HALLQUIST, BILLY - Persephone

"Rare, 1972 private-press druggy psych-folk from Minnesota on Orion Records, which has become famous in fields of U.S. basement-psychedelic/singer-songwriter gems. Billy Hallquist played in a late '60s band called Thundertree which released a fine album on the Roulette label. On Persephone, Billy's weeding through a basement full of glistening papers only a drifter's heart is able to read. There's flashes of eastern-pattern beads in his acoustic-guitar-strumming, there's a bucket of loner strive being dispersed at your needs. There's a nightmarish plea on "Persephone," whispering out of Hades' lair and building into anthemic fare. Some songs are just him and his wooden box, others have a full-combo backing with electric/acoustic gear. Acid-tinged rural folk-psych sounds abound on this disc, showcasing the great song structure with tunes that stay with you afterward. Has one of the coolest original cover designs you have ever seen, depicting anatomically-correct half-man-beast gods ruling over all." - Riverman Music .