So Long Ago The Garden

So Long Ago The Garden

Originally released in 1973 on MGM Records, <b>So Long Ago The Garden</b> is the second installment in Larry Norman's famous '70s trilogy that included the dual masterpieces <b>Only Visiting This Planet</b> and <b>In Another Land</b>.<P>The All Music Guide says: <b>So Long Ago the Garden</b> has plenty of highlights, including <i>Christmas Time</i>, with its footloose Rolling Stones swagger, and the incredible <i>Meet Me at the Airport (Fly, Fly, Fly)</i>. Lyrically, this is one of Norman's more elliptical efforts in terms of its Christian references; however, the message is quite clear. Just underneath the '70s British rock dialect and shimmering songwriting is a defiant sermon that staunchly proclaims Norman's identity as a devout outsider. <P>Even though songs such as <i>The Same Old Story</i>, <i>Lonely By Myself</i>, <i>Be Careful What You Sign</i>, <i>She's A Dancer</i> and <i>Nightmare #71</i> rank among Larry's best compositions and studio performances the songs have seldom featured in his concerts with the result that <b>Garden</b> has remained an overlooked masterpiece.<P>'He was a lone wolf. He looked different, sounded different and he presented his beliefs in a way that rang true. Larry Norman knows what he's doing and if you haven't noticed, you should.' - Frank Black (Pixies)<P>'The most significant artist in his field' - Time Magazine<BR>'A maverick' - Entertainment Weekly<BR>'Thematically controversial' - Paste Magazine<BR>'A creative genius' - Huffington Post<BR>'A huge inspiration' - Harp Magazine<BR>'The most important writer since Paul Simon.' - Billboard Magazine<BR>'Enormously influential' - USA Today<BR>'A powerful lyricist and master of obliqueness.' - London Guardian