At The Sound Of The Bell, Pavlov's Dog

Pavlov's Dog – At The Sound Of The Bell

Artist: Pavlov's Dog

Title: At The Sound Of The Bell

Album Type: Second Studio Album

Original Release Date: 1976

Label: Columbia Records

Genre: Progressive Rock / Art Rock

ackground & Production At The Sound Of The Bell is the ambitious second effort from the St. Louis-based progressive rock outfit. Following their debut, the band leaned further into a lush, symphonic sound. The album is notable for its incredible lineup of guest musicians, featuring some of the most respected names in rock history, including Bill Bruford (of Yes and King Crimson) on drums, Andy Mackay (of Roxy Music) on saxophone, and Les Holroyd (of Barclay James Harvest). Produced by Murray Krugman and Sandy Pearlman, the record was crafted with a high-fidelity, "wall of sound" approach that remains a favorite among audiophiles.

Musical Composition & Style The album is defined by its complex arrangements and the extraordinary, high-register vocals of frontman David Surkamp, often compared to a "rock operatic" version of Geddy Lee or Edith Piaf.

• Symphonic Prog: Tracks like Valkerie and Steamer showcase the band’s ability to blend rock instrumentation with orchestral textures, utilizing mellotrons, violins, and intricate keyboard layers.

• Eclectic Instrumentation: With guest appearances from jazz and prog royalty, the album moves effortlessly from the flute-led melodies of Did You See Him Cry to the sophisticated pop-rock sensibilities of Early Morning On.

• Lyrical Depth: The songs are often theatrical and poetic, dealing with grand themes of mythology, lost love, and introspection, delivered with Surkamp’s unique, vibrato-heavy emotional intensity.

• The "British" Sound: Despite being an American band, the inclusion of UK prog legends gave this record a distinctly European art-rock flavor that helped it gain a massive cult following overseas.

Legacy & Collector Notes While Pavlov's Dog never achieved mainstream commercial dominance in the US, At The Sound Of The Bell is considered a "lost gem" of the 1970s progressive rock era. It is highly sought after by collectors of "obscure prog" and fans of technical musicianship. Original Columbia pressings are prized for their detailed production and the striking cover art featuring the band's signature "dog" motif. It is an essential item for any Shopify store specializing in 70s Progressive Rock, Art Rock rarities, or "cult classic" discographies.

• Keywords: Pavlov's Dog, At The Sound Of The Bell, David Surkamp, Bill Bruford, Progressive Rock, 1976 Vinyl, Art Rock, Columbia Records, Cult Classic Rock.

• Collection Ideas: 70s Progressive Rock Rarities, Art Rock Masterpieces, The Bill Bruford Sessions, Obscure Rock Legends.

• Related Artists: King Crimson, Yes, Gentle Giant, Kansas, Barclay James Harvest.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve