This is an original first version pressing of the band’s second LP. Quite unusually for the late 60’s the line up was a USA/UK mix which may explain why their commercial success was in the States. Considered to be an influential band at the time as progressive rock matured, this LP was arguably their best work. As with many bands of this era, the members went their own way shortly afterwards towards bands such as Humble Pie, Mott the Hoople and Stealers Wheel.
You will not find any 60’s phychedelia on here. This is pure unadulterated bluesy rock. On Side 1, the first three tracks are almost warm up tracks for what undoubtedly is their best track on this side ‘Evil Woman’ (9.33). Keyboards, guitar, a driving percussion base all overlaid by some excellent vocals, with Wright and Harrison both extending themselves to the max, this really is a stunning track which I suspect may have closed a show or two at the time.
Side 2, whilst not quite reaching the heights of Evil Woman, sticks to the trusted formula of the previous side, with perhaps a little more subtlety thrown into Tracks 2 and 3. Certainly ‘Better by you, better than me’ has a simple, but pretty effective hook running throughout. The intriguing track, for me though, is Track 2. ‘That was only yesterday’ sounds as if it’s written with hardly any bass line. I find this quite strange and pretty unusual but it doesn’t take anything away from the song. My favourite on his side for sure. The side closes out with a song that builds to a lovely anthem style climax.
This is an LP that grows on you. On first hearing you can see why the band didn’t quite reach the heady commercial heights of say, Free or Bad Company, but that’s not to say it isn’t an accomplished piece of work. You will enjoy this. Give it a few listens.
