UPDATE: VIRGIL CAINE IS AVAILABLE FROM INSOUND. THEY PROMPTLY DELIVERED THE RECORD AND THE VINYL LOOKS PRISTINE: VIRGIL CAINE AT INSOUND
This review is somewhat of an anomaly, as I do not have the record. The opportunity, however, to share this with other sonic travelers is too much to pass by. The Great Lunar Oil Strike, 1976, by Virgil Caine, represents the cross-section of sincere lyrics, crude lo-fi folk-rock, Appalachian aesthetic and a gorgeous southern drawl. Time-Lag comes to the rescue again and has reissued this extremely rare 1971 rural Virginia private-press folk gem.
While there others from the day that might sound similar, the vibe and feelings released on this one transcend a lot of other releases. Some of the tracks contain pure grit - heart-wrenching stories expressed in inimitable fashion. Tracks such as 'Honey Don't Believe', come alive with the mix of heart-breaking lyrics and vocal delivery. 'Biscuit High' is a lovely story about a meeting between a widow and a stranger that comes to her farm. She needs a man on the farm and cooks a meal of meat, potatoes and golden biscuits - laced with rum. The man never got so high drinking from what he ate that night! 'There's an X in the Middle of Nixon' is a deeply affecting story about a family welcoming others to their home, making sacrifices to put the town on the map. The lyrics remind me of the days in which community and the collective vibe were more celebrated, rather than eschewed. 'Pilgrims Progress' lays it all on the line - not for the weak of heart. The Great Lunar Oil Strike, 1976 is extremely empathetic - songs of joy and sorrow. Some songs are so mournful that you want to embrace the singer. Overall, the range of expression is powerful. The Great Lunar Oil Strike, 1976 is the type of music that, after a few listens, feels like a trusted companion.
This review is somewhat of an anomaly, as I do not have the record. The opportunity, however, to share this with other sonic travelers is too much to pass by. The Great Lunar Oil Strike, 1976, by Virgil Caine, represents the cross-section of sincere lyrics, crude lo-fi folk-rock, Appalachian aesthetic and a gorgeous southern drawl. Time-Lag comes to the rescue again and has reissued this extremely rare 1971 rural Virginia private-press folk gem.
While there others from the day that might sound similar, the vibe and feelings released on this one transcend a lot of other releases. Some of the tracks contain pure grit - heart-wrenching stories expressed in inimitable fashion. Tracks such as 'Honey Don't Believe', come alive with the mix of heart-breaking lyrics and vocal delivery. 'Biscuit High' is a lovely story about a meeting between a widow and a stranger that comes to her farm. She needs a man on the farm and cooks a meal of meat, potatoes and golden biscuits - laced with rum. The man never got so high drinking from what he ate that night! 'There's an X in the Middle of Nixon' is a deeply affecting story about a family welcoming others to their home, making sacrifices to put the town on the map. The lyrics remind me of the days in which community and the collective vibe were more celebrated, rather than eschewed. 'Pilgrims Progress' lays it all on the line - not for the weak of heart. The Great Lunar Oil Strike, 1976 is extremely empathetic - songs of joy and sorrow. Some songs are so mournful that you want to embrace the singer. Overall, the range of expression is powerful. The Great Lunar Oil Strike, 1976 is the type of music that, after a few listens, feels like a trusted companion.
Time-Lag has sold their copies, while Eclipse, Insound and AQ records are showing copies in stock. Ebay and discogs are another option - some of the prices (in the mid $30's) are not outrageous. For others that don't have the cash, you can find this on mediafire. Listed below are tracks from the album.
