. In general, Equinoxe presents a good example of American hard rock with aspects of English Progressive rock mixed in that makes for a very enjoyable listening experience.

The lineup at this point included John Curulewski (electric and acoustic guitars, synthesizers, vocals); Dennis DeYoung (acoustic piano, synthesizers, Hammond organ, vocals); Chuck Panozzo (bass guitar and vocals); John Panozzo (drums, percussion, and vocals); and James Young (electric and acoustic guitars, vocals). All of the guys are solid players and there is some good ensemble work. The flourishes on the synthesizers (mini moog I think) are reminiscent of some English progressive rock and add a lot to the overall sound. All of the vocalists are great and there are some excellent vocal harmonies throughout the entire album. Equinoxe would be John Curulewski's last album with the band and he was replaced by Tommy Shaw on the follow up Crystal Ball (1976).

The eight tracks on the album range in length from 3'19 to the 7'52" Prelude 12/Suite Madame Blue suite. In large part, the music on Equinoxe is fairly sophisticated hard rock with some progressive touches here and there. All in all, this makes for a pretty good combination in my book. There are nice dynamic contrasts between the spacier sections dominated by acoustic guitars/synthesizers and the harder rocking tunes dominated by heavily distorted guitars, a "heavy metal" vocal style, and a thunderous rhythm section, e.g. Midnight Ride, Born for Adventure. Melodies are also used a lot on Equinoxe and leaven the heavier aspects of the music nicely. I have to say that as a hard core prog fan, my favorite moments on the album include the rich sounding 12 string acoustic guitars on Prelude 12; the spacey synthesizers on Suite Madame Blue, and the tracks Light Up and Lorelei, although all of the tracks are pretty enjoyable.

This album is recommended to those folks that like well arranged and well played hard rock, with touches of prog here and there along with The Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight. Other stylistically similar albums that might be enjoyable include two by Kansas (Song for America, 1975; Leftoverture, 1976) and two by Rush (Farewell to Kings, 1977; and Hemispheres, 1978).

Average customer rating:

TIMELESS AND BEATIFUL
If You Can Own Only One Brasil 66 Album, Here It Is
Yes, this IS their best!
This is the "real' greatest hits album!
Incredible music, but packaging and timing isn't

Equinox
Sergio Mendes
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000631D2
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

Constant Rain (Chove Chuva)
Cinnamon And Clove
Watch What Happens
For Me
Bim-Bom
Night And Day
Triste
Gente
Wave
So Danco Samba

Customer Reviews:

TIMELESS AND BEATIFUL.......2007-06-09

LOOKED FOR IT FOR YEARS AND IT WAS WORTH IT THE WAIT......

If You Can Own Only One Brasil 66 Album, Here It Is.......2007-02-24

Sergio Mendez and his talented musicians recorded many fine albums throughout the '60s, but Equinox may have been the apex. At a playing time of under thirty minutes, it is like life itself: rich, sweet, and short.

Yes, this IS their best!.......2007-01-20

Family friends introduced me to this album in the early '70's when I was in my early teens and I fell in love with it immediately. I wore that album out listening to it and eventually had to replace it. I even had it on an 8 track tape!! That thing was awful, but that didn't stop me from playing it. LOL!

I don't know what it is about this album, but every song is just... fabulous. The vocals, the melodies, the arrangements, they're all terrific and memorable.

After my turntable broke I never replaced it and I lost the cassette I made of the album. Over the past several years I forgot about this album, as it wasn't on cd then. While searching for something online the other day something made me think of it and I looked to see if it was downloadable. Then I thought, wait, let me see if it ever came out on cd and to my surprise and happiness it had! I ordered it and I can't wait for it to get here. Listening to the little snippets online leave me longing for more, for the real thing.

Yeah, it's short. Oh well, that's how the album was. Bonus tracks? A double cd? I don't know, that's not the album I remember, the album I want. I loved it just the way it was and will love it just the way it is when it FINALLY gets here. :-) I just wish I had discovered it again sooner!

This is the "real' greatest hits album!.......2006-10-23

I bought this album in 1966 and played it untill it turned to gray and then lost it in the shuffle of getting married ,kids and moving etc. I bought another copy,an LP. from a catalog for around$25.00 , I was very happy,now I see this on CD for half the price!! This album is tops! It's allways a favorite of mine ,it's one of those 60's "Bests" albums in the line of Pet Clarks "MyLove" with Tony Hatch arrangements and Beach Boys Pet Sounds,Beatles"Rubber Soul".....What an era... sigh..

Incredible music, but packaging and timing isn't.......2006-08-18

When listening to this CD, I thought of the Irving Berlin quote that great music should be 1/3 melody, 1/3 harmony, 1/3 rhythm. This CD meets that rigorous standard.

Many of us have heard these melodies before. Watch What Happens was a hit for Lena Horne, of all people. Night and Day was from a Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers movie. Wave, Triste, So Danco Samba are all standards.

But Mendes and crew put a wonderful touch to these songs. Incredible arrangements, solid musicianship. There is melody, harmony and rhythm.

However, CD runs less than 30 minutes, packing as noted in other reviews is awful. This could have easily been combined with another CD.

The 5 stars is for the music.

Average customer rating:

Finally...Some Re-mastered STYX
Two Great Styx Albums On One CD
FINALLY
finally well deserved remastering

Equinox/Crystal Ball
Styx
Manufacturer: Beat Goes On
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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The Complete Wooden Nickel Recordings
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Audio-Visions
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I Robot

ASIN: B000E0VL2M
Release Date: 2006-02-20

Tracks:

Light Up
Lorelei
Mother Dear
Lonely Child
Midnight Ride
Born For Adventure
Prelude 12
Suite Madame Blue
Put Me On
Mademoiselle
Jennifer
Crystal Ball
Shooz
This Old Man
Clair De Lune/Ballerina

Album Description

2-On-1 of Styx's first two A&M records that were originally released in 1975-76. Equinox produced Styx's first single with A&M, the highly spirited 'Lorelei', which found its way to number 27 on the charts. Although it was the only song to chart from Equinox, the album itself is a benchmark in the band's career since it includes an instrumental nature reminiscent of their early progressive years, yet hints toward a more commercial-sounding future in its lyrics. After Equinox, guitarist John Curulewski parted ways with the band, replaced by Tommy Shaw, who debuted on 1976's Crystal Ball album. Crystal Ball wasn't as successful as Equinox, but it was a better album, showcasing Styx's increased skill for crafting simple, catchy pop hooks out of their bombastic sound. Both titles have been digitally remastered. BGO Records. 2006.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Edition that Combines the Tracks of the First Two A&m Records Classic Albums from the Chicago Rockers on a Single Compact Disc. "Equinox" was Originally Released in 1975 and "Crystal Ball" Followed in 1976. After Four "Progressive Rock" Albums Recorded for RCA Records Failed to Light a Fire, the Band Shifted to A&m and Added Guitarist Tommy Shaw to the Lineup Just Before Going Out on the Road "Equinox". The Combination of Touring and Change of Musical Direction Resulted in a Gradual Snowball of Success. "Lorelei" Became a Minor Chart Hit and that was Followed the Next Year by "Mademoiselle". These Albums Would Prove to Be the Precursors for their Juggernaut Breakthru Album to Come in 1977

Customer Reviews:

Finally...Some Re-mastered STYX.......2007-03-23

I am a hugh Classic Rock fan, and have been buying music since the late 70's when I was in junior high. Went from vinyl albums to cd's in the mid-80's. About 15 years after compact discs originally hit the market, consumers began to see newer "re-mastered" versions of the old classics. At first, re-mastering was usually reserved for the most popular titles, but from 2002 to 2005, there seemed to be a surge of popular titles available. Some artists, such as Rush, Elton John, and Led Zeppelin, had their entire catalogs of past albums re-mastered. Then again, some classic rock outfits seem to not know this is something the consumers want, or simply don't care.

Styx is one of those band's that are very popular, but you still can't get their early albums in the new re-mastered format. I don't understand why? They are just as popular with mainstream music buyers as KANSAS, who have almost all of their back-catalog re-mastered. Anyway, this is your opportunity to get two, early classic STYX albums on one cd, with good re-mastered sound. I bought mine when it was on sale for only $17.99 What a bargain! The London based record company, BGO Records specializes in re-issuing older music. BGO stands for the "Beat Goeas On". As far as the sound goes, it's quite good. More over-all output, better bottom end, and no tape hiss!

Before this became available, I had purchased the 2-disc Styx Anthology, just to get a modern, better sounding compilation of Styx songs. It's good. Nice selection of tracks and great sound, but it still did not have all the songs I wanted. I wanted all the tracks from the Equinox album. I own an A&M copy, put out in 1987. Just has a simple gate fold insert listing the songs, production notes, and band members. That's it. This BGO version has a 14 page booklet, including all song lyrics, original album sleeve notes from 1976, and a 5 page historical review of the band by Alan Robinson (2006).

I just hope that BGO Records is planning on offering a Grand Illusion / Pieces of Eight two-for this year! That would be great, since A&M Records here in the states are too cheap to re-issue STYX's music.

Two Great Styx Albums On One CD.......2006-12-18

EQUINOX/CRYSTAL BALL is a reissue of two great Styx albums on one CD. EQUINOX, as we all know, was guitarist John Curulewski's last album with the band before he left and was replaced by guitarist/singer/songwriter Tommy Shaw. There are many great songs here, including Dennis DeYoung's "Suite Madame Blue" and James "JY" Young's hot rocker "Midnight Ride", which is a far cry from the territory the band would later get into, whereas CRYSTAL BALL, Shaw's first album with the band, includes the stirring Shaw-written title track, a searching ballad which inspired me to put my dreams of looking good for various pretty actresses as a higher priority than food-related functions at my old school; this song is a far cry from the Barry Manilow territory DeYoung's later ballads would explore. This CD is a must own for anyone who's even remotely interested in Styx.

FINALLY.......2006-09-22

Two of Styx's best albums Equinox and Crystal Ball. Equinox being the end of the Curulewski era as we know he would leave the band to save his marriage. And Crystal Ball marks the beginning of the Tommy Shaw era. Every Song on here is awesome. The best songs off the two albums have to be "Light Up", "Lorelei", "Suite Madame Blue", "Put Me On", "Crystal Ball", "Mademoiselle", "Shooz", and "Clair De Lune / Ballerina". This is a great collection of music and any Styx fan should want to have these songs if not on this combination of the too then the individual albums. Because this some of Styx classic music.

finally well deserved remastering.......2006-06-05

The two albums that brought STYX to the arena rock circle they deserved the discs never sounded better. always dug LIGHT UP
LORELEI,and the enduring SUITE MADAME BLUE.The start of the STYX
as a teen i grew to love.Still with a progressive edge and the prelude to the TOMMY SHAW era.CRYSTAL BALL was another classic PUT ME ON may be the best song that the "weak link" J.Y.ever wrote probably because DENNIS sang with him.MADAMEOISELLE great
TOMMY and DENNIS collaboration a look at the great sounds to come
from SHAW and DEYOUNG.The title cut CRYSTAL BALL is a great song
one of TOMMY SHAWS best.then its all DENNIS DEYOUNG at some of his finest moments THIS OLD MAN the beautiful rendition of CLAIR DeLUNE and finally BALLERINA.The band was really working as aband together and this was just the start as there was so much more to come.Worth every penny to buy again the sound is so much better than the original lame A&M VERSIONS.

Average customer rating:

Live in Concert 1962
Rose Murphy
Manufacturer: Equinox Sp
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000050SA6
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Average customer rating:

Reflections - Music Of Carleton Macy

Manufacturer: INNOVA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000004AFD
Release Date: 2000-12-06

Tracks:

Reflections: Nocturne
Reflections: The Maiden
Reflections: Nocturnal Etude
Reflections: Sehr Langsam
Reflections: Circle
Reflections: Piccola Musicale
Reflections: Impromptu
Reflections: Moon
Reflections: Invention
Reflections: The Hare
Reflections: Cadence
Reflections: Rainbow Etude
Solstice And Equinox: Solstice - Julia Bogorad/Adam Keunzel/John Jensen
Solstice And Equinox: Equinox - Julia Bogorad/Adam Keunzel/John Jensen
Maria Music
Maria Music
Maria Music
Maria Music
Three Ostinato Studies: Andante Cantabile - John Jensen/Christine Dahl
Three Ostinato Studies: Lyric Vars - John Jensen/Christine Dahl
Three Ostinato Studies: Allegro Molto - John Jensen/Christine Dahl

Average customer rating:

Larkin Gifford's Harmonica

Manufacturer: Starkland
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000H0M6D2
Release Date: 2006-10-16

Tracks:

Casino: EatDrinkGambleSex
Casino: The Fearful Things
Casino: Paradise Lost
Half Moon at Checkerboard Mesa
The Bushy Wushy Rag
Rockville Utah 1926
Larkin Gifford's Harmonica: Just a Gift
Larkin Gifford's Harmonica: As Plain in My Mind as Yesterday
Larkin Gifford's Harmonica: Saturday Night Roundup

Album Description

This new Phillip Bimstein CD follows the composer's previous Starkland CD Garland Hirschi's Cows, which generated hundreds of calls to radio stations, cultivated an ardent following, and was eventually anointed "a cult classic" on NPR's All Things Considered.

The CD is introduced by the multiple-Grammy winner John Adams, who writes: "Listening to this album of Bimstein's compositions makes me feel like I've taken a slow drive through a western landscape, meeting along the way everyone from Georgia O'Keeffe to Tony Hillerman, Mark Twain, Neal Cassady, Raymond Scott, Kurt Weill, Aphex Twin, and some of those grizzled geezers that populate the novels of Annie Proulx."

The title piece presents a poignant portrait of the elderly Larkin Gifford, who offers vibrant stories, which include his lifelong love of playing the harmonica.

Another portrait features the delightful, funny Robert Logan, known as "Bushy Wushy the Beer Man." Bushy Wushy sold beer in Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, for more than forty years. Listeners will hear baseball game sounds, stories from Bushy Wushy, and a wind quintet.

Casino focuses on both Las Vegas and veteran dice-caller Tom Martinet, who discusses superstitions, insights, and fascinations associated with gambling. We also hear gambling percussive sounds and a wind quintet.

Tracks:

En Los Trigales
Guitarresca
Segoviana
Son: I. 'Fandangos Y Boleros'
Son: II. 'Sarabanda De Scriabin'
Son: III. 'La Toccata De Pasquini'
Hika
Folios: I
Folios: II
Folios: III
Equinox
Son
Evocation
Boceto
Prld No.2
Prld No.5

Average customer rating:

Narada Equinox Sampler Volume 1
David Arkenstone , Andrew White , Friedemann , David Lanz , and Paul Speer
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000BB1G2O

Product Description

Narada Equinox Sampler Volume 1 // 1. Ballet - David Arkenstone/Andrew White 2. November Winds - Friedemann 3. Canyon Lands - David Lanz/Paul Speer 4. Sourdos - Friedemann 5. Eagle's Path - David Lanz/Paul Speer 6. Rain Forest - David Lanz/Paul Speer 7. Nantucket - David Arkenstone/Andrew White 8. The Eye Of The Dragonfly - Friedemann 9. Faces Of The Forrest Part II - David Lanz/Paul Speer 10. Indian Summer - Friedemann 11. Desert Rain - David Lanz/Paul Speer

Average customer rating:

Organized Creativity Throughout It's Equinox (5 Stars)
This album is an Innovative, Epic Classic & it's OVER YA HEADS...
Coulda been a classic, but it's bit too ambitious
The equinox....it rocks!!
Greatest Group Ever

The Equinox
Organized Konfusion
Manufacturer: Priority Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003ACD
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

Interior Assasin's Car 3:45 A.M.
They Don't Want It!
March 21 3:45 A.M.
9XS Out Of 10
Questions
Soundman
Move
Confrontations
Life & Malice Exterior Club Nite
Numbers
Shugah Shorty
Interior Car Nite
Invetro
Chuck Chesse
Interior Marisol's Apartment
Sin
Hate
March 21- 3:47 A.M.
Somehow, Someway
Epilogue
Bonus Track 1

Customer Reviews:

Organized Creativity Throughout It's Equinox (5 Stars).......2006-06-17

Well the guy below me just basically summed up the whole concept behind this album. I also want to add that there were credits on the back of this CD (like the ones you see on movie posters), so that was a big giveaway on what exactly it was that they were trying to do.

Now the songs themselves are spectactular. Trying to compare this to other O.K. albums (except for their self titled album and Prince Poetry's solo album, I don't have those yet), they come with a more harder edge towards battle rhymes in songs like "Questions" and "9 Times Out Of 10" unlike "Stress..." and "Internal Affairs" which was aimed a little more toward comercial rhymes (not saying they or that concept was bad). When you go along deeper in the album, you get more songs like my favorite "Numbers" in which they throw numbers into their rhymes aming for more creativity, which makes it a plus. "Sugah Shorty" adds on to the whole Equanox concept as Hurricane G would briefly play the sugah shorty, and does a decent job. Song "In Vitro", is another song that goes with the albums concept lyrically as talking about a child being born and comming up despite many obsticales. The dark tracks "Sin" and "Hate" comes off with some word play that will gurantee to make your head nod. "Some How, Some Way" which carries over from a drive by that character Malice was involved, comes to realize what life has to offer in life than selling crack, going to clubs for women, and violence, involving the characters, which wraps up the whole story. "The Essance" is the bonus track of the album that comes off nice featuring Xtreme and O.C. Production wise fits the rhymes as well as the concept like a puzzle that makes it a plus. Either way, I've yet to hear one wack rhyme from anyone in this.

I think this is Organized Konusion showing their creativity making this album "The Equinox". The concept and skits could be hard to enjoy the first time around, but if you're one of those people who listen to albums all the way through, sit down and be open-minded/approach differently than other albums, you will like this one.

The only album I can think of that has a somewhat similar concept up to date is Little Brother's "The Minstrual Show".

Lyrics: A
Production: A-
Musical Vibes: A
Overall: A

Favorite Tracks: 9 Times Out Of 10, Questions, Soundman, Numbers, Sugah Shorty, Intervo, Hate

This album is an Innovative, Epic Classic & it's OVER YA HEADS..........2005-07-21

This is the best & most creative concept album ever made, hands down - no question (Prince Paul's "A Prince Among Thieves" comes close). How can you true Hip-Hop heads & loyal OK fans (casual listeners & bandwagon jumpers have no say in this matter) possibly believe that a duo as intelligent & ingenious as Pharoahe Monch & Prince Po (former art school students) would produce a 'failed' concept album? If you know OK, you know that failed albums simply aren't in the cards. You REALLY have to read between the lines to see & understand it (as you do w/ deciphering ALOT of their tracks & lyrics), but if & when you do - you'll see how truly brilliant this concept-album is.

99.5% of Hip-Hop albums are just collections of tracks (nothing wrong w/ that). The other .5% step outside the norm and try to create something abstract & different ie, the concept album. These albums are usually met w/ confusion, disdain, whatever, the point is we as Hip-Hop heads are so used to one way of doing things, that to experience something so familiar in a different light is sometimes hard to digest. When I first heard "The Equinox" I knew something was up, but I had idea what they were trying to do. Like most of the other reviewers, I just enjoyed the tracks and ignored (and was annoyed by) the skits and intros. It doesn't help that 90% of skits on Hip-Hop albums are pointless and intrusive...so naturally we've learned to ignore and skip-over them. It wasn't until I committed myself to ACTUALLY LISTENING to the album in it's entirety w/ an open mind, that I fully understood and appreciated what it was OK was trying to do here.

Take for example, a movie. Now chop it up into 21 scenes. Now watch only 14 of the scenes, in any random sequence. This is what you're doing if you listen to "The Equinox" just for the tracks. There's nothing wrong w/ this, I do it all the time, 'cause sometimes I just wanna hear certain dope cuts off the album. BUT if this is what you do w/ this album, then you have no right to call it a 'failure' of a concept-album 'cause you don't get it.
It's easy to see why people think the tracks have nothing to do w/ the plot of the story. OK wanted to make a movie outta "The Equinox," but didn't have the support or resources to do it, so they opted to make the album as movie like as possible - check the front and back covers for instance. Each track is like a scene in a movie, where each individual track means very little on it's own. But as a collective, each track builds on the story and thickens the plot. See what I'm sayin'?

"The Equinox," follows the lives of Life (OK's manager, Xtreme) & Malice (D.I.T.C. member O.C). The two wily young hustlers, one good, one bad, are followed as they grow from young punks into men. Basically, it's a Hip-Hop coming of age story. A prominent concept within the concept is the album's narration by a older voice, the character Life reflecting back on his youth.
The equinox is the two times of the year when light and dark are in perfect balance in a day. This is the sustained-metaphor in a the story which indulges itself in the duality of good and evil and the balance of morality in one's life.

The quick synopsis is this; the two kids start out by just livin' like young punks, doin' drive-bys, rebelling against authority figures, goin' to clubs, etc. As they grow-up they decide to go into the money-makin' business (a corrupt cheque-cashing store). The "light" side of the album ends at track #11 "Shugah Shorty" a classic track about flippin' it on girls, but this is where the fun ends.
The following skit, track #12 opens the "dark" side of the album. They get deeply involved in the underworld as other problem's arise in their lives, pregnancies, betrayal by a crew member, the provocation of self-hatred between two best-friends and eventually gettin' driven-by.
A voilent lesson nails down the moral, and w/ "Somehow, Someway" the two are presented w/ a fork in the road and emerge changed and (luckily) alive into men. The "Epilogue," tells of how they've come 180 degrees, realizing there's more important things in life. The hidden final track "United as One," combines Pharoahe (the world's best asthmatic MC), Prince Po and the characters Life (Xtreme) & Malice (O.C.). I think of this as the track they'd play over the closing credits.

So that's that. As for the musical content of the album, I've never heard OK better than this. The often dark production is stellar and fits the album's vibe perfectly. Lyrically, OK are at their best, bringing supremely intelligent and creative lyrics we've come to expect. My favorite cuts are "Questions," "Hate" & "Invetro." Even through the concept, OK still keeps it true to form, "Questions" contains my favorite hook that I've ever heard them spit: "Yo Pharoahe, brother why don't you explain, how did Hip-Hop get caught up in this ill rap game? I got a question, in Hip-Hop, who they followin'? Them n*gga's with skills or them n*gga's who be hollarin'? Them n*gga's that be hollarin' is subject to modelin' n*gga's with skills, always and forever keeps a followin', swallowin' pride - never, we be imperialistic, who rips sh*t w/o being materialistic?" Classic.
"Hate," has the two MC's flippin' perspectives and rhyming from the viewpoint of racist Aryan skinheads commenting on the black community. It's severely powerful and disturbing, especially Prince's last verse. The track figures into their severe depression in the story.
My favorite cut on the album, has to be "Invetro." This track is mind-blowing in it's originality and effectiveness. They rap from the perspective of a fetus in the belly of a cracked-out single mom, each MC taking half the soul: Monch, w/ the chip on his shoulder, wishing he wasn't going to be born and Prince as the optimist just lookin' for a chance at life. It's incredibly moving, and done over a beautiful Buckwild beat.

Bottom Line: This album is a breath of fresh air. It's unique, has a great underlying meaning and is lyrically perfect. I think it's their best work ever. Call it a home-run, it's outta the park and it's over ya head...but hopefully now you can appreciate it in all it's glory. It's time OK got the full props they deserve for this epic. A 5 star masterpiece, Peace.

Coulda been a classic, but it's bit too ambitious.......2005-03-11

No question, Organized Konfusion will go down as one of the most lyrically tight rap groups ever. There third offering was definitely there most ambitious effort yet. While the group had tackled and practically redefined the concept track, they took on the feat of creating a concept album "The Equinox". Unfortunately this ends up being the major flaw of the album. Probably the oddest choice in making a concept album was the fact that the actual songs make little or no reference to the story/concept. The songs do nothing to add to the skits and vice versa. But, strip the album from the skits and the story and you're left with a 12-track album from OK.

The self produced "They Don't Want It!" serves as a warning for the listener (look at it as the real intro for the concept-less album). Unfortunately, no rhymes hear on this tight beat, but the duo finally drops it on "9xs Out of 10". While it's all too short at 1:48, it's still enough time for the crew to drop several killer lines (PM: "I'm hitting you harder than Nancy Kerrigan on the shin/ F*** if you can't comprehend").
"Questions" is the first full-length track on the album (produced by Diamond D), which was the `single'. This is classic OK, over an up-beat jazzy production, the lyrics are just dense with quotables. There's really no way to describe either flow, even if you see their lyrics. But, if you've never heard Pharaohe Monch rip the mic, here's a taste ("I'm movin on all you punk Bambino bastards/ Your style's depleted like muscles without amino acids/ I blast kids with mass times matter/ Forever clingin to endeavors defined, clever words/ thus waiting never, frustrating verbs to rip/ My rap ratings eradicate/ For me to take rhythms and mate 'em with rhymes in mating season/ Creating s*** never before made it/ I'm makin hybrids, created potent enough to open eyelids/ and leave pupils dilated, stress is alleviated/ Now it's easier, plus economically feasible/ for me to leave rap listeners queasy and inebriated/ We made it we came, dedicated we rated supreme/ Even with or without the cream").

The Rasheed produced "Soundman" is about as `club' as OK ever gets. Over the thumping base and hard drum snap both rappers choose to show the audience why they're the self-proclaimed "God's gift to vo-cabulary". Similarly "Move" tells of club exploits, using their spoken words to move the crowd instead of beat (which is pretty stripped down to its base). "Confrontations" is a bit more slowed down, although still driven by a hard bass and basic drums provided by Showbiz. The chorus is not quite as compelling as the others, and while this may be the weakest track, I'd still rate it a 7/10.

"Numbers" has an ominous feel as echoing bell tolls roll over another hard thumping bass line. OK's mathematic raps make even the greatest MCs look inferior (Prince: "20 thousand Leagues, extra deep/ Runnin with the number 13 with my 40 Below's upon the feet/ Now Adam 12 got me in this 20-20/ so I'm double O seven about my 4-1-1/ 74 catch my 83 degrees of heat/ We merkin four-twenty eat island three five N2Deep/ Mack 10 under seat for carjacking Passenger 57's/ A Product 19 who gets the dumpster behind 7 Eleven/ 4-1-0-8-0-9-1-5-9/ Same 2-2-7 style with one nosy b**** in the blind/ Hit, one-five-five for twenty sacks and better/ Nothin but love for this n****, Mr. 16th Letter"). This proves to be another album highlight.

It's good to see OK save most their sex exploits for one track "Shugah Shorty", which allows them to be completely focused when they completely rip the track. Thank goodness Hurricane G's verse is held to only 2 lines, because based on those 2 she could have seriously ruined this stellar track (and it's one of the only tracks that goes along with the skits). Buckwild follows with the introspective "Invertro". The xylophone is a perfect match for the tracks subject matter as OK spits their usual quick paced rhymes about their upbringings and faith.

"Chuck Cheese" has a dark cinematic feel. Prince Po, on his own, weaves a story-telling rap that would make Slick Rick proud. Po shows he can definitely hold his own, as this turns out to be another solid track. While the concept of "Sin" is on point and the lyrics are pretty tight, it's hard to listen to repeatedly. Nevertheless, you can't fault Pharaohe for being creative. Maybe the concept album didn't work, but they still know how to bring a thought provoking concept track. The best example of this is the absolutely chilling "Hate". The track actually has Monch rapping from the point-of-view of a racist and Prince Po as a Neo-Nazi. Prince Po's verse was so disturbing and thought provoking; he was given Hip-Hop Quotable for the source. You won't sleep easy after this one.

The final track closes this album on a strong note. An untypical Rockwilder beat for "Somehow, Someway" compliments stunning performances by both rappers (PM: "Pharoahe, eager to see feeble intermediate MCs/ Immediately, deleted repeated-ily/ Y'all know the unprecedented/ without herb every single word'll be verbally demented/ Presented, so that when it disintegrates/ no sentiments, are imminent/ Standin alone against your tenement"). There's a bonus track here as well, "United As One" which is merely ok, cause it never allows either member of OK to really get into a full verse.

So, the overall concept of the album failed. Masta Ace, Prince Paul, and even Sticky Fingaz came through later and were successful. Here it really impacts "The Equinox" negatively though, making it nearly impossible to go one track without skipping through a skit. Furthermore it takes up a lot of time on the album. Of the 21 that span 62 min, you are actually left with 1 intro and 14 songs (I included the bonus track), which span only 45 min!! (I actually went through and calculated this by taking off skits that came at the end of tracks too). That really is really quite ridiculous.

Despite the concept aspect of the album, the lyrics are practically perfect. The duo never ever spits anything that's remotely wack and their rhymes are great at WORST. The beats are some of the best that they have ever had to rip the mic over. If "The Equinox" dropped the 20 min of skits and filled half that time with two more great tracks, this would be pushing underground classic status. Instead it'll have your fingers blistering from track skipping. Whoever was the exec producer dropped the ball, and simply the group made a mistake by taking on too much with the concept album idea. I'd still recommend this album, because quite frankly the lyrics are absolutely sick at times and it's some of OK's best stuff... you're just gonna need a bit of patience to truly enjoy it

Equinox as is: 6.5/10
Equinox without the concept/skits: 9/10

The equinox....it rocks!!.......2005-02-14

In my opinion this was definitely O.K.'s crowning moment which makes it even more frustrating that this was their last outing as a duo. Where as their debut was more intellectual+their 2nd album was dark, deep and sinister, this is their most straight forward, no nonsense, battle orientated hiphop album. Laced with the hardest+funkiest beats in their entire catalogue and blessed with top notch airtight party jams+battle rhymes this is a true b-boy's dream. With production handled by DIAMOND D, BUCKWILD, SHOWBIZ and ROCKWILDER aswell as O.K. themselves all the tracks are blazing!!! These 2 mc's were never really giving the backing their very obvious talent deserved (just like ARTIFACTS around the same time) so the inevitable happened and they split up shortly after this, their 3rd album. Its a shame 'cuz with anthems such as "soundman", "move!" "questions", "numbers" and the perfect "somehow, someway" aswell as high charged battle tracks like "confrontations", "sin", "hate" and "chuck cheese" added to the melodic "invetro" and "shugah shorty" the album really is tight from start to finish. Dope album, no question!!

Greatest Group Ever.......2004-12-13

These two should get back together and make another album. All three albums: Organized Konfusion, Stress Extinction Agenda, and The Equinox, should be in all collections before you buy anything else.

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Vernal Equinox
Jon Hassell
Manufacturer: Lovely Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000INI2
Release Date: 1990-04-01

Tracks:

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Album Description

First released in 1977, this recording influenced Brian Eno, whose subsequent association with Hassell formed a collaboration with 'Possible Musics'. Within these sparse but exotic textures, you can hear the vocal source of Hassell's unusual trumpet sound as he bends notes into breath-like murmurs. On the raga-like title track, Hassell weaves a long, sinewy trail across the slow percussion of David Rosenboom and Nana Vasconcelos, with a slowly-shifting synthesizer background acting like a minimalist take on a tamboura drone.

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