Search - J. Band Geils :: Morning After

Real rock 'n' roll!

Docendo Discimus | Vita scholae | 08/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the early 70s the J. Geils Band put out some bluesy harp-and-piano style rock 'n' roll, and their second album, 1971s "The Morning After", is one of their best and most varied.



It opens with the catchy R&B of "I Don't Need You No More", followed by the excellent, harp-driven instrumental "Whammer Jammer", which is a showcase for the group's talented harpist and co-founder, Richard "Magic Dick" Salwitz.

"So Sharp" is a funky, swinging slice of soulful blues-rock, "The Usual Place" is one of the band's best ballads, and then comes "Gotta Have Your Love" and "Looking For A Love", two tough barroom rockers.



"Gotta Find Me A New Love" is a little bit generic, but it's a good listen while it lasts. "Cry One More Time" is a great slow piece of rhythm & blues. And the album finally winds down with the piano-driven funk of "Floyd's Hotel" (more excellent harp playing) and the hard rocker "It Ain't What You Do (it's how you do it)".



Even though this is hardly innovative music, the J. Geils Band makes it all sound fresh and energetic. And you don't even need to edit anything out!

"The Morning After" stands alongside "The J. Geils Band" and "Bloodshot" as the group's best and bluesiest efforts. Highly recommended."