The Baroques | There’s Nothing Left To Do But Cry | (Chess) 1967

“There’s Nothing Left To Do But Cry” taken from the LP ‘The Baroques’ | (Bootleg) 198?

Recorded March 1967 at Ter Mar Studios, Chicago

The Baroques | There’s Nothing Left To Do But Cry | (Chess) 1967 | I’ve been enjoying this album by The Baroques who were a hot new psychedelic group from Milwaukee and signed to Chess Records in 1967. I bought this album back in the late 80s from Crash Landing Records, it’s not an original and probably a bootleg. There’s a sticker on both sides of the label claiming a ’limited edition collectors item.’

What is strange is that the front cover has mono printed bottom left of the sleeve, however, the record itself is a stereo pressing.

doll’s head genius

Looks like whoever put this out were playing some games. The music sounds excellent though so I can’t grumble at all. The picture of The Baroques on the cover is pure acid with the eerie doll’s head a genius addition to the line-up.

The more I listen to this album the better it becomes, it’s a real grower with some very strong original material mostly written by guitarist and lead singer Jay Borkenhagen.

My pick from this disc is the folk-psych winner ’There’s Nothing Left To Do But Cry’ which I reckon would have made a stunning single backed with the impressive raga drone of ’Purple Day’.

This is what Jay Borkenhagen said on the back sleeve liners.

”Our songs are our own idea of not what is happening, but what we think should be happening.”

line-up:
Dean Nimmer (drums)
Rick Bieniewski (bass)
Jay Borkenhagen (guitar / vocals)
Jacques Hutchinson (guitar / vocals)

Led by 19-year old Jay Borkenhagen, this quartet devised a powerfully original sound whilst gigging around Milwaukee in 1966.

Having signed to the fabled Chess label, their debut 45 combined the woozy pop ballad “Mary Jane” with the mind-melting “Iowa, A Girl’s Name,” featuring astounding guitar break sounds like a spaceship taking off.

Their sole album appeared in September, and consists entirely of original material.

The Baroques | There’s Nothing Left To Do But Cry | (Chess) 1967

Baroques ‘Prism’ Waxed by Chess

MILWAUKEE – Chess Records has recorded “Prism” a package of folk rock “Psychedelic-styled” songs by The Baroques, discovered by Director Corp., based here. A few weeks ago Chess recorded The Shaprels and jazz vocalist Charleen Gibson, both Milwaukee acts.

Organizing the Chicago recording session was Ralph Bass, A&R veteran who produced the current Dunhill click, “Dedicated To The One I Love” by the Mamas and the Papas.

Bass describes the Baroques’ material as being in the poet-minstrel vein and noted that all twelve of the tunes, one of which is scheduled as a single, were originals.

The group consists of Dean Nimmer, Jay Borkenhagen, Jacques Hutchinson and Rick Bieniewski. Borkenhagen, the youngest at 19, plays organ, harmonica, electric piano and lead guitar. Nimmer, drums and Hutchinson, rhythm guitar and flute, are both 21 and bass guitarist Bieniewski is 20. The group has been free-lancing at several area colleges. (Billboard)

Singles Discography:

“Mary Jane” / “Iowa, A Girl’s Name” (Chess 2001) June 1967
“I Will Not Touch You” / “Remember” (Baroque T-45-53) April 1968