A "twofer" if you will from progressive, folk rockers from Louisiana. This collection combines the albums "Years Before the Wine" (1974), "Agonistes" (the unreleased 1973 album), and bonus material/home demos that have not seen the light of day in years! Also contained is a 28 page booklet with extensive liner notes and photos!
"Third Estate's Years Before the Wine is an ambitious and intricate psychedelic concept album from 1974 about the French Revolution which blends warm Southern summer sounds (the band were from Baton Rouge, Louisiana) with baroque song structures. Never fear, the serious subject matter is no match for the strong songwriting and light, flowing music. Stunning vocals from Fae Ficklin on the title track are lovely, but even without them, this album would richly deserve its status as a psychedelic classic. Stark, intimate production, with tasty fuzz guitar, backwards tape-loop soundscapes and beautifully treated acoustic guitar, puts one in mind of the Ithaca/Agincourt/Friends trilogy from England. The sound of exploration is evident everywhere, as the band spreads its wings, and glorious harmonies flow forth. The previously unreleased album recorded as Agonistes (1973) shows that the later recordings were no fluke. It can stand alone as one of the most beguiling folk/psych albums we've ever heard. Additional bonus tracks include singles and home demos. Budget-priced double disc package includes a 28-page color booklet, with histories of both groups by band co-leader Robert Everett, as well as lyrics for all the songs included herein."
CD1: (Years Before Wine 1974)
1a. Years Before the Wine - Destiny (4:44)
1b. Years Before the Wine - Overcast (5:35)
02. Useless Things (3:34)
03. Look at Me (8:42)
04. Kings (2:32)
05. Puppet City (8:07)
06. Think It's Time (4:40)
07. The Third Estate (5:31)
CD2: (Agonistes Unreleased Album 1973)
01.Agonistes Funeral
02.Sing His Song
03.Think About That
04.Sorrow's Death
05.The Sun and The season
06.Searching
07.Thought I Heard You Calling
08.Resurrection
Bonus:
09.Thought I Heard You Calling (Single 1973)
10.Sing His Song (Single 1973)
11.Years Before Wine (Demo 1973)
12.Teenage Love (Recorded 1968)
13.Brand New Day (Recorded 1971)
14.Death of A Musican (Recorded 1971)