What makes Asylum Choir II by The Asylum Choir notable?

This album is notable for its eclectic style and has gained a cult following over the years, influencing artists in the Americana and roots rock scenes. The track 'Sweet Home Chicago' exemplifies the blending of traditional blues with contemporary rock sensibilities, showcasing the duo's innovative approach during a transformative period in American music. Asylum Choir II is the second album from The Asylum Choir, released in 1971 after their self-titled debut. At this point, the duo, made up of Leon Russell and Marc Benno, was exploring a unique blend of genres, combining rock with elements of folk and blues while establishing their distinctive sound.

How many songs are on Asylum Choir II?

Asylum Choir II has 16 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Released 55 years ago this November

Asylum Choir II

The Asylum Choir · 1971

48 min · 16 tracks

A vibrant fusion of rock and blues that channels both whimsy and introspection through playful instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sweet Home Chicago — This track serves as a vibrant reinterpretation of the classic blues standard, infusing it with a lively energy that highlights the duo's musical chemistry.
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Ballad for a Soldier — The poignant storytelling paired with haunting melodies reflects on themes of loss and longing, marking a significant emotional peak within the album.
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When You Wish Upon a Fag — With its humorous yet reflective lyrics, this song stands out for its satirical take on aspirations and societal norms, indicative of the album's playful spirit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 54% of albums we've rated

The album showcases eclectic songwriting and varied instrumentation, but its cohesion suffers from the extensive tracklist.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Hello Little Friend,' which blends spoken word with melodic elements.
The use of varied tempos is notable; for instance, 'Down on the Base' maintains a steady groove while 'Death of the Flowers' slows down to create a more reflective mood.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Sweet Home Chicago 3:22
2 Down on the Base 2:17
3 Hello Little Friend 2:52
4 Salty Candy 2:26
5 Tryin’ to Stay Alive 2:49
6 …Intro to Rita… 2:06
7 Straight Brother 3:07
8 Learn How to Boogie 2:40
9 Ballad for a Soldier 4:24
10 When You Wish Upon a Fag 4:08
11 Lady in Waiting 3:39
12 Welcome to Hollywood 2:31
13 Death of the Flowers 3:16
14 Icicle Star Tree 3:05
15 Mr. Henri the Clown 3:01
16 Soul Food 2:14

What to play next

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Look Inside the Asylum Choir

1968

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata