Pressing: UK
Year: 1973-1975
Genre: prog
Packaging: box

CARMEN initially came together in Los Angeles as seven-piece band formed by guitarist DAVID CLARK ALLEN and his sister ANGELA ALLEN in 1970. The band’s unique style blended both Progressive Rock and Flamenco styles, with Angela Allen also being an accomplished Flamenco dancer aside from being keyboard player. Despite interest from music mogul Clive Davis, the band failed to make any headway in getting a record contract they relocated to London in 1973. The Allens soon assembled a new line-up of the band with Flamenco dancer and vocalist ROBERTO AMARAL and British musicians JOHN GLASCOCK (bass) and PAUL FENTON (drums).

Their unique live performances soon came to attention of DAVID BOWIE who became a friend of the band. Famed producer TONY VISCONTI produced the band’s debut album ‘Fandangos in Space’ in 1973. This was followed in 1974 by the album ‘Dancing on a Cold Wind’. Carmen undertook extensive touring and appeared on the Midnight Special US TV show with Bowie before parting company with Tony Visconti. The band’s last album, ‘The Gypsies’ appeared on the Mercury label in 1975 in the USA and Japan, following its release Carmen disbanded with John Glascock joining JETHRO TULL.

‘The Albums 1973-1975’ gathers together all of these albums, serving as a fine introduction to the music of a unique Progressive Rock band.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE

Fandangos in Space

1  Bulerias

2  Cante (Song)

3  Baile (Dance)

4  Reprise

5  Bullfight

6  Stepping Stone

7  Sailor Song

8  Lonely House

9  Por Tarantos

10  Looking Outside (My Window)

Theme

Zorongo

Finale

11  Tales of Spain

12  Retirando

13  Fandangos in Space

14  Reprise / Finale

DISC TWO

Dancing on a Cold Wind

1  Viva Mi Sevilla

2  I’ve Been Crying

3  Drifting Along

4  She Flew Across the Room

5  Purple Flowers

6  Table Two for One (Zambra)

7  She’s Changed

8  Gypsy Girl (Caravan)

9  The City

10  Time (She’s No Lady)

11  People Dressed in Black

12  Dancing on a Cold Wind

Instrumental

Vocal

13  The Horseman

14  Conclusion (She Changed)

Bonus tracks

15  Quiriquitu

16  Out on the Street

DISC THREE

The Gypsies

1  Daybreak

2  Shady Lady

3  High Time

4  Dedicated to Lydia

5  Joy

6  The Gypsies

7  Siren of the Sea

8  Come Back

9  Margarita

Bonus tracks

10  Flamenco Fever

11  Only Talking to Myself