Gary Usher Beyond a Shadow of Doubt

[Dunderhead]

So I don't know if this is the best place to ask, because this is only tangentially related to the BB.

In the early 70s I read that Gary Usher wanted to do a "concept album" exploring his philosophical ideas. The album, Beyond a Shadow of Doubt, was supposed to be released along side a book of metaphysics written by Usher. Now the album got a japan only release recently (why japan?). The source I read said the book was also planned for release, but I can't really find any information about this. Can anyone shed some light?

[Myk Luhv]

This sounds like it would be absolutely terrible but I have the desire to read it because, well, the idea of Gary Usher writing a philosophical treatise is really funny to me.

[kwan_dk]

I would probably pass on the book and the astrology mumbo jumbo if it should ever appear. But the Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt album is in my opinion a truly overlooked gem! I really, really love the mellow cross of sunshine pop & country that Gary Usher, Dick Campbell and Curt Boettcher came up with for this collection of songs.

Anyone who loves those should also check out Dick Campbell's 'Blue Winds Only Know' compilation which has the same feel and a lot of input from Gary. He also produced a concept album for a group named the Ship in the early 70s with maritime themes running throughout the songs. It's pretty good and has some solid harmonies.

I have often wondered why it is that Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt isn't given much mentioning when you read about Gary or research his music. I haven't had the chance to read Stephen McParlands books on Usher, which are now sadly out of print but I wonder how much these have to say about the project? I would love to learn more about it since I regularly find myself going back to the Shadow of Doubt songs...

[Dunderhead]

I'd just be a nice curiosity. I'd love to find a copy of it. I'll have to get the album too, sounds really lovely.

[Dunderhead]

I was able to track down a copy of this cd and I love it! It's a must for anybody who likes his work with the Byrds or Sagittarius. I'm even more interested in the book after listening to this album if anybody has any info.