This is an album called The Rite of Exorcism and is by far the most odd, unique piece of vinyl I have ever acquired. I picked it up on eBay for about 20 bucks, and I couldn’t pass it up for that price. But, of course, my fascination with the weird, dark, and unsettling played a significant factor in this purchase, and I couldn’t wait to get it and listen to it.
So what is The Rite of Exorcism? No, it’s not a Black Metal album. Instead, the Rite of Exorcism is a somewhat spoken word album released in 1974 on the Crunch Records label. Crunch Records was founded by the Contemporary Mission, a group of Catholic priests in Westport, CT. The head of the label was John O’Reilly, and Paramount Records distributed it.
The album is credited to being released by Reverend Patrick J. Berkerey, Ph.D. Berkery got his Ph.D. from St. Thomas University in Rome, where he majored in philosophy and was certified in pastoral counseling and sacred oratory.
Very little is known about this album, and there is no information about it online. What I do know is that the album is not an actual exorcism. Instead, it seems to be more of a way to allow a listener to experience what the rite of exorcism could be, but done so in a more “entertaining” style. It’s also said to be a guide or even a tutorial on how to perform an exorcism.
This is kind of weird because since I grew up Catholic, I was told that only a faithful, ordained, and trained Exorcist priest can perform exorcisms. Maybe this is a good way to do things if you can’t afford a boutique exorcism or you can’t wait for a priest approved by the Vatican to travel across the country (or the world) to do it. Maybe you have a friend who needs an exorcism? Exorcisms on a budget for the DIY type seem to be what this one is about.
The album starts with an odd, funky-disco kind of song, which is weird. I imagined this Exorcist strolling down the corridor of a church or a dank house while his posse strolled behind him like backup dancers or something. I was waiting for Isaac Hayes to stroll in and say, “The power of the jive compels you,” but alas, this didn’t happen. Once the brief display of evil funk is done, the album continues into the actual rite of exorcism.
In today’s time, this definitely sounds kitschy and borderline comedic, but I can’t even begin to imagine what it would’ve been like hearing this in the early ’70s. The album’s credits say that Rev. Patrick himself did the Original Concept, Theological, and Liturgical research, and the “original script” was by Morty Jay. Bob Jurkoski did the album’s cover design and concept. There is even a list of credits for “Dramatis Personae,” which is pretty much the list of actors for the Exorcist (Leo Bayard), Possessed Girl/Devil (Rosemary Foley), Reporter (Adam Christopher), and French Woman (Marny Briscoe.)
I went as far as to research the names of the people involved with this release, and there is nothing online of any significance about them other than pointing back to the release information of this album. There is no information about artist Bob Jurkoski and his 1052 Productions. The only information on Rev. Patrick J. Berkery Ph.D is a bio online that mentions being involved with the Rite of Exorcism album.
Even though it’s been established that this album is for “entertainment” purposes, it does give insight into The Rite of Exorcism and just how creepy it was back in the day. Honestly, the most bizarre thing about this entire thing is that nobody involved with this album has any information on the internet. Nothing. Was there possibly a more sinister concept being the release of this album? Was it meant to plant a seed of fear in everyone, or was it merely Catholic propaganda? I mean, you had to purchase this album, and it’s not surprising that the Catholic church did anything to capitalize off of its practices to make a buck or two.
Regardless, The Rite of Exorcism is a fun, quirky listen. I don’t know that I would listen to this album while stoned or tripping, but it could be a fun, goofy soundtrack to your next Halloween party, or even use it at your next budget exorcism. Please be sure to message me and let me know if this works!
Cheers!
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