Into Space & Nova
Fantastica
Music From Outer Space
Russ Garcia
Arranged by Russ Garcia
Electronic Effects & Engineer: Ted Keep
Producer: Simon Jackson
Cover Design: Garrett Howard
Liberty LRP 3084
1958
From the back cover: A journey into space – five... four... three... two...one.......
We are catapulted into the atmosphere – surrounded by the deafening roar of rockets which fade into nothingness, and are enveloped by the silence of space and swallowed into a nebulous mist of weightlessness... floating far and wide "Into Space."
Then, in the distance, a shower of stardust, bursting and exploding like fiery sparks from a pinwheel, lights up the sky – "Nova," an exploding star appears in all its wondrous glory. Before the splendor of this magnificent sight can be fully comprehended it has faded far behind us. Suddenly an unbelievably forlorn and mournful sound reaches out to us – the wails of the "Lost Souls of Saturn." Desolate and lonely beyond belief, but with a peculiar, bizarre fascination, these creatures form an unforgettable image in our minds.
After hours of travel, a constant sensation of groping through the blackness envelops us, and without warning, the grotesque "Monsters of Jupiter" appear. Plodding through the dense yellow and red clouds floating over its surface, shapeless blobs lumber through the mist. You remember the spooky fun house or the dark little ride in the tunnel at the carnival; but this is no laughing matter if anything, it's too real. Is all of space filled with these unspeakable horrors?
But now we are in a higher strata, and the 'nightmare' seems to be over. Then... lo and behold... out of nowhere comes the microscopic watermen, shimmering and gleaming as they swim in the placid, silver waters – everywhere can be seen the "Water Creatures of Astra." The passengers in the forward observation lounge have suddenly become very calm and quiet. No wonder – they have caught sight of the awesome and exotic beauty of "Venus," and we are speech- less as we marvel at her robe of dazzling splendor.
The second phase of our sight-seeing journey into space begins! First we see the dark wastes of "Frozen Neptune" with its crystalized, concrete-like and impenetrable blocks of ice. From there we visit the comical, eccentric, bandy-legged "Goofy Peepl of Phobos" jabbering in their peculiarly whimsical fashion.
Leaving the land of silliness, we soar through space for what seems like eons. Directly ahead the molten rocks of the "Volcanoes of Mercury" are visible. The liquid fire turns the sky into a sea of scarlet and, as we whisk past the barren inferno, sylph-like figures seem to be writhing against the stark backdrop.
As we continue our fantastic flight, we can see a glowing, whirling mass. We are swept from our course and are caught in the magnetic field of a nearby sun. We whirl about crazily amidst unbelieveable turbulence and we suddenly realize that we are witnessing the "Birth of a Planet." Magically, we are released from this unseen trap and onward we fly to the dry, desolate "Red Sands of Mars." The desert stretches out endlessly in a crimson blanket before us. We look for a landing spot, but the burning sands offer no such haven. The Captain eyes the control panels of myriad dials and gauges... his look is apprehensive. Fuel is low and we must return to our point of departure. As he noses the ship homeward we know our journey is nearly over, and we watch breathlessly the lunar display before us – the magnificent "Moon Rise" in all its majestic and peaceful beauty... as our homeward journey begins!
ABOUT TRANSISTORIZED-SPECTRA-SONIC-SOUND...
"FANTASTICA" was recorded in the Liberty studios in Hollywood, California, which is the WORLD'S ONLY FULLY- TRANSISTORIZED RECORDING STUDIO. Liberty's new Spectra-Sonic-Sound features a fully-transistorized recording process which incorporates the use of transistor-powered microphones and auxiliary channels in conjunction with specially-designed Ampex recorders. This combination, plus special microphoning and studio acoustics, has been utilized to reproduce a brilliant sound. Correct balance between vocal and instrumental groups gives all LIBERTY recordings outstanding clarity and presence for maximum high fidelity listening enjoyment. For best results, use the RIAA equalization curve. Frequency response is from 20 cps. to 20,000 cps.
From Billboard - March 31, 1958:
A fine mood set by the orkster. The selections all have outer space titles and are nicely orchestrated with well-controlled instrumental gimmicks. Tempos are nicely varied. A good set for jocks and one that can enjoy good sales.
Fantastica
Music From Outer Space
Russ Garcia
Liberty LST 7005
1958
Into Space
Nova (Exploding Star)
Lost Souls Of Saturn
Monsters Of Jupiter
Water Creatures Of Astra
Venus
Red Sand Of Mars
Goofy Peepl Of Phobos
Volcanoes Of Mercury
Birth Of A Planet
Frozen Neptune
Moon Rise