RAH!
running_man | Chesterfield Twp., MI | 11/05/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you're looking for an unusual compilation of Canned Heat's early work, give prime consideration to 'Far Out', which contributes Rarities, Alternates, and Hits (RAH) to flesh out it's two discs. The collection couldn't start out finer than the rambling cover of Sam the Sham's #2 hit from 1965, 'Wooly Bully'. Also released for the first time are five other tracks, including a version of Al "Blind Owl" Wilson's prophetic 'My Time Ain't Long', the novelty 'Chipmunk Song' with Alvin and Bob "The Bear" Hite trading fevered jabs, and several group efforts at composing by the band, 'Christmas Blues', 'Poor Moon', and 'Lowdown'.
If you're a long-time fan of Canned Heat's more familiar work, you may find the alternate versions and mixes of the band's seminal work to be refreshing. All three of Canned Heat's Top 40 charting songs are offered here, including two versions of 'On the Road Again', one being the single release. Different mixes of 'Going Up the Country' and Wilbert Harrison's 'Let's Work Together' complete the trio. Then there are those songs that appeared frequently on concert setlists by the band, such as 'Bullfrog Blues', Elmore James' 'Dust My Broom', 'When Things Go Wrong', and 'Rollin' And Tumblin', and the 'Refried Hockey Boogie' (which gives each band member an opportunity to cook over the Heat), all offered in alternate versions or mixes. Two John Lee Hooker compositions ('Dimples' and 'Louise') further establish the band's strong connection to traditional blues. The band's own compositions, always more boogie-fied and rock and roll oriented, are well represented in compositions such as 'Amphetamine Annie', 'Big Road Blues', and 'Same All Over'. Among the three extended tracks is an eleven minute version of 'Sweet Sixteen' (this version written by record executive Ahmet Ertegun, misspelled as Ertegum in the liner notes).
The double discs are packaged in a rugged and beautiful double-gatefold digipak, which includes an uncredited biography of the band, essential information on the individual tracks, and some curious memorabilia and photographs that lend some superficial authenticity to the 'Far Out' moniker. The audio contents of the package, however, belie the psychedelic origins of the title. Canned Heat were clearly a blues, boogie, and rock band, with foray's into psychedelia being few and far between. Their mystique and 'connection' to the counterculture have much more to do with 'Going Up the Country' being tapped as the title song for the movie 'Woodstock', and the drug-driven demise of Al Wilson. Despite the slightly misleading title, 'Far Out' can be appreciated for it's scope, not only in song selection, but also for representing each key contributor to the band, including drummers Frank Cook, who was replaced by Fito De La Parra, and lead guitarists Henry Vestine and Harvey Mandel. These discs hold appeal for both the completist as well as the individual looking for an overview of the band's best work. The $40 asking price has apparently stifled sales, but the scant used copies available for purchase may be had for between $10 and $20, making comparative shopping (and BIDDING... hint, hint) a must!"
Extremely High Quality Compilation
"The Woj" | Downers Grove, IL | 04/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Arguably one of the best Canned Heat compilations available.
Some of the recordings sound a little raw and under-produced, but that's the way the blues is supposed to be. (Now someone tell that to Buddy Guy).
Some real gems here and well worth the price for any real Heat fan."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1