Circus Maximus

by Momus

Overview

Momus' debut solo record, Circus Maximus, requires a lesson or two in Biblical history. Rife with references to King Solomon, Sodom, John the Baptist, Salome, and Lucretia, Circus Maximus may seem a bit egotistical as Momus, aka Nick Currie, steps into the shoes of the good book's naughtiest characters. But what would you expect from a guy that named himself after the Greek god of ridicule, once banished from Mount Olympus for criticizing Zeus? Recorded on just four tracks using acoustic guitar, vocals, and the odd synthesizer, the album is one of the most inventive and sophisticated records of the '80s. The songs are truly haunting and eerie, especially the harsh whirring synths on "Lucky Like St. Sebastian," where Momus takes on the identity of a Roman officer senticed to death and shot with arrows for proclaiming his Christian faith. Also included on the CD version are covers of Jacques Brel's "Nicky," "Don't Leave," and "See a Friend In Tears," which breathe new life into the '60s French poet-crooner's back catalog. Undoubtedly, Beck, Pulp, and the Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon owe Momus a great debt for being the first of the foppish dandies of the '80s and '90s independent scenes, creating a pastiche of rock, folk, electro, and pop, while spewing forth literate references with every next breath and remaining viciously political at the same time. ~ Ken Taylor

Product Details

Release Date:	10/30/2015
Label:	Manufactured Recordings
UPC:	0813195020407
Rank:	170697

Tracks

1. Lucky Like St. Sebastian
2. The Lesson of Sodom (According to Lot)
3. John the Baptist Jones
4. King Solomon¿¿¿s Song and Mine
5. Little Lord Obedience
6. The Day the Circus Came to Town
7. The Rape of Lucretia
8. Paper Wraps Rock
9. Rules of the Game of Quoits
10. Ballad of the Barrel Organist
11. Third Party, Fire and Theft
12. Hotel Marquis de Sade
13. Murderers, the Hope of Women
14. What Will Death Be Like?
15. Eleven Executioners
16. ¿¿¿Nicky¿¿¿
17. Don¿¿¿t Leave
18. See a Friend in Tears

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Momus   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar,Synthesizer

Technical Credits

Momus   Arranger,Producer,Composer
Nick Currie   Composer
Jacques Brel   Composer