Friday, February 24, 2006

Miracle Legion


A six track EP/LP on the Making Waves label from 1985. I remember Andy Kershaw playing The Backyard on his BBC radio show back then and loving it and a short time after found a copy in Brick Lane market on a stall that sold deletions. This is what Trouser Press said of them-

"Criticized for their uncanny resemblance to R.E.M., Connecticut's Miracle Legion cannot be so easily dismissed as rote imitators. There's no denying the obvious similarities (vocals and guitar); thanks to musical creativity, however, Miracle Legion manages to stake out their own territory.

Savvy production techniques and aggressive playing make The Backyard a landmark. Mark Mulcahy's vocals can grate, but not enough to sully the sheer brilliance of the title track, "Stephen Are You There," "Closer to the Wall" and "Butterflies." Surprise Surprise Surprise lacks the honest abandon of The Backyard, an essential ingredient to Miracle Legion's appeal. In spite of improved musicianship and vocals, it's a disappointment."

If only REM sounded as good as this.

Miracle Legion - The Backyard

Miracle Legion - Butterflies

These You Send It files are avaible for seven days or until exhausted.

6 comments:

jonder said...

Miracle Legion moonlighted as the band Polaris on the children's TV show "Pete & Pete"!

Andy said...

While I agree that The Backyard is pretty darn good - "Surprise Surprsie..." was a fine album and "All For The Best" is one of Miracle Legion's very finest moments...

hazel said...

I bow to your superior knowledge as The Backyard is the only record of theirs I have heard. Thanks for the feedback.

hazel said...

That was me by the way. I forgot to log in again!

Wastedpapiers said...

Thanks for dropping by Mal. I agree- these fine records should be out on CD again.

Rod Whisner said...

Any chance you could repost?

Thanks?!?!?!

Rod