Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse
Studio album by
Eugene McDaniels
Released1971
Recorded1971
StudioAtlantic Recording Studio
Regent Sound Studio
(New York City)
Genre
Length37:50
LabelLabel M
Atlantic
Water
ProducerJoel Dorn
Eugene McDaniels chronology
Outlaw
(1970) 		Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse
(1971) 		Natural Juices
(1975)

Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse is an album by the American musician Eugene McDaniels, released in 1971.[2][3] Spiro Agnew allegedly asked Atlantic Records to withdraw it from stores.[4] It was issued on compact disc in 2001.[5]

Overview

The album is dedicated to Roberta Flack: "Special thanks to Miss Roberta Flack for not being afraid to help a brother. She, in my opinion, is a lady of quality, grace, humanity and talent of the highest order. I love you, Bert-G."

Several of the songs have been sampled by hip hop producers, including Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and Beastie Boys.[6][7] The vinyl album became an expensive collector's item.[8]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[9]
Pitchfork8.7/10[10]

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald noted that "the backups are crisp and informal, while the female vocal matches [McDaniels] beautifully."[11]

The Boston Phoenix wrote that the album "occupies a funky fringe backwater where soul, rock, R&B, and the protest song aligned with identity politics, theology, astrology, urban affairs, hallucinogenic drugs, and black revolution."[12]

Track listing

All tracks composed by Eugene McDaniels; except where noted.

  1. "The Lord Is Back" (McDaniels, Dwight Singleton) - 3:19
  2. "Jagger the Dagger" – 6:02
  3. "Lovin' Man" – 4:47
  4. "Headless Heroes" – 3:32
  5. "Susan Jane" – 2:10
  6. "Freedom Death Dance" – 4:16
  7. "Supermarket Blues" – 4:08
  8. "The Parasite (For Buffy)" – 9:36

Personnel

Technical

References

  1. ^ a b Breihan, Tom (May 29, 2019). "The Number Ones: Roberta Flack's "Feel Like Makin' Love"". Stereogum. Retrieved June 19, 2023. ...his career culminated in the release of his bugged-out 1971 psychedelic jazz-funk album Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse...
  2. ^ Campbell, Scott (30 May 1971). "Rock". The Arizona Republic. p. 4N.
  3. ^ Williams, Richard (16 Aug 2011). "Obituary: Gene McDaniels: Versatile singer and songwriter famed for Feel Like Makin' Love". Obituaries. The Guardian. p. 40.
  4. ^ "Eugene McDaniels: Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse". All About Jazz. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  5. ^ Harrison, Keith (2 Aug 2001). "Rock Notes". Extra!. The Times-Independent. p. 4.
  6. ^ Moon, Tom (2008). 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die. Workman Publishing Company. p. 487.
  7. ^ Takiff, Jonathan (24 Apr 2001). "In stores today". Features. Philadelphia Daily News. p. 40.
  8. ^ Finn, Timothy (May 4, 2001). "Power to the spoken word". Preview. The Kansas City Star. p. 14.
  9. ^ "Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse Review by John Duffy". AllMusic. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  10. ^ "Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse". Pitchfork. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  11. ^ Ursul, Robert G. (11 Aug 1971). "Records". Hawaii Tribune-Herald. p. 12.
  12. ^ Robins, Wayne (July 12, 2001). "Off the Record". The Boston Phoenix.
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