Track listing: All tracks written by Chris Goss.
- "Theme for the Scientist of the Invisible" – 1:35
- "Domino" – 4:48
- "The Blue Garden" – 5:22
- "Gettin' High" – 3:34
- "The Candy Song" – 3:25
- "Magical Spell" – 5:05
- "The Eyes of Texas" – 3:13
- "Sleep Walkin'" – 3:29
- "Lookin' to Get Rite" – 3:43
- "John Brown" – 4:44
- "Kill the King" – 5:13
- "Doraldina's Prophecies" – 4:30
Personnel:
- Chris Goss: vocals, guitar, producer
- Tim Harrington: drums
- Googe: bass
Masters of Reality is the self-titled debut album by American rock band Masters of Reality, released in 1988. The album is widely considered a classic in the stoner rock and psychedelic rock genres, and has been praised for its heavy, blues-influenced sound and powerful songwriting.
Background:
Masters of Reality was formed in 1981 by guitarist and vocalist Chris Goss and drummer Tim Harrington, who had previously played together in a punk band called The Kidneys. The band's sound drew from a wide range of influences, including blues, heavy metal, and psychedelia, and they quickly developed a reputation for their dynamic live shows.
Content:
Masters of Reality was recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Goss, with the help of engineer John Agnello. The album features a range of musical styles, from the bluesy, heavy riffage of "John Brown" to the psychedelic, acoustic ballad "The Blue Garden." Other standout tracks include "Domino" and "Doraldina's Prophecies," both of which showcase Goss's powerful vocals and distinctive guitar playing.
Critical Reception:
Masters of Reality received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers praising its heavy, blues-influenced sound and Goss's powerful songwriting. AllMusic called it "one of the great cult classics of the late '80s," while Rolling Stone hailed it as "a truly inventive and powerful debut." The album has since been recognized as a classic of the stoner rock and psychedelic rock genres, and has influenced numerous bands in those genres.
Legacy:
Masters of Reality has been reissued several times over the years, with bonus tracks and remastered sound. The band has also released several more albums in the years since, and has continued to tour and record sporadically. Chris Goss has also worked as a producer for other bands, including Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Cult. The album remains a beloved classic among fans of heavy, psychedelic rock.
