First-ever reissue of both 1973 Capitol albums by Mark Wirtz - the producer, arranger, and Ivor Novello winner behind A Teenage Opera - restored to their original US LP configurations and paired together for the first time. Balloon (February 1973), recorded at Apple Studios with engineer Geoff Emerick, introduced Wirtz as a singer, with lush orchestration and theatrical pop craft. Hothouse Smiles (August 1973), written after his move to Silver Lake, California, turns the same lavish production toward sharp, satirical vignettes of American life - hailed at the time as an attempt at an American Sgt. Pepper. Session players include Chris Spedding, Clem Cattini, Ray Cooper, Albert Lee, Jim Gordon, Larry Knechtel, Jim Horn, and Max Bennett. Bonus track: the non-LP B-side "Nothing To Do." Newly remastered by Prof. Stoned. Mini-LP gatefold packaging with printed inserts. Limited pressing.

Tracklist:

The Song I Sing
Trambouline
Long Way From Home
Balloon
Mellow Man
Satan Took A Tram-Ride
Ev'rybody Needs Someone Somebody
Spring
Am I Me
What Now, Poor Word?
The Way You Play At Living
Hasn't It Been A Heavy Day (Pie In The Sky Lullaby)
Silverlake Ripple
Honest Man
Swan (Ballerina)
Kings ; Queens ; Fairytales
Somewhere Else
America Sundae
Ecstacy Don't Come Free
Nothing To Do

UPC: 601570655845
Label: Think Like A Key Rec
Release Date: 7.10.26
Format: CD

Mark Wirtz - 70s Albums: Balloon/Hothouse Smiles (Gate) (Limited Edition)