Icarus

Label: Pye International
Country:
Released:
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Overview of The Marvel World of Icarus

The Marvel World of Icarus is the 1972 release by the English progressive rock band Icarus, produced under the Pye International label. This album is presented as a concept piece, exploring characters from Marvel Comics. The lineup consisted of six musicians, including lead guitarist John Etheridge, who later played with Soft Machine, and keyboardist Iain Hines. The album features tracks dedicated to popular characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Thor, among others.

Musical Composition

The album blends various musical styles typical of the time, including rock, psychedelic rock, and progressive rock. Each track aims to capture the essence of its respective superhero through instrumentation and lyrical themes. The incorporation of reeds by Norrie Devine, who played saxophones, flute, and clarinet, adds depth to the arrangements. The rhythmic foundation is provided by bassist Jimmy Wiley and drummer Peter Curtain, creating a cohesive sound throughout the album.

Challenges and Withdrawal

Despite its ambitious concept and musical efforts, The Marvel World of Icarus faced immediate challenges. After its release, the album was withdrawn from circulation due to copyright issues with Marvel Comics. This legal complication made the original vinyl pressings quite rare, contributing to the album's obscure status in music collections. The album's short lifespan in the market limits its availability for new listeners.

Track Highlights

Among the standout tracks is "Spider-Man," which features energetic guitar riffs and a catchy chorus that encapsulates the web-slinging hero's adventures. Another notable piece is "Thor," which employs dramatic instrumentation to reflect the character's mythological roots. The varied musical styles throughout the album create a dynamic listening experience, appealing to fans of both rock music and comic book lore.

Legacy of the Album

The Marvel World of Icarus exists as a unique intersection of music and comic culture. Its exploration of superhero themes through progressive rock is a rarity in the genre. Limited circulation due to copyright issues has made original copies sought after by collectors. The record was cataloged under NSPL 28161 upon its release.

Tracklist

A1	Prologue Written-By – B. HartWritten-By – D. PlotelWritten-By – I. HinesWritten-By – J. PlotelWritten-By – P. Curtin*	0:32
A2	Spiderman Written-By – David Plotel	3:25
A3	Fantastic Four Written-By – Iain HinesWritten-By – Stan Lee	3:19
A4	Hulk Written-By – Iain HinesWritten-By – P. Curtin*	4:00
A5	Madame Masque Written-By – Brian CaddWritten-By – Donald Mudie*	3:45
A6	Conan The Barbarian Written-By – Iain Hines	4:04
A7	Iron Man Written-By – Iain Hines	2:50
B1	Thor Written-By – Brian HartWritten-By – David PlotelWritten-By – Iain Hines	5:46
B2	Black Panther Written-By – Brian Hart	3:19
B3	The Man Without Fear Written-By – Iain Hines	3:55
B4	Silver Surfer Written-By – Brian Hart	3:55
B5	Things Thing Written-By – Iain Hines	1:57
B6	Captain America Written-By – David PlotelWritten-By – Iain Hines	3:30