The Power and the Glory

The Zoo Crew is spinning "The Power and the Glory" by Gentle Giant, a track from their 1974 concept album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this progressive rock gem. One fascinating piece of trivia about the song comes from Ray Shulman’s 1976 interview with Trans-Oceanic Trouser Press, where he revealed that the track was a reluctant attempt at a commercial single. Their label, WWA, pushed the band to write a hit, resulting in three songs they considered “atrocious.” The label loved "The Power and the Glory," but the band was so unhappy with it that they demanded it be pulled from the market after release. Despite this, the song has endured, even appearing as a bonus track on some CD reissues of the album.

Another intriguing tidbit ties the album’s themes to historical events. Derek Shulman noted in a 2010 interview that the album’s concept, while not directly about the Watergate scandal, was influenced by the era’s political climate, including the Cold War and Nixon’s fall. The song "The Power and the Glory" itself, with its strident tone, reflects the album’s narrative of a politician’s rise and corruption, a theme that resonated with fans and critics alike. In a 2020 fan-made video for "Proclamation," which shares thematic ties with the title track, Gentle Giant members like Gary Green and Kerry Minnear appeared alongside newer artists, showcasing the song’s lasting impact. The video, mixed by Ray Shulman, was a tribute to the band’s cult following, as shared on their Facebook page.

The album’s cover art, featuring a King of Spades from a 1926–1933 deck by Austrian artist Hans Printz, adds another layer of intrigue. According to Wikipedia, the die-cut LP cover with rounded corners was a collector’s delight, symbolizing the album’s theme of power and betrayal. Fans on ProgArchives have praised the track’s complex instrumentation, with one reviewer in 2011 calling it a “five-star classic” for Kerry Minnear’s keyboard work and John Weathers’ percussion. The song’s legacy continues, with a sample from "Proclamation" even appearing in Travis Scott’s 2023 track "Hyaena," as noted on Genius.

Gentle Giant began in 1970, formed by brothers Derek, Ray, and Phil Shulman, who had previously played in the 1960s pop band Simon Dupree and the Big Sound. Hailing from Portsmouth, England, the Shulmans were joined by Gary Green, Kerry Minnear, and drummer Martin Smith to create a group that aimed to push musical boundaries. Their mission, as stated on their official discography site, was to “expand the frontiers of contemporary popular music at the risk of becoming very unpopular.” Drawing from folk, jazz, classical, and medieval influences, they crafted a sophisticated sound that set them apart in the progressive rock scene, though commercial success eluded them.

The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring and recording. After signing with Vertigo Records, they released their self-titled debut in 1970, followed by a string of ambitious albums. Phil Shulman’s departure in 1973 after Octopus shifted their dynamic, but the addition of John Weathers on drums solidified their classic lineup. By the time The Power and the Glory was released, Gentle Giant had built a cult following, particularly in the U.S., where they toured with bands like Black Sabbath, as noted in a 2024 Albumrock review. Their versatility—every member was a multi-instrumentalist—made their live shows legendary, a fact celebrated in fan discussions on the Gentle Giant Fan Group.

Fans can connect with Gentle Giant through their official website, which offers merch and tour history compiled by Jack Skelly. Their Facebook page, with over 15,000 followers, shares updates on reissues and fan content like the 2020 "Proclamation" video. The band’s Instagram features nostalgic photos and album art, while their X account engages with fans through posts about re-releases and prog rock trivia. For deeper fan interaction, the Gentle Giant Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant community, and ProgArchives offers detailed reviews and forums. The Gentle Giant Home Page remains a treasure trove for discography and historical insights, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ love for the band alive.