Circus Maximus is the debut album by Scottish musician Momus, released on 15 January 1986[2] on Creation Records. It deals primarily with Biblical and Ancient Roman themes,[3] making reference to figures such as Saul, St. Sebastian, Lucretia, and Solomon. The title, Circus Maximus, refers to the ancient Roman chariot racing and entertainment venue of the same name.

Some of this article's listed sources may not be reliable. (February 2018)

Circus Maximus
Studio album by Momus
Released	15 January 1986
Recorded	September 1985
Studio	Alaska Studio
Genre	Folk, indie
Length	33:47
Label	él Records
Producer	Momus
Momus chronology
Circus Maximus (1986) The Poison Boyfriend (1987)
Singles from Circus Maximus
"Nicky" Released: 1986

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]

Background and influences

The Guardian has characterised the lyrical content of Circus Maximus as a "skewed reading of certain classical and biblical themes," adding that "the urgent, whispering [Momus] professes himself a masochistic St. Sebastian ('preferring the ache to the aspirin') and sings of 'The Rape of Lucretia' like a Morrissey who had not stopped at an enthusiasm for Oscar Wilde but mined the whole decadent tradition: Pater, Swinburne, Huysmans."[4]

Track listing

All songs written by Nicholas Currie (Momus).

1. "Lucky Like St. Sebastian" - 3:19
2. "The Lesson Of Sodom (According To Lot)" - 3:43
3. "John The Baptist Jones" - 3:12
4. "King Solomon's Song And Mine" - 3:17
5. "Little Lord Obedience" - 5:13
6. "The Day The Circus Came To Town" - 3:25
7. "The Rape Of Lucretia" - 4:57
8. "Paper Wraps Rock" - 3:58
9. "Rules Of The Game Of Quoits" - 4:03

Personnel

• Backing Vocals – Jane Davies
• Engineer – Noël Thomson
• Producer – Momus
• Synthesizer [Emulator 2] – Neill Martin[5]

References