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Barnes and Noble

Black Mass

Current price: $21.99
Black Mass
Black Mass

Barnes and Noble

Black Mass

Current price: $21.99
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Two years after composed and arranged an entire series of albums based on the 12 zodiac signs, the pioneering electronic musician delved into the occult with the 1971 LP , simply credited to the artist name . Originally issued by , the release has often confused record store patrons who have stumbled upon it -- it isn't a recording of an actual Satanic mass ( released the first one in 1968) nor is it a doom metal album. Instead, it's a soundtrack-like set of haunting Moog-based pieces which interpret various supernatural and demonic themes. While it's hard to tell exactly what 's perspective on the album's subject matter was, it's easy to assume that he was merely fascinated by the occult rather than someone who actively held Satanic beliefs or practiced such rituals. Far from a set of bleak dirges, the album expresses wonder and excitement, with melodies which bubble and percolate along with skittering drum machine rhythms. "The Ride of Aida (Voodoo)" opens with freakish, distorted vocals similar to the ones would use on his experimental LP as in 1975, then proceeds with a frenzied rhythm as the synths gradually sound like alarms going off. "Witch Trial" begins with a pleasant, nearly Baroque melody before a more sci-fi atmosphere sets in, and after everything goes still for a moment, a more windswept variation of the original melody returns. "Exorcism" sounds downright celebratory, as a spirited synth solo pans between the speakers over a dancing rhythm set in a fractured time signature. The record generally feels mildly spooky rather than truly horrifying, although the possessed moaning of the self-explanatory "Incubus" is certainly disturbing. Still, it seems like 's intention with wasn't so much about shock value, but rather a genuine curiosity and interest in the subject, and the album remains one of the most accomplished items in his discography. ~ Paul Simpson

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Barnes & Noble does business -- big business -- by the book. As the #1 bookseller in the US, it operates about 720 Barnes & Noble superstores (selling books, music, movies, and gifts) throughout all 50 US states and Washington, DC. The stores are typically 10,000 to 60,000 sq. ft. and stock between 60,000 and 200,000 book titles. Many of its locations contain Starbucks cafes, as well as music departments that carry more than 30,000 titles.

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