Parable of Arable Land
Encyclopedia
The Parable of Arable Land (1967) is the first album by the Red Krayola
, then known as the Red Crayola. The album is self-described as a “Free Form Freak-Out,” and remains one of the most infamous in their catalogue. A “Free Form Freak-Out” segues each of the actual songs, often resurfacing again elsewhere within the songs. The songs introduce mainstay Mayo Thompson
’s signature style of abstract lyrics wed to minimalist (and often avant-garde) melodies and rhythms. The album is also notable for instrumental cameos by label mate and 13th Floor Elevators
frontman Roky Erickson
.
throughout, and allegedly plays the solo on the album’s first “song,” “Hurricane Fighter Plane.”
on drums), playing live with the Familiar Ugly. A recording purporting to be a demo which surfaced on the International Artists
Records compilation would partially refute this. The “demo” of “Hurricane Fighter Plane” is identical to the take used on Parable, only minus the crossfades in and out of the preceding and subsequent Free Form Freak-Outs. This would suggest that the basic “song” tracks were first recorded by The Red Crayola, and then superimposed with the Familiar Ugly recording. (However, Erickson’s organ is still present throughout the entire “demo” version.) “Hurricane Fighter Plane” has an overall duller sound than the rest of the album, suggesting that it may just be that song that was recorded separately from the rest of the album’s session.
which surfaced in the 1980’s. While at the time marketed as a “psychedelic
” album, the album has more to do with (like Frank Zappa
’s work of the time) modern 20th Century Composers and the avant-garde in general.
Thompson’s lyrics, while seemingly fitting in with the often surreal tone of typical 60’s psychedelic lyrics, actually demonstrate a more literary and artistic approach than what was common in rock music of the time. On the other hand, Allmusic critic Richie Unterberger
points out that “Hurricane Fighter Plane” is “one of the closest American approximations of Syd Barrett
-era Pink Floyd
.” “War Sucks” is very in line with the protest songs of the time, and sports a minimal, tribal-like rhythm not too far removed from the early Velvet Underground.
The most untraditional and avant-garde of the six songs is the title track. An instrumental, it features nothing but a sparse and exotic-sounding percussion loop with minimal improvisation on top of it, building in intensity and then settling down over the course of about three minutes. This is not part of the “Free Form Freak-Outs,” as it seems to be somewhat orchestrated. The song carries the subtitle ”And the End Shall Be Signaled By The Breaking of a Twig”, and indeed, there is the sound of a twig
(or some other piece of wood) breaking as the intensity reaches its climax. This track in particular foreshadows the blatantly minimalistic and uncommercial nature of their rejected second album, Coconut Hotel.
Each of the songs bears a lengthy subtitle (listed in quotations instead of the typical parentheses) lifted directly from its own lyrics (except for “The Parable of Arable Land,” which is an instrumental).
Free Form Freak-Out
Free Form Freak-Out
Free Form Freak-Out
Free Form Freak-Out
Free Form Freak-Out
Free Form Freak-Out
Red Krayola
Red Krayola was a psychedelic, avant-garde rock band from Houston, Texas, formed by art students at the University of St. Thomas in 1966. The band was led by singer/guitarist and visual artist Mayo Thompson, along with drummer Frederick Barthelme and Steve Cunningham...
, then known as the Red Crayola. The album is self-described as a “Free Form Freak-Out,” and remains one of the most infamous in their catalogue. A “Free Form Freak-Out” segues each of the actual songs, often resurfacing again elsewhere within the songs. The songs introduce mainstay Mayo Thompson
Mayo Thompson
Mayo Thompson is an American musician and visual artist best known as the leader of the avant-garde rock band Red Crayola .-1960s:...
’s signature style of abstract lyrics wed to minimalist (and often avant-garde) melodies and rhythms. The album is also notable for instrumental cameos by label mate and 13th Floor Elevators
13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators were an American rock band from Austin, Texas formed by guitarist and vocalist Roky Erickson, electric jug player Tommy Hall, and guitarist Stacy Sutherland, which existed from 1965 to 1969...
frontman Roky Erickson
Roky Erickson
Roky Erickson is an American singer, songwriter, harmonica player and guitarist from Texas. He was a founding member of the 13th Floor Elevators and a pioneer of the psychedelic rock genre.-Biography:...
.
The Familiar Ugly
“The Familiar Ugly” refers to the fifty or-so friends of the band who provide the “Free Form Freak-Outs” (of which Erickson is a member). They were instructed by the band to play whatever they pleased. To demonstrate, the liner notes from one “General Fox” (presumably producer Lelan Rogers, as he was present for the session) describe “...a young man made his music by striking two match sticks together....His girlfriend kept time by blowing in a pop bottle.” Roky Erickson plays organOrgan (music)
The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
throughout, and allegedly plays the solo on the album’s first “song,” “Hurricane Fighter Plane.”
Recording
The album was allegedly recorded in a single session, featuring the band (then consisting of Mayo Thompson on guitar and vocals, Steve Cunningham on bass and Rick BarthelmeFrederick Barthelme
Fredrick Barthelme is an American novelist and short story author, well known as one of the seminal writers of minimalist fiction...
on drums), playing live with the Familiar Ugly. A recording purporting to be a demo which surfaced on the International Artists
International Artists
International Artists was an independent record label based in Houston, Texas that originally existed from 1965 to 1970.During its existence IA released 12 albums and 39 singles and was owned by a group of businessmen in Houston. Among its staff were producer Lelan Rogers, brother of country...
Records compilation would partially refute this. The “demo” of “Hurricane Fighter Plane” is identical to the take used on Parable, only minus the crossfades in and out of the preceding and subsequent Free Form Freak-Outs. This would suggest that the basic “song” tracks were first recorded by The Red Crayola, and then superimposed with the Familiar Ugly recording. (However, Erickson’s organ is still present throughout the entire “demo” version.) “Hurricane Fighter Plane” has an overall duller sound than the rest of the album, suggesting that it may just be that song that was recorded separately from the rest of the album’s session.
The Music
While the songs themselves introduce Mayo Thompson’s signature style, it is the inclusion of the “Free Form Freak-Outs” for which the album is best known. They are seen by many critics as a foreshadowing (or a direct precursor) to the Industrial musicIndustrial music
Industrial music is a style of experimental music that draws on transgressive and provocative themes. The term was coined in the mid-1970s with the founding of Industrial Records by the band Throbbing Gristle, and the creation of the slogan "industrial music for industrial people". In general, the...
which surfaced in the 1980’s. While at the time marketed as a “psychedelic
Psychedelic
The term psychedelic is derived from the Greek words ψυχή and δηλοῦν , translating to "soul-manifesting". A psychedelic experience is characterized by the striking perception of aspects of one's mind previously unknown, or by the creative exuberance of the mind liberated from its ostensibly...
” album, the album has more to do with (like Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa
Frank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, singer-songwriter, electric guitarist, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, orchestral and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed...
’s work of the time) modern 20th Century Composers and the avant-garde in general.
Thompson’s lyrics, while seemingly fitting in with the often surreal tone of typical 60’s psychedelic lyrics, actually demonstrate a more literary and artistic approach than what was common in rock music of the time. On the other hand, Allmusic critic Richie Unterberger
Richie Unterberger
Richie Unterberger is a US author and journalist whose focus is popular music and travel writing.-Life and writing:Having worked as a DJ at WXPN in Philadelphia, he started reviewing records for Op magazine in 1983...
points out that “Hurricane Fighter Plane” is “one of the closest American approximations of Syd Barrett
Syd Barrett
Syd Barrett , born Roger Keith Barrett, was an English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and painter, best remembered as a founding member of the band Pink Floyd. He was the lead vocalist, guitarist and primary songwriter during the band's psychedelic years, providing major musical and stylistic...
-era Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
.” “War Sucks” is very in line with the protest songs of the time, and sports a minimal, tribal-like rhythm not too far removed from the early Velvet Underground.
The most untraditional and avant-garde of the six songs is the title track. An instrumental, it features nothing but a sparse and exotic-sounding percussion loop with minimal improvisation on top of it, building in intensity and then settling down over the course of about three minutes. This is not part of the “Free Form Freak-Outs,” as it seems to be somewhat orchestrated. The song carries the subtitle ”And the End Shall Be Signaled By The Breaking of a Twig”, and indeed, there is the sound of a twig
Twig
A twig is a small thin terminal branch of a woody plant. Twigs are critically important in identification of trees, shrubs and vines, especially in wintertime. The buds on the twig are an important diagnostic characteristic, as are the abscission scars where the leaves have fallen away...
(or some other piece of wood) breaking as the intensity reaches its climax. This track in particular foreshadows the blatantly minimalistic and uncommercial nature of their rejected second album, Coconut Hotel.
Each of the songs bears a lengthy subtitle (listed in quotations instead of the typical parentheses) lifted directly from its own lyrics (except for “The Parable of Arable Land,” which is an instrumental).
Track listing
All songs by Rick Barthleme, Steve Cunningham, Mayo Thompson.Free Form Freak-Out
- 1. Hurricane Fighter Plane “When The Ride Is Over You Can Go To Sleep” – 7:24
Free Form Freak-Out
- 2. Transparent Radiation “Red Signs Out-Side, Which I Contain” – 6:51
Free Form Freak-Out
- 3. War Sucks “You Remember What Happened To Hansel and Gretel” – 3:53
Free Form Freak-Out
- 4. Pink Stainless Tail “Seven Guest are Quite Now, And Now Not Half So Much” – 8:07
Free Form Freak-Out
- 5. Parable of Arable Land “And the End Shall Be Signaled By The Breaking of a Twig” – 3:00
Free Form Freak-Out
- 6. Former Reflections Enduring Doubt “I Pass In A Rain That Is Always Too Soon” – 9:09
Personnel
- Rick Barthleme: drums
- Steve CunninghamSteve CunninghamSteven Ormain Cunningham is an American professional boxer. Nicknamed USS Cunningham in reference to his 1994–1998 US Navy service on the aircraft carriers and .-Amateur career:...
: bass - Mayo ThompsonMayo ThompsonMayo Thompson is an American musician and visual artist best known as the leader of the avant-garde rock band Red Crayola .-1960s:...
: guitar, vocals - The Familiar Ugly
- Roky EricksonRoky EricksonRoky Erickson is an American singer, songwriter, harmonica player and guitarist from Texas. He was a founding member of the 13th Floor Elevators and a pioneer of the psychedelic rock genre.-Biography:...
: organ ("Hurricane Fighter Plane"), harmonica ("Transparent Radiation")
Production
- Producer: Lelan Rogers
- Engineer: Walter Andrus
- Cover design: Flash Graphics, Houston, TX.