It took three years for John Miner and Nolan Stolz to finish the fifth album of Art Rock Circus. Titled as "Tell a Vision", this album is definitely a labour of love. The music comes on two discs, both of which contain roughly about forty minutes of music.

The music of Art Rock Circus is simply art rock... however, to provide a more specific description of their music, I'd say ARC blends art rock and progressive rock into a form of musical. Although ARC hasn't performed this record as a musical like they did with their Heavens' Cafe, it's very possible that they will do that one day. In my view, the material on this album would work rather well in a musical. Actually, there are some really cool sections on this album every now and then that would serve as great peak moments if performed live. Nonetheless, I reckon the material on this album isn't as cohesive as it was on Heavens' Cafe.

With this release John Miner's intention was to capture a vintage sound, so analog equipment was used to record the whole album. I've got to admit that Miner has been really successful in capturing the sound of 60's and 70's. There are even some faults audible. However, it's a shame the drums don't sound as good as I'd wish. Nonetheless, I've got to praise Miner for recording an honest album with natural reverb present in the mix. There really aren't too many records done anymore that don't use digital technology to their advantage. Basically one hears a live performance, when he/she listens to this album.

Without a doubt, Tell a Vision is a must-have album for every Art Rock Circus fan. I also recommend this album to the listeners of 70's art & progressive rock bands. Check it out!

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- MAGE (June 7th, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Miner, John: All Guitars, Lyrics, Piano and Background Vocals, Lead Vocals on Tracks 7, 10 & 11 Stoltz, Nolan: All Drums, Keyboards, Triangle Ashmore, Todd: Lead Vocals on "Tell a Vision" Miche: Lead Vocals on Tracks 1, 8 & 10 Manning, Kelton: Bass on Tracks 1, 2, 5, 10, 11, 13 & 14 and Pipe Organ on "Begins Before Becomes" Burris, Timothy: Monologue on Tracks 1 &10 Branco, Tony: Keyboard Solos on Tracks 1 & 10 Jentgen, Camille: Electric Oboe Solo on "Tell a Vision" Hornbeck, David: Vocals on Tracks 2, 5, 11 & 13 Milo: Keyboards and Electric Sitar on Tracks 2, 5, 7, 8 & 11 Wallo, Karen: Vocals on "Begins Before Becomes" Syroid, Erika: Violin on Tracks 4 & 13 Martino, Jim: Bass on Tracks 7, 8 & 11
Producer:	Miner, John
Mixing by:	Miner, John
Mastering by:	Castaldo, Vinnie

	TRACKLIST:
	Disc One 01. Tell a Vision 02. The Cell 03. Art of Bells 04. Begins Before Becomes 05. The Ballad of Joan Allen Length: 39:36 Disc Two 06. Oregon Trail Song 07. The Cult on Hammer Hill 08. Poem from the Sea 09. String Theory #1 10. Rainbow Sun 11. Desert Song 12. Song for a Fifth Season 13. The Ripper 14. Synopsis in "A" Minor Length: 44:08 Total Length: 83:44