At the Sound of the Bell is the second studio album by American progressive rock/AOR band Pavlov's Dog, released in 1976.
Since the previous year's album Pampered Menial, violinist Siegfried Carver and drummer Mike Safron had left the band, being replaced by guitarist Thomas Nickeson and drummer Bill Bruford. Bruford, already famous as a member of Yes, King Crimson and Genesis, joined as a session musician. Several other musicians performed as guests, most notably Grammy Awarded Michael Brecker, Andy Mackay of Roxy Music fame, and guitarist Elliott Randall.
The album's cover depicts model Michael Mantel dressed as the Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
According to lead singer David Surkamp, "the band was falling apart" during the album's recording, as the members "were all wanting to be songwriters but none of them could write" except for himself and Doug Rayburn. The band broke up in 1977.
Track listing All tracks credited to David Surkamp, except where noted. All information according to original vinyl liner notes.
Charts Chart (1976) Peak PositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)37
Personnel
Pavlov's Dog (in album liner notes order) David Surkamp: vocals, acoustic guitar, Veleno guitar Doug Rayburn: mellotron, bass guitar, percussion Steve Scorfina: lead guitar David Hamilton: keyboards Rick Stockton: Fender bass guitar Thomas Nickeson: acoustic guitar Bill Bruford: drums (as session musician)
Guest Musicians (in alphabetical order) Mike Abene: organ Michael Brecker: saxophone George Gerich: organ Andy Mackay: saxophone Les Nicol: guitar Paul Prestopino: mandolin Elliott Randall: guitar Gavyn Wright: violin High Wycombe Boys Choir: vocals Mountain Fjord Orchestra: strings
Production Sandy Pearlman: producer Murray Krugman: producer John Jansen: recording engineer Sam Ginsberg: assistant recording engineer Will Reid-Dick: assistant mixing engineer
Artwork John Berg: designer Andy Engel: designer Jerry Abramowitz: photographer Michael Mantel: model Bob O'Bradovich: make-up artist
References