Arcesia Reachin' Arcesia

A classic since the year zero of rare records collecting and the 'incredible Strange Music' scene, 'Reachin' Arcesia' has always been the subject of many rumours and bizarre stories. Now here's the first ever legit reissue of this legendary album, featuring detailed liner notes telling the real story of the great John Arcesi for the first time. Arcesi was a veteran singer of the big-band-era who in the early '70s recorded a pop album with help from anonymous hip studio musicians. The album was released in a private edition of 300 copies of which most were handed out to family and friends. In the late '80s one of those copies was unearthed by rare record dealer Paul Major, who was one of the first persons to appreciate the singularities of 'Reachin' Arcesia'. Since then, the album, which mixes over the top crooner vocals with late '60s acid-rock and pop arrangements is now considered a lounge-psych masterpiece. This edition comes with remastered sound, a gatefold sleeve, detailed liner notes in the inner gatefold (telling the real story of John Arcesi) and rare photos. You also get lyrics printed on the insert. "Imagine Del Shannon's 'Charles Westover' LP with Father Yod on vocals and you're halfway there." ~Patrick Lundborg (Acid Archives). "Reachin' Arcesia" combined a skewed psychedelic backing with a keening Scott Walker croon and stream-of-consciousness lyrics about a life of disappointments. By now a widower in his 50s, Arcesi put his whole life on one piece of passionate vinyl. The recording's amateurism may take some getting used to, but the result is gripping and close to awesome." - Bob Stanley (The Guardian)