Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse

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]

Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse
Studio album by
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)

Overview

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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

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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

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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

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Technical
  • Lew Hahn - recording and remixing engineer
  • Patrick Roques - art direction and design
  • Bill Del Conte - photography
  • Harvey Konigsberg - samurai painting

References

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  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.