Psychedelic blues !
chercat | 10/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own this cherished album on LP as well as several more from the time when Alan Wilson reigned .
This is probably my favorite Canned Heat album - as one reviewer said , despite the absence of Vestine , this album is still awesome. I beg to differ - in my opinion, it is BECAUSE of the presence of Harvey Mandel , who replaced Henry Vestine in this album , that this album is so special .
Harvey 's guitar is amazing and distinctive and , I think , superior to Vestine's playing . He brings something extra to this album with his amazing guitar . He is especially good on London Blues( great guitar solo here if you are a Harvey fan ) , So Sad and Future Blues .
This album also has some of Alan Wilson's final recordings, including the prophetic, " My Time Ain't long" - Alan died at age 27 . Wilson also shines on "SKAT" which is a boogie skat tune with a unique flavor , reminiscent of music several decades earlier , with a horn and piano arrangement by Dr. John.
"London Blues" again features Dr. John and the vocals are hautingly performed by Alan Wilson.
Bob Hite shouts with the best of them with his anthem song " Let's Work Together" .
In short, this is a must for collectors of Canned Heat , especially those who like myself prefer the Woodstock lineup, i.e., Bob Hite, Alan Wilson, Harvey Mandel , Larry Taylor and DelaParra.
"
A Slicker Sound
Darrell J. Wilmore | here | 06/11/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I purchased this soon after it was released and found it disappointing at first compared to the previous Hallelujah! It grew on me some after many listens but I still prefer the grittier tone of Vestine compared to that of Mandel. Mandel has a smooth approach on this release with some effects as opposed to Vestine's hornet nest buzz tone and attack. Contrary to the previous reviewer, I much prefer this approach to the guitar. The rhythm section is lumbering as usual but quite together. This lacks the emotion of Hallelujah!, from Wilson's soulful harp fills to the rattlesnake guitar tone but it's still a good listen if you are a fan of late 60s psychedelic blues."