Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 10/31/2003
(2 out of 5 stars)
"This is a cash-in album originally released in 1966 to exploit the Batman fad. It has gained some noteriety over the years, because Sun Ra and members of The Blues Project played on it. Musically, however, it is nothing special. Most of the tracks don't have much of a melody, and just feature the musicians jamming. This is okay to listen to, but it doesn't really represent the best of either Sun Ra or The Blues Project. However, I do have to say that the nearly 7 minute "Batman and Robin Over the Roofs" is pretty wild, cool and swinging. One unfortunate thing about this CD is that it is in mono. I think that a good stereo mix would really enhance this recording. This CD is really for hardcore Batman, Sun Ra or Blues Project fans only."
It Swings Hard
Scott McFarland | Manassas, VA United States | 11/07/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Most noted because Sun Ra and some of his Arkestra members are present, along with a rock band called "The Blues Project". This was an LP being made to be bought by kids into "Batman", with the musicians trying to provide music that recalled the "BANG! POW! K-SHAM!" atmosphere of the TV show, while riffing around on mostly public domain themes.Given those humble roots, knowing that's what this was ... you'll be surprised at how hard this swings! It kicks! It rocks! Seriously, it's a pretty decent collection of hard rock/funk groove."
Could have been anybody
Patrick More | Columbus, OH USA | 07/25/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Sun Ra, John Gilmore, Marshall Allen, and Pat Patrick apparently sat in with Al Kooper and some others to make this straight-ahead R&B record. Not a bit like post-1950s Sun Ra, this is recommended for collectors and for dance parties. Not bad for what it is, but don't start here if you want Sun Ra."
Not what anyone would hope it is.
Michael Stack | North Chelmsford, MA USA | 08/08/2005
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This one is so bizarre it really needs to be heard to be understood. Evidentally, somehow producer Tom Wilson managed to convince Sun Ra to bring several members of his band (including John Gilmore, Marshall Allen and Pat Patrick) into the studio with parts of the Blues Project (who I confess I'm not overly familiar with) to record the Adam West Batman TV show theme and a bunch of loose jams for a record for a toy company.
Yeah, it sounds about like that too.
It's a terribly unexciting album-- straightahead blues jams on a bunch of classical pieces retitled. And the playing isn't particularly exciting. And while "Batman and Robin Over the Roofs" manages to cut loose and really features some fine playing, for the most part, all the pieces are edited before any of the playing gets particularly interesting.
A curiosity likely only of interest to Sun Ra or Blues Project completionists, everyone else should probably skip this one."
I'm getting this even though I still have the original
Perry Der | Gainesville, FL | 08/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...not my original. I got mine in 1970 as part of this weird Batman Back to School Package, complete with Batman clear pencilcase gun. Like I said, weird. I lost the record in Baltimore and bought another off a classmate in '77. Anyway, its a great listen and importantly you learn to admire updated jams of public domain classical music. Rockin! Buy this album and you won't really need -50 beloved classical pieces- as seen on tv anymore. You will also be compelled to dance like Adam West."