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Rare and obscure does not always mean brilliant, but The Nightmare of J.B. Stanislas is a true work of majesty, intrigue and dignity. It’s unfathomable that it gained so little attention upon its release - Lucien Morisse, the head of DiscAZ French record label and project champion, committed suicide just before its release. Hence a lack of promotion, though it doesn’t seem to be enough of an excuse! Intended by Garrie as a purely acoustic record, high production values and a 56 piece orchestra were added, giving it a bright baroque-psych-pop makeover – a flamboyant stylisation inherent in the English, late / post-Beatles period – whilst also tiping a hat to Serge Gainsbourg. Although languid and dreamy, the main psychedelic aspect, like Brian Wilson’s best work, is wrought from stylistic juxtapositions. There’s also a charming vein of humour squeezed between the light surrealism and seriousness; the seaside postcard, music-hall vibe of “Bungles Tour” is Monkees in essence’ but has the intrinsic Englishness of the Kinks and “Queen of Queens” is a country-rock drinking song. These sit beside the harpsichord-led magnificence of “Deeper Tones of Blue”, the sheer saccharine of “Can I Stay With You” and the fairground fantasy of “Wheel of Fortune”. As haunting as the album title is, there’s nothing here to be scared of, though it is extravagant, compelling and worthy a spending some time with, and would be a perfect companion piece to Bill Fay’s first album, John Cale’s Vintage Violence and Tim Buckley’s Starsailor, all released the same year. Included in this 40th anniversary deluxe re-issue is the original album, a selection of demos, his first single, some unissued recordings from 2002, and songs written (but never recorded) from the time of Nightmare. Garrie has finally recorded them with his Scottish band that helped him on 2009’s “49 Arlington Gardens”. They include Duglas T. Stewart (BMX Bandits), Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub) and Ally Kerr. NICK GARRIE – CAN I STAY WITH YOU |
