Buffoon in Asia Minor

Bill Martin Buffoon in Asia Minor: Concerto for Head Phones and Contra LP
(Warner Brothers, 1970)

This wonderfully surreal piece of sketch comedy came from a pal of Michael Nesmith, Harry Nilsson, and Ringo Starr. Known mostly as William E. Martin, Bill wrote songs for the Monkees, penned a few tunes with Nilsson, and then turned out this album. A commercial flop (every copy I've seen has a cut corner), Martin's stream of conscious pieces have more than a hint of psychedeilia in them. That the kids didn't pick up on this says more for their lack of adventure than the quality of the record. Still, I am puzzles as to why a record with a sleeve warning of "WARNING: THIS IS NOT A TOY!, It is the culmination of four and one half billion years of evolutionary development on this planet and with proper care will make more than adequate frisbee for years to come. WARNING: THIS IS NOT AN Enchilada" didn't become a best seller.

After Buffoon stiffed, Martin's career took the path of writing (Elephant Parts, Harry & the Hendersons, 3rd Rock from the Sun, etc.), acting (Hey, Hey We're the Monkees, An Evening with Sir William Martin), and doing cartoon voices (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, GoBots, etc.).

Flash Flood, Chapter 1
In Which Senator Phoghorne Repudiates The Charges Against Him
Sand, Blasted, Chapter 1
El Repugno
The Whole Enchilada Marches Off