Timeless classic
Steven Hugh Wilson | owasso, ok United States | 09/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Back before Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Vinnie Moore, et.al, there was Harvey Mandel. I don't care how old you are or how old this album might be, if you're a fan of guitar music buy this album now. Or better yet, buy the double-cd with Baby Batter. I guarantee you will not regret it.
There's no doubt that Harvey Mandel is one of the most imaginative guitar players alive. I remember hearing this album when it was released in 1972 and drove from Tulsa, Ok., to Louisville, Ky. just to see him play it. The songs gave me shivers back then and still give me shivers now.
This is timeless great stuff. Harvey's stuff from the late 60's to the mid-70's is really, really good guitar music.
By the way, if you're one of those people who don't understand music unless there are lyrics, don't bother with this. It's all instrumental. And again, great, great music."
I have the original LP.
. | Chicago, IL USA | 03/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While new listeners in 2002 may no longer find Mandel's concepts unique and 'ahead of their time' as we did on '72, ('Snake's original release year), and as far back as the mid-60's, this music holds up well: 'Psychedelic'-blues-rock guitar as played by a musician with jazz-quality ability and concepts equals fusion in the _good_ sense, a rarity. Mandel's work has the thick sustain that many associate with Beck and Clapton's work, but please note that he was sounding full-on modern at least a few months before those two found such tones. PLEASE NOTE: In spite of the bracketed title suffix, this CD is NOT live. Not at all, as it is filled with creative use of overdubs."
The guy who pioneered tapping on the fretboard
Philip J. Lane | miami, florida USA | 05/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"harvey mandel's career is one of always being in the right place but at the wrong time. his earliest recordings showed his chicago blues influences, late 1960s releases added a touch of psychedelia, and early 70s (the snake and shangreneade) show that harvey had some clear jazz leanings.
arguably harvey mandel was the first true fusion guitarist-long before that label even existed or became yet another trite pigeon hole. for serious guitar fans the snake is a revelation."