The Cycle Is Complete (1971)
Buffalo Springfield’s Forgotten Man
Trying to compete with Stephen Stills, Neil Young and Ritchie Furay for creative space within Buffalo Springfield, it’s not surprising bassist Bruce Palmer never wrote or sang any material for the short lived super-group (before they knew they were super). Before Buffalo’s breakup, and after years of dealing with pot busts and Canadian deportation issues, Palmer would eventually channel his individuality into his only solo album, The Cycle Is Complete – an esoteric, instrumental LP made up of 4 folky/jazzy jam improvisations, backed by members of the 60s group Kaleidoscope… and funkster Rick James (before he knew he was Rick James, bitch!). The All Music Guide, giving it 4-1/2 stars, suggests “the end result is something along the lines of latter-era Traffic and the psychedelic soul of Rotary Connection.” The album was, as you might imagine, totally ignored. Afterwards, Palmer would disappear from the radar, resurfacing in the 80s for a brief period with Neil and a couple different Springfield revival bands in the 90s. Too bad… he had a lot to offer creatively, which this LP makes clear. Amazon.
Alpha-Omega-Apocalypse (16:42)
Interlude (1:58)
Oxo (7:08)
Calm Before The Storm (9:55)
19 Comments
Groovy stuff, Willard. The Traffic comparison is very apt. I read his bio as this downloaded, & realized that this was part of his legacy. Very sad when great music is ignored. It looks like he was a victim of too many chiefs & not enough Indians during his tenure with Buffalo Springfield. Thanks for spreading the word.
Hi pj,
Apparenty, he wasn't as motivated by stardom as his bandmates were, either. His disappearance after this album kind of drives the idea home and it's been written he was even camera shy. This album really has a totally live and improvised feel, which is pretty cool. The track "Interlude" is really Traffic-like.
It's all good stuff. Musician's lives are always the most interesting to follow. The greats & the near-greats all follow the Muse for good or ill, but we reap the benefits by loving their sounds & spreading the word. You do the ultimate service by letting others know of their lesser-known works & informing the public. Thanks again, pard.
thanks will enjoy this – steve.
About time somebody posted this! Huzzah!
Wow! Never knew this existed, which is a deep, deep shame. Thanks for sharing!
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Awesome. Great headphone tripping tunes, thanks.
Definitely a headphones LP.
There are two versions of this release; the original LP mix, and the remixed CD on Collectors Choice.
Yeah… haven’t heard the Collector’s Choice version. How different is it?
I prefer the original mix. Dug this up in a hurry (note track times).
Alpha-Omega-Apocalypse (16:43)
Interlude (1:58)
Oxo (7:57)
Calm Before The Storm (10:12)
Got them both up now, thanks.
i think its sad that he and the drummer were so keen on the reunion[needing the money i guess]that was discussed for 10yrs or so and it was only after their death that it happened
I actually bought this album when it was released and lost it somewhere along the way (perhaps it was that night my college roomie taught me how to skeet shoot) but it is great to hear this once again!
Really great stuff – just happened to be reading about the Springfield’s upcoming “reunion” tour, and saw this. Unexpected, wonderful – the usual hallmarks of a great Capt. post. Thanks!
Wow, indeed.
I’m hitting the headphones in a few, after I sneak a reefer while walking the dog.
Thanks for this.
Better keep that canine in treats or he’ll rat you out.
Turning me on to so much great stuff! Thanks!