Click Play to hear some mp3 clips of where Illusion members performed as guests of others
Heroes
By some standards, the Illusion were one of the most successful unknown psychedelic bands of their generation -- unknown, yes, but with three LPs to their credit on the Steed label. Their personnel included Michael Ricciardella (drums), Richie Cerniglia (guitar), Chuck Alder (bass), Mike Maniscalco (guitar, keyboards), and John Vinci (vocals). The Steed label released Illusion, Together, and If It's So between 1969 and 1970. Illusion was interesting enough to observers to merit a release in England in 1969. By 1971, the Illusion's albums were being sought by kids who'd never heard the band play. One of their songs, "I Love You," has made it on to compact disc. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide
This Long Island quintet tried to simultaneously fly their freak flag and sweet-talk the teenyboppers, and the results were lopsided but strong enough to shine years later. The Illusion scored a Top 40 hit in 1969 with a truncated version of the opening track from this debut LP, "Did You See Her Eyes." It's a tough, swaggering number with a simple theme (skirt watching) and a basic structure, but the album cut is expanded with an obtrusive drum solo, assorted echo/wah-wah effects, and an uncredited cop from Sly & the Family Stone's "Sing a Simple Song." Such unnecessary tampering proves that the Illusion were hip to the new directions that rock was taking at the time and had grander plans for their music than mere hit singles. Regardless, these guys sound best when they get straight to the blue-eyed soul without any prog rock side trips. "Talkin' Sweet Talkin' Soul" should have been the hit, a rambunctious power pop number that bounces around the ears with an irresistible wordless vocal hook. The medley of "Run, Run Run" and "Willy Gee (Miss Holy Lady)" combines both tendencies, pairing the aggressive hard rock of the former ("I'm gonna get shot/This girl is hot!") with the bubblegummy singsong of the latter ("One, two, three/Push out Willy Gee/Four, five, six/Beat him with a stick"). Most of the remaining track time strives for a slightly more psychedelic soul sound, at times reminiscent of the Rationals or a bluesier Byrds. Of these songs, "I Love You, Yes I Do" and "Charlena" stand out, but all the material on this now-rare LP has serious spirit and period charm. ~ Fred Beldin, All Music Guide
Hi Jim, How are you? That is some amazing art work. Where can it be seen in person, do you know? I should look him up on the net. Thanks for sending. Really amazing!!! Lynne :))
Hey Liz & Jim! Yes you can eat those geese! Our neighbor cooks them for Christmas and New Years and invites everyone over :-) I wish you guys lived closer! Miss ya'
Thanks, Jim, Im glad you think of covers I could do. Why not send me a small list, even 3, of covers you think I could do, and maybe I will do them in the next month or two. All the best to you and everyone. Thanks for thinking of me. Lyn
It must have been wonderful riding in that car, going out for ice cream. 1950's photos are my favorite. If I can find more, I will send them to you. I'm glad you like this picture. I wish the color of the balloons were more vivid.
Hello to everyone...Bobby and all the cool people Ive heard of or spoken to thanks to you, Jim. Let me know when there are videos, etc. anything new to watch or listen to. I liked that last video of the great teen guitarist. Hope Bobby is doing well. I guess we have Springtime now to look forward to. Cant wait for that ride down the LIE. Got my car insurance and will be renting soon enough, blasting the music down into Suffolk. And the first song we put on is...you got it....extended version. Take care.....Lyn
Thank you sooo much for the comment you left on the music site. Its so appreciated. Look foward soon to Did You See Her Eyes on the CD player driving down the L.I.E. Song is and always will be a classic.
Click on the picture to see the "Meet The Beatniks" video.
Catch the Bossa Nova Beatniks at The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, NY on Friday March 21 at 8 pm for a Full Moon/Spring Fever Party with the Blaggards.
The Illusion . . . what can I say? This band had the best bass lines, the best hooks and the best clothes! Great harmony vocals too . . . I listenened to their first LP over and over again . . . As I said many times, the middle groove in "Did You See Her Eyes" (long version from LP) is HEAVY. I'm glad to see the band here. Indeed . . .
