Splendor Solis (album)

Untitled

Splendor Solis (1993) is The Tea Party's second album, and their first release on a major record label. The overall tone of the album is very organic and natural, with many songs featuring acoustic guitars, both 6- and 12-string, and very little in terms of electronic effects or production techniques.

The album draws heavily on classic rock and blues of the 1970's, as well as displaying some psychedelic influences. As a result The Tea Party was often compared to Led Zeppelin, a parallel that was reinforced by Jeff Martin's use of a bow while playing guitar on "Save Me" (see Jimmy Page.) Martin's voice and singing style also drew comparisons to that of Jim Morrison, as did some of the album's darker lyrics.

Splendor Solis was very well received in Canada, reaching platinum status by early 1994 and earning a Juno nomination for "Best Hard Rock Album". The band was also nominated for "Best New Group" based on the strength of the release, which is now certified double platinum in Canada (as of April 2000.) The album was also The Tea Party's first gold selling album in Australia, where the band has enjoyed great success during their entire career.

Track listing

All songs written by The Tea Party (Martin/Burrows/Chatwood).

1. "The River" – 5:44
2. "Midsummer Day" – 5:58
3. "A Certain Slant Of Light" – 5:00
4. "Winter Solstice" – 2:45
5. "Save Me" – 6:35
6. "Sun Going Down" – 6:31
7. "In This Time" – 4:57
8. "Dreams Of Reason" – 6:19
9. "Raven Skies" – 5:17
10. "Haze On The Hills" – 2:24
11. "The Majestic Song" – 4:37

Recurring Songs

The track listing for Splendor Solis includes several songs that also appeared on the The Tea Party's eponymously titled indie debut:

• "Midsummer Day" (Track number 2 on the debut album)
• "Winter Solstice" (Track number 4 on the debut album)
• "Save Me" (Track number 5 on the debut album)
• "Sun Going Down" (Track number 6 on the debut album)
• "Dreams Of Reason" (Track number 9 on the debut album)

Each of the songs was re-recorded and re-mixed in order to take advantage of the improved production value afforded by the major label budget.

Singles

• "The River"
  • Promotional video directed by Floria Sigismondi
• "Save Me"
  • Promotional video directed by Floria Sigismondi
• "A Certain Slant of Light"

Recording Personnel

• Produced by: Jeff Martin
• Engineered & Mixed by: Glen Robinson
  • Assistant Engineers: Tom Walters and Alex Armitage
• Ececutive Producer: Michael White
• Recorded at: White Crow Audio (Burlington, Vermont)
• Mixed at: Powerplay Studios (New York, New York)
• Remastered by: Bob Ludwig
• Remastered at: Gateway Mastering Studios (Portland, Maine)

Art Details

• Art co-ordinated by: Stuart Chatwood
• Original art, concept and design by: Steve Cole

External links

• Lyrics