Haystacks Balboa

Introduction to Haystacks Balboa

In 1970, the American rock band Haystacks Balboa released their self-titled debut album on Polydor Records. The band, formed in 1969 in Queens and Long Island, New York, consisted of five members: Bruce Scott (lead vocals), Mark Harrison Mayo (lead guitar), Lloyd Landesman (keyboards, organ, mellotron), Mark Polott (bass), and Mark Babani (drums).

Production and Sound

The album was produced by George "Shadow" Morton, known for his work with The Shangri-Las and Vanilla Fudge. This collaboration brought a distinctive sound to the record, characterized by an explosive wall-of-sound production. The heavy use of fuzz guitar riffs, swirling organ arrangements, and dynamic lead vocals are prominent throughout the album. The album exhibits ambitious progressive time shifts, drawing comparisons to other bands in the genre such as Vanilla Fudge, Mountain, and Uriah Heep.

Track Highlights

The album features seven tracks, among which the hard-driving single "Spoiler" stands out. Another highlight is "Auburn Queen," a nine-minute progressive workout that showcases the band's musical complexity. "Ode To The Silken Men" is an epic multi-part suite that runs for 8:55, demonstrating the band’s flair for extended compositions. Other tracks like "The Children Of Heaven" and "Sticky Finger" contribute to the overall heavy psychedelic and proto-metal sound that the band is known for.

Legacy and Availability

Despite being their only studio album, Haystacks Balboa has attracted interest from fans of the heavy psychedelic and prog rock scenes. The unique combination of heavy rock elements and progressive structures makes it a noteworthy entry in the genre. The album remains available in vinyl format, allowing new listeners to experience the sound that Haystacks Balboa created in the early 1970s.

Haystacks Balboa's debut album was released in 1970 as Polydor Records catalog number 24-4032.