Renaissance “Novella”

I liked a solo Annie Haslam record (called “Annie in Wonderland”—from 1977, same year as this one) that I stumbled upon, so much, without knowing anything about her, that I looked for more, and saw she was in the band, Renaissance, which I had never heard of when I was a 17-year-old punk rocker who more or less despised stuff like this by 1977. It’s dramatic, and catchy enough, but in every way overblown—the first song is 14 minutes long, with heavenly choirs and tolling bells. On further listening, the overall sound is growing on me, like mushrooms—and I imagine a certain edible fungus could be the magic key, here. Also, drinking mead from an enormous wooden cup hewn from an oaken log. Or whatever you make wooden cups from—be careful not to poison yourself. Same with the fungi! And I have to note, I’m doing none of those things, actually—it’s got to be all about the music, for me. The acid inspired cover opens up, and the entire inside is taken up by lyrics (in a font called “Induced Migraine”) that looks like they’re etched on a mausoleum wall. Maybe it’s wrong of me, but I’m not going to read along—I’ve got things to do and places to be… on Earth. Anyway, somehow I’ve ended up with five of their records from the Seventies, so maybe at some point I’ll take a “deep dive” and experience a Renaissance renaissance, just by sheer numbers. What I’m really looking forward to, however, is when the magic number comes up on that Annie Haslam LP—but that’s all a matter of chance. In the meantime, I’m afraid I’m not going to return to my early prog rock days and find a way to love this one—but according to the internist, the band is still a band—so dare I hope for an appearance at this year’s Renaissance Faire? Oh, well, according to their warm and informational website, their “farewell” tour was in 2024. But, then, you never know—fans are still out there, and musicians need to eat.

2.27.25