RITUAL
MARTIN HALL
12″
MARCH 1983
KARMA (KMX66)
Ritual was Martin Hall’s first solo record, a 12” mini-album consisting of three pieces of very different music. Part 1 was a recording entirely based on percussion and industrial loops, part 2 a chilled piece of disco and part 3 a suite for violins.
The record was released on the independent label Karma Records as a reaction to Hall’s former contract with multinational CBS (Sony Music).
1. Part 1 (Some Further Decline) (7:51)
2. Part 2 (Easier Done than Said) (4:47)
3. Part 3 (Ond, Onde, Ondes) (12:16)
PART 1 (SOME FURTHER DECLINE)
Caught in the means
In this closed circle
And we share and we share
What had been left behind
Only a circle I couldn’t break into
So raw, so fine
Some further decline
PART 2 (EASIER DONE THAN SAID)
Now I know it
Now please tell them
It lies between their fingers
This is easier done than said
Can you see what I meant?
Some meant amen
Near in absence
Far from distance
Still we hope for some resistance
R&R and S&S
Which is the balance of intellect?
To mistreat all that’s gone
That’s not one entity
Why not lie
You’re too blind
I will stand here in line
That again
La-la-la
I spell chain with SS
Did you bring all that’s sore?
You and I feel like that
So precious once again
Chosen ones fought the beast
Chosen ones got the feast
The classic song I hear
Why you are proud of scars
Makes you lose
Makes you win
Time to think
And begin a new life deep within
Gonna get the cool out
Martin Hall: Vocals, piano, bass, guitar, drums, tapes, percussion, trumpet, violin, keyboards
Design: Martin Hall
Ritual was released concurrently with Martin Hall’s first book, The Reconstruction Is Greater. The record also contained a booklet with collage art and writings.
