Search - Canned Heat :: Human Condition (Dig)

Boogie for the Bear, In Memory of the Owl..

Brett Lemke | www.maximumink.com | 11/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Human Condition was originally released in 1978 on Takoma Records. The label was founded by Piedmont/existential guitarist John Fahey, who originally was responsible for bringing Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson to the west coast from Boston, MA in 1965. The session was named after an Alan Wilson tune, and features the Chambers Brothers on vocals and back-up. The subsequent effects kindled in a triple-headlining tour with John Lee Hooker in 1980-81. "Hot Money" features the mellow guitar overtones of Mark Skyer, while drummer Fito de la Parra drives the boogie like an 18-speed Peterbuilt. De la Parra's foresight would help direct the band in future years, as this was one of Bob "The Bear" Hite's last studio records. Hite's influence on the band (though never his mountainous spirit) was starting to wane due to deteriorating health. This recording has resurfaced with a forgotten nova of boogie-blues power that was overshadowed by the last days of disco, and never truly gained the massive attention deserved. "Human Condition" shines with a rejuvinating light as Alan Wilson's influence permeates the session with an oddly overshadowing effect, as the band pays humble reverance to their friend. In the dark days before the massive blues revival of the 1980's, the Kings of the Boogie carried their art like a crutch, but never gave up on their single-minded principle of bringing the Blues to folks of all ages and walks of life. Buy the album direct at www.cannedheatmusic.com all content copyright www.maximumink.com."