The Mask Man
Maskman and the Agents (aka The Mask Man group) was an American R&B and soul band that emerged in the 1960s. They were known for their distinctive sound and were particularly popular during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The group was formed in 1964 in Washington, DC, and consisted of various musicians, with lead vocals handled by Harmon "Maskman" Bethea, originally from South Carolina. Bethea's musical journey led him to settle in the DC area after serving in the military, contributing significantly to the band's style and identity.
Maskman and the Agents achieved notable success with a couple of national hits, including "One Eye Open" and "My Woman, My Dog and My Cat" in the late 1960s. Their songs reflect the popular styles of the time, blending elements of soul and R&B that resonated with a wide audience.
The band's discography includes various singles and albums, with "My Wife, My Dog, My Cat / Love Bandito" being one of their notable releases from 1969. Their music is available on platforms like Discogs, where fans can explore their albums and listen to their tracks.
Maskman and the Agents left a mark in the R&B and soul genres during their active years, and their music continues to be celebrated for its contributions to the era's musical landscape.
In summary, Maskman and the Agents were a significant part of the late 1960s musical scene, gaining recognition for their unique sound and memorable hits.
One Eye Open
Written-By – Harmon Bethea, Jim Burston 2:53
A2 Yaw'll
Written-By – Harmon Bethea 2:38
A3 Wigs
Written-By – Harmon Bethea 2:33
A4 I Wouldn't Come Back
Written-By – Harmon Bethea 2:07
A5 Roaches
Written-By – Harmon Bethea 2:15
B1 The World Is A Cafeteria
Written-By – Harmon Bethea 2:27
B2 It's The Thing
Written-By – Harmon Bethea 2:30
B3 In A Crowded Station
Written-By – Harmon Bethea 2:41
B4 Never Would Have Made It
Written-By – Frank Motley, Harmon Bethea 2:40
B5 Love Bandito
Written-By – Harmon Bethea 2:15
Label: Dynamo Records – DS 8004
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Soul
The Mask Man – One Eye Open album is praised as a fun, gritty collection of proto-funk and northern soul from the '60s, featuring Harmon Bethea as the masked singer with catchy tunes like the hit "One Eye Open," known for its humor, energetic beats, and quirky lyrics about domestic drama (wigs, roaches, boiling water). While the original recordings are celebrated for their raw sound, modern reissues (like the 2014 CD compilation) offer a comprehensive collection of tracks, though some vinyl reissues have reported manufacturing defects like locked grooves.
Reviewers find it a cool, funny, and well-crafted soul album perfect for parties, highlighting its unique charm and classic sound. Critics describe the record as "crackling with energy" and featuring "frantic beats". It is noted for its "gritty soul" quality, proving that Bethea's comedic persona—wearing a Lone Ranger-style mask—didn't detract from his serious vocal talent.
A popular CD reissue gathers two albums' worth of material, including hits like "One Eye Open," "My Wife, My Dog, My Cat," and "The World Is a Cafeteria".
Some listeners warn that specific vinyl reissues have quality issues, with the title track containing a skip/locked groove.
In essence, it's a cult favorite offering a blend of raw soul power and quirky lyrical storytelling, best enjoyed through reliable sources or original pressings (if you can find them!).