Jefferson Airplane Takes Off [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Originally released in 1966, this RCA/BMG Heritage remastered reissue adds 8 bonus tracks, 'Runnin' 'Round This World', 'High Flyin' Bird', 'It's Alright', 'Go To Her' (early version), 'Let Me In' (original uncensored version), 'Run Around' (original uncensored version), 'Chauffer Blues' (alternate version-previously unissued) & 'And I Like It' (alternate version-previously unissued). Includes 12-page booklet with extensive liner notes, detailed track listing & rare photos. 2003.

Tracks:

Blues Form An Airplane
Let Me In
Bringing Me Down
It's No Secret
Tobacco Road
Come Up The Years
Run Around
Let's Get Together
Don't Slip Away
Chauffeur Blues
And I Like It
Bonus Tracks: Runnin' 'Round This World
Bonus Tracks: High Flying Bird
Bonus Tracks: It's Alright
Bonus Tracks: Go To Her (Early Version)
Bonus Tracks: Let Me In (Original Uncensored Version)
Bonus Tracks: Run Around (Original Uncensored Version)
Bonus Tracks: Chauffeur Blues (Alternate Version - Previously Unissued)
Bonus Tracks: And I Like It (Alternate Version - Previously Unissued)

Album Description

Originally released in 1966, this RCA/BMG Heritage remastered reissue adds 8 bonus tracks, 'Runnin' 'Round This World', 'High Flyin' Bird', 'It's Alright', 'Go To Her' (early version), 'Let Me In' (original uncensored version), 'Run Around' (original uncensored version), 'Chauffer Blues' (alternate version-previously unissued) & 'And I Like It' (alternate version-previously unissued). Includes 12-page booklet with extensive liner notes, detailed track listing & rare photos. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

"It's No Secret" this can't be overlooked anymore!.......2007-06-19

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

There has never been a more appropriate day to review the debut Jefferson Airplane effort. The female vocalist at the time Signe Anderson is now battling cancer and monetary issues. Before we get to the music, please help her. If you go to the Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship message boards, you will see information on making donations directly to Signe. If you need further information, please contact me directly and put Signe Anderson in the subject line.

As often happens in the world of rock and roll even passionate fans of a band will miss the actual birth. Deep Purple for example is often associated with the start of their musical journey when Ian Gillian took over the vocals, but they had three studio albums under their belt. The progressive band "Yes" had two records released, yet many people think the third album is their first.

The Jefferson Airplane did have a flight before the classic line-up took hold. The fantastic first record is before Grace Slick and Spencer Dryden (Drums) would be part of the crew.

The perfect opening track for the recording is Marty Balin's "Blues From An Airplane." After the first verse, any ear can decipher the brilliance and passion in his voice.

"It's No Secret" (Another Balin composition) would become a staple of the band's early stage repertoire. Balin changes gears and shows his musical diversity with the upbeat rocker.

"Tobacco Road" is indeed the often-covered tune written by John Loudermilk. The majority of folks may think of the Nashville Teens hit version, but the Airplane rendition is as good as any.

"Let's Get Together" (Written by Dino Valente) yeas later would become an anthem for the Youngbloods under the name of "Get Together." Before the well-deserved accolades were handed to them, the Airplane had done a superlative arrangement.

Signe Anderson's voice can be heard miles away on the brilliant "Chauffeur Blues." She relayed a great story to me for the book that during a studio session of the song a mixing board ended up exploding because the engineers had her levels too high.

If you don't already know how tight the reigns were on suggestive lyrics back then the bonus tracks will introduce you to the songs that were originally censored and how ridiculous the reasons were! Even from day one, Paul Kantner was pushing the musical envelope.
The remarkable achievement of the initial J.A. recording is the consistency. While they took some blues from Jorma, folk from Paul, and Marty's love for rhythm and blues, they also initiated a sound for the ages. As great as they would become, even if this line-up remained and the style didn't take the more esoteric approach, they could have had their place in history as a tremendous rock and roll band.

The remastered CD sounds even better with the additional tracks. Play it once and it won't ever be too far from your hands.

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

a '60s landmark, and one of the best records ever.......2007-03-17

I picked up this CD on something of a lark, and what a mind-blower it's turned out to be. "Jefferson Airplane Takes Off", originally released in September of 1966, is an astonishing debut album.

The liner notes of this particular CD edition point out that this is basically a 'live in the studio' album, without much overdubbing or "studio experimentation", but that just makes the Airplane's accomplishment here all the more impressive--clearly these guys knew exactly what they were doing. The playing on this album is sensational. A ton of credit has to go to Marty Balin--not only is he one of the best, most expressive vocalists in all of '60s rock, but he seemed to have some kind of sixth sense in terms of assembling the original band lineup, and apart from 3 covers, he wrote or co-wrote the remaining 8 songs on the original album.

You CERTAINLY shouldn't get it in your head that this can't be as good as later albums due to the absence of Grace Slick. Yes, Grace is great, of course, and incredibly distinctive. But Signe Anderson, in her only album ever with the band, absolutely soars on her vocal spotlight "Chauffeur Blues", and although she's not involved in any of the songwriting, she plays a vital role in the group's frequent, rich harmony arrangements.

Also, don't let people who tag this as a 'folk-rock' record give you the wrong idea--it's actually an extremely versatile album. The album opener "Blues From An Airplane" (co-written by Skip Spence) is a superb, ominous acid rocker that captivates you immediately with its droning guitars and Jack Casady's thunderous bass. Paul Kantner steps up to the mic for a devastating lead vocal turn on the mind-blowingly awesome "Let Me In", a ferocious, cathartic, cleverly-timed garage rocker stuffed with blistering riffs and a smoking Jorma Kaukonen solo. The deviously laidback shuffle "Bringing Me Down" has sort of a Byrds-y jangle to it, matched with a quasi-bluesy pattern, melodic bass, and a great descending riff sequence. Marty Balin's one solo composition "It's No Secret" is a brilliant love song--Balin's exuberant, from the gut vocals on it are intoxicating, and the song's surprising bridge section elevates it to a whole other level of genius. The cover of "Tobacco Road" is superly done, with its moody opening guitar passage setting the stage perfectly. The 6/8 ballad "Come Up The Years" is an achingly lovely and bittersweet love song with an appropriately shimmering glockenspiel part. "Run Around" has a manic, arpegiatted guitar part that just knocks your socks off. Kaukonen brings on a full-blown slow blues vibe for "And I Like It", a defiant, yet deeply emotional epic with a wrenching solo vocal from Balin--it was a brilliant way to end the original album.

You can hardly even pick out favorite songs on here, and album plays out like a truly unified, ingeniously-conceived, timeless work of art.

A big thumbs up to RCA for the inclusion of 9 bonus tracks, including a 'hidden' instrumental version of "Blues From An Airplane" at the end. We get the 'original uncensored version' of "Let Me In" which 'accidentally' appeared on a very limited number of early pressings of the original vinyl album--RCA had issues with some of the lyrics and the band re-recorded it from scratch, which proved to be a blessing because the subsequent 'regular' version of the song is more forcefully performed, although the 'uncensored' version is still terrific and fascinating from a historical standpoint. "High Flying Bird" wasn't included on the original album, perhaps because they felt they already had one gloomy cover song with "Tobacco Road", and "...Bird" does have a similar feel, but it's wisely appended here. The 'early version' of the rocker "Go To Her" and an 8+ minute take of "And I Like It" are just a couple more goodies that round out what appears to be THE definitive version of this beyond-classic album (although some fans may also want the version that presents the whole album in mono & stereo versions). An absolute must-have.

After all these years.......2005-10-07

it's interesting to see a whole new generation turning on to this album. I hate to admit that I am old enough to have seen the Jefferson Airplane of this album live at UC Santa Barbara - one of the best concerts I have ever seen. It's really good to hear that this style, which I liked even more than the Grace Slick days, still sounds fresh and appealing. Sometimes Grace screeched on the high notes. Signe Toly Anderson, on the other hand, had a voice that was very well matched to Marty Balin in depth and tone. And as for Jorma - well, his work is just timeless.

Often Overlooked First Album before Grace Slick.......2005-09-27

I share with some other reviewers the feeling that this album is a regrettably ignored beginning for what was easily one of the four or five most important American bands in the post-Beatles world of Rock.

Part of the reason for this was the great success of 'Surrealistic Pillow', the group's second album and the first to feature Grace Slick, who brought with her two of the groups's most distinctive tracks, 'White Rabbit' and 'Someone To Love'.

This album clearly demonstrates that the group started out as Marty Balin's band, with Kantner, Jorma, Skip Spence, and Jack Casady all brought in to share Balin's vision. That this album is as good as it is becomes a testament to the strength of that vision. And, even without Gracie, you can still hear echos of Balin's (and Kaukonen's) signature sounds on much later albums such as 'Blows Against the Empire'.

The tracks and the liner notes on this album also demonstrate the folkie roots of the band, along with several of the other major West Coast groups such as Buffalo Springfield, the Byrds, and The Mamas and the Papas.

Eight of the eleven tracks on this release were written or co-written by Balin, and each one easily stands up to the three standards such as 'Tobacco Road'.

When you are assembling your Jefferson Airplane CD collection, this one is at least as important as some of the lesser works put out under the Jefferson Starship imprimateur.

Little Known Masterpiece.......2005-03-09

Most general rock fans know Surrealistic Pllow is a fantastic album, but this album is almost as good. This is the perfect folk-rock album- the first 9 songs are outstanding.Tobacco Road has some great guitar and is sung much more heartfelt than , I think it was The Nashville Teens? that had the hit, & many artists have covered it, but this is the best version I've heard.It's No Secret the single is classic '66 in moody mid-tempo atmosphere. . Their cover of Let's Get Together is sung maybe a little better than the Yopungbloods, though it doesn't have that haunting guitar on it. Blues From An Airplane & the beautiful Come Up The Years are other highlights.

Average customer rating:

"It's No Secert" there is a specific version of this legendary record to procure!
Doing what they do best
Not a Bad Premiere
Not a Bad Premiere
In it's entirety??? Not true!

Jefferson Airplane Takes Off
Jefferson Airplane
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus

ASIN: B000002WVP
Release Date: 1996-01-30

Tracks:

Blues From An Airplane
Let Me In
Bringing Me Down
It's No Secret
Tobacco Road
Runnin' 'Round This World
Come Up The Years
Run Around
Let's Get Together
Don't Slip Away
Chauffeur Blues
And I Like It
Blues From An Airplane
Let Me In
Bringing Me Down
It's No Secret
Tobacco Road
Runnin' 'Round This World
Come Up The Years
Run Around
Let's Get Together
Don't Slip Away
Chauffeur Blues
And I Like It

Customer Reviews:

"It's No Secert" there is a specific version of this legendary record to procure!.......2007-07-09

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

There has never been a more appropriate day to review the debut Jefferson Airplane effort. The female vocalist at the time Signe Anderson is now battling cancer and monetary issues. Before we get to the music, please help her. If you go to the Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship message boards, you will see information on making donations directly to Signe. If you need further information, please contact me directly and put Signe Anderson in the subject line.

As often happens in the world of rock and roll even passionate fans of a band will miss the actual birth. Deep Purple for example is often associated with the start of their musical journey when Ian Gillian took over the vocals, but they had three studio albums under their belt. The progressive band "Yes" had two records released, yet many people think the third album is their first.

The Jefferson Airplane did have a flight before the classic line-up took hold. The fantastic first record is before Grace Slick and Spencer Dryden (Drums) would be part of the crew.

The perfect opening track for the recording is Marty Balin's "Blues From An Airplane." After the first verse, any ear can decipher the brilliance and passion in his voice.

"It's No Secret" (Another Balin composition) would become a staple of the band's early stage repertoire. Balin changes gears and shows his musical diversity with the upbeat rocker.

"Tobacco Road" is indeed the often-covered tune written by John Loudermilk. The majority of folks may think of the Nashville Teens hit version, but the Airplane rendition is as good as any.

"Let's Get Together" (Written by Dino Valente) yeas later would become an anthem for the Youngbloods under the name of "Get Together." Before the well-deserved accolades were handed to them, the Airplane had done a superlative arrangement.

Signe Anderson's voice can be heard miles away on the brilliant "Chauffeur Blues." She relayed a great story to me for the book that during a studio session of the song a mixing board ended up exploding because the engineers had her levels too high.

If you don't already know how tight the reigns were on suggestive lyrics back then the bonus tracks will introduce you to the songs that were originally censored and how ridiculous the reasons were! Even from day one, Paul Kantner was pushing the musical envelope.

The remarkable achievement of the initial J.A. recording is the consistency. While they took some blues from Jorma, folk from Paul, and Marty's love for rhythm and blues, they also initiated a sound for the ages. As great as they would become, even if this line-up remained and the style didn't take the more esoteric approach, they could have had their place in history as a tremendous rock and roll band.

You will notice the nice folks at Amazon give you numerous ways to purchase the CD. One version gives you the mono and stereo mixes (Excellent for the fanatic). It is not the optimum choice if you are purchasing only one copy. The remastered CD with the eight additional tracks is the version to procure. You'll be rewarded with the uncensored versions of "Let Me In" and "Run Around." Play it once and it won't ever be too far from your hands.

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

Doing what they do best.......2002-05-25

I never cared much for Jefferson Airplane. Their electric guitar playing was weak, their politics trite and overstated, and Grace Slick - Grace was, well, Grace.

What if you could find an Airplane album largely devoid of electric guitars and politics, and completely devoid of Grace? Friend, this is your lucky day.

"JA Takes Off" was one of those albums I bought and just wore the grooves off of. So I've enjoyed getting reacquainted with it after all these years.

This album is all about good acoustic guitar work, strong harmonies, and soaring tenor voices. Good thing, because that's where the group really excelled. "Don't Slip Away" just haunts me with its power and rhythm. "Let's Get Together" - betcha never heard it like this before - the Youngbloods' version sounds kind of sleepy in comparison. And original lead singer Signe Anderson gets to show off her vocal pipes when she belts out "Chauffeur Blues".

As it is, I never made it past Surrealistic Pillow, with the exception of a few mid-70s Jefferson Starship songs. What a shame - if all their albums sounded like this, I'd have a stack of their stuff.

Not a Bad Premiere.......2002-01-02

When I bought this CD, I knew what I was getting into. This is, after all, a Jefferson Airplane album WITHOUT Grace Slick, something that was hard to comprehend. And I have read a couple other reviews that blast this CD for studio omissions. I know nothing about that, so it does not affect my opinion. My only true complaint is the repetition of all songs, stereo and mono. Granted, it is a short album without the "echo", but that would have been fine.

Other than that, I think this is a great album, and I listen to it frequently. It shows that J.A. had a talent for folky feel-good music. Marty Balin is a great singer, and this album reflects that more than future releases that drowned him out in favor of the acid rock. "It's No Secret", "Blues From an Airplane", "Runnin Round This World", "Run Around", and "Don't Slip Away" all have a different flavor than other hits of that era, and J.A. has a great reputation for their brand of music. "Come Up The Years" is the only slow Balin ballad, and is pretty good. "Let's Get Together", if I am not mistaken is a precursor to "Come Together", made a year or two later. I prefer "Come Together" myself.

Over all, I was impressed by this early effort. It is not a "Surrealistic Pillow" or "Crown of Creation", but it is a sound seed to be respected.

Not a Bad Premiere.......2002-01-02

Over all, I was impressed by this early effort. It is not a "Surrealistic Pillow" or "Crown of Creation", but it is a sound seed to be respected.

In it's entirety??? Not true!.......2001-09-18

RCA claims this is the original LP in it's entirety. Let's look at a few things: "Let Me In" original version contains the lyric "Don't tell me you want money" instead of 'it's so funny'. This version of "Runnin' Round This World" is NOT the album version but rather one that has no relation [on the LP Signe Anderson sings lead] to the album, and humorously censored by RCA [probably 'just for authenticity to this disc...]. Plus, the lyrics to "Run Around" were different on the original LP as well. So you have 3 songs that have no relation to the original LP. However, we can't afford these $... pressings to hear these things [RCA obviously doesn't care, and still frowns on the lyrics,most likely] , so you should find a tape trader who can get you a tape of the original record. However, disregard the fraudulent claim that this IS the original LP. I myself would like to hear the original in it's entirety rather than a poor sounding,muffuled boot. RCA, do a better job.....

Average customer rating:

Jefferson Airplane Takes Off
Jefferson Airplane
Manufacturer: Bmg Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Crown of Creation
Long John Silver
After Bathing at Baxter's
Bless Its Pointed Little Head
The Velvet Underground

ASIN: B0009S8EW4
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Tracks:

Blues from an Airplane
Let Me In
Bringing Me Down
It's No Secret
Tobacco Road
Runnin' 'Round This World
Come Up the Years
Run Around
Let's Get Together
Don't Slip Away
Chauffeur Blues
And I Like It
Blues from an Airplane
Let Me In
Bringing Me Down
It's No Secret
Tobacco Road
Runnin' 'Round This World
Come Up the Years
Run Around
Let's Get Together
Don't Slip Away
Chauffeur Blues
And I Like It

Album Description

Japanese pressing. Reissue of the 1966 original release will include the bonus tracks 'High Flyin' Bird' , 'It's Alright', 'Go To Her' (alternate), 'Let Me In' (alternate, unedited), 'Run Around' (previously unreleased, alternate), 'Chauffeur Blues' (previously unreleased, alternate) & 'And I Like It' (instrumental). This limited edition comes packaged in a paper sleeve. RCA. 2005.

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Issue in a Deluxe LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Album Artwork.

Average customer rating:

"It's No Secret" you'll want this gem from the past but a specific version!

Jefferson Airplane Takes Off
Jefferson Airplane
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Jefferson Airplane Loves You

ASIN: B00000E683
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Blues from an Airplane
Let Me In
Bringing Me Down
It's No Secret
Tobacco Road
Runnin' 'Round This World [#]
Come Up the Years
Run Around
Let's Get Together
Don't Slip Away
Chauffeur Blues
And I Like It
Blues From an Airplane [Mono]
Let Me In [Mono]
Bringing Me Down [Mono]
It's No Secret [Mono]
Tobacco Road [Mono]
Runnin' 'Round This World [Mono]
Come up the Years [Mono]
Run Around [Mono]
Let's Get Together [Mono]
Don't Slip Away [Mono]
Chauffeur Blues [Mono]
And I Like It [Mono]

Customer Reviews:

"It's No Secret" you'll want this gem from the past but a specific version!.......2007-07-09

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

There has never been a more appropriate day to review the debut Jefferson Airplane effort. The female vocalist at the time Signe Anderson is now battling cancer and monetary issues. Before we get to the music, please help her. If you go to the Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship message boards, you will see information on making donations directly to Signe. If you need further information, please contact me directly and put Signe Anderson in the subject line.

As often happens in the world of rock and roll even passionate fans of a band will miss the actual birth. Deep Purple for example is often associated with the start of their musical journey when Ian Gillian took over the vocals, but they had three studio albums under their belt. The progressive band "Yes" had two records released, yet many people think the third album is their first.

The Jefferson Airplane did have a flight before the classic line-up took hold. The fantastic first record is before Grace Slick and Spencer Dryden (Drums) would be part of the crew.

The perfect opening track for the recording is Marty Balin's "Blues From An Airplane." After the first verse, any ear can decipher the brilliance and passion in his voice.

"It's No Secret" (Another Balin composition) would become a staple of the band's early stage repertoire. Balin changes gears and shows his musical diversity with the upbeat rocker.

"Tobacco Road" is indeed the often-covered tune written by John Loudermilk. The majority of folks may think of the Nashville Teens hit version, but the Airplane rendition is as good as any.

"Let's Get Together" (Written by Dino Valente) yeas later would become an anthem for the Youngbloods under the name of "Get Together." Before the well-deserved accolades were handed to them, the Airplane had done a superlative arrangement.

Signe Anderson's voice can be heard miles away on the brilliant "Chauffeur Blues." She relayed a great story to me for the book that during a studio session of the song a mixing board ended up exploding because the engineers had her levels too high.

If you don't already know how tight the reigns were on suggestive lyrics back then the bonus tracks will introduce you to the songs that were originally censored and how ridiculous the reasons were! Even from day one, Paul Kantner was pushing the musical envelope.

The remarkable achievement of the initial J.A. recording is the consistency. While they took some blues from Jorma, folk from Paul, and Marty's love for rhythm and blues, they also initiated a sound for the ages. As great as they would become, even if this line-up remained and the style didn't take the more esoteric approach, they could have had their place in history as a tremendous rock and roll band.

You will notice the nice folks at Amazon give you numerous ways to purchase the CD. One version gives you the mono and stereo mixes (Excellent for the fanatic). It is not the optimum choice if you are purchasing only one copy. The remastered CD with the eight additional tracks is the version to procure. You'll be rewarded with the uncensored versions of "Let Me In" and "Run Around." Play it once and it won't ever be too far from your hands.

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

Average customer rating:

"It's No Secret" you'll love this but look for a specific version w/8 bonus tracks
Folky origins of the Airplane

Jefferson Airplane Takes Off
Jefferson Airplane
Manufacturer: RCA Fs Imports
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005B74W
Release Date: 2001-04-12

Tracks:

Blues from an Airplane
Let Me In
Bringing Me Down
It's No Secret
Tobacco Road
Runnin' 'Round This World
Come Up the Years
Run Around
Let's Get Together
Don't Slip Away
Chauffeur Blues
And I Like It
Go to Her [*]
Let Me In [*]
High Flyin' Bird [*]
That's Alright [*]

Album Description

French reissue of their 1965 album includes 4 bonus tracks 'Go To Her', 'Let Me In', 'High Flyin' Bird' and 'That's Alright'. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Album Details

2001 digitally remastered reissue of their 1966 debut album featuring Grace Slick's predecessor Signe Anderson providing harmonies and backup vocals. Includes Four bonus tracks: 'Go to Her', 'Let Me In', 'High Flyin' Bird' and 'That's Alright'.

Customer Reviews:

"It's No Secret" you'll love this but look for a specific version w/8 bonus tracks.......2007-07-09

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

There has never been a more appropriate day to review the debut Jefferson Airplane effort. The female vocalist at the time Signe Anderson is now battling cancer and monetary issues. Before we get to the music, please help her. If you go to the Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship message boards, you will see information on making donations directly to Signe. If you need further information, please contact me directly and put Signe Anderson in the subject line.

As often happens in the world of rock and roll even passionate fans of a band will miss the actual birth. Deep Purple for example is often associated with the start of their musical journey when Ian Gillian took over the vocals, but they had three studio albums under their belt. The progressive band "Yes" had two records released, yet many people think the third album is their first.

The Jefferson Airplane did have a flight before the classic line-up took hold. The fantastic first record is before Grace Slick and Spencer Dryden (Drums) would be part of the crew.

The perfect opening track for the recording is Marty Balin's "Blues From An Airplane." After the first verse, any ear can decipher the brilliance and passion in his voice.

"It's No Secret" (Another Balin composition) would become a staple of the band's early stage repertoire. Balin changes gears and shows his musical diversity with the upbeat rocker.

"Tobacco Road" is indeed the often-covered tune written by John Loudermilk. The majority of folks may think of the Nashville Teens hit version, but the Airplane rendition is as good as any.

"Let's Get Together" (Written by Dino Valente) yeas later would become an anthem for the Youngbloods under the name of "Get Together." Before the well-deserved accolades were handed to them, the Airplane had done a superlative arrangement.

Signe Anderson's voice can be heard miles away on the brilliant "Chauffeur Blues." She relayed a great story to me for the book that during a studio session of the song a mixing board ended up exploding because the engineers had her levels too high.

If you don't already know how tight the reigns were on suggestive lyrics back then the bonus tracks will introduce you to the songs that were originally censored and how ridiculous the reasons were! Even from day one, Paul Kantner was pushing the musical envelope.

The remarkable achievement of the initial J.A. recording is the consistency. While they took some blues from Jorma, folk from Paul, and Marty's love for rhythm and blues, they also initiated a sound for the ages. As great as they would become, even if this line-up remained and the style didn't take the more esoteric approach, they could have had their place in history as a tremendous rock and roll band.

You will notice the nice folks at Amazon give you numerous ways to purchase the CD. One version gives you the mono and stereo mixes (Excellent for the fanatic). It is not the optimum choice if you are purchasing only one copy. The remastered CD with the eight additional tracks is the version to procure. You'll be rewarded with the uncensored versions of "Let Me In" and "Run Around." Play it once and it won't ever be too far from your hands.

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

Folky origins of the Airplane.......2002-01-08

More folky than they would ever be again and fronted by original lead singer Signe Andersen, this is the Airplane's 1966 debut album, released a year prior to the breakout "Surrealistic Pillow". Many good tracks (including a few bonus tracks on this great-sounding remastered edition), but definitely a work in progress.

Average customer rating:

"It's No Secret" this is a must own but look for a very specific verison
A very accomplished debut even without Grace
Takes off

Jefferson Airplane Takes Off
Jefferson Airplane
Manufacturer: Bmg Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000007VPX
Release Date: 1998-01-06

Tracks:

Blues From An Airplance
Let Me In
Bringing Me Down
It's No Secret
Tobacco Road
Come Up The Years
Run Around
Let's Get Together
Don't Slip Away
Chauffeur Blues
And I Like It

Album Details

Japanese 20Bit Remaster.

Customer Reviews:

"It's No Secret" this is a must own but look for a very specific verison.......2007-07-09

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

There has never been a more appropriate day to review the debut Jefferson Airplane effort. The female vocalist at the time Signe Anderson is now battling cancer and monetary issues. Before we get to the music, please help her. If you go to the Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship message boards, you will see information on making donations directly to Signe. If you need further information, please contact me directly and put Signe Anderson in the subject line.

As often happens in the world of rock and roll even passionate fans of a band will miss the actual birth. Deep Purple for example is often associated with the start of their musical journey when Ian Gillian took over the vocals, but they had three studio albums under their belt. The progressive band "Yes" had two records released, yet many people think the third album is their first.

The Jefferson Airplane did have a flight before the classic line-up took hold. The fantastic first record is before Grace Slick and Spencer Dryden (Drums) would be part of the crew.

The perfect opening track for the recording is Marty Balin's "Blues From An Airplane." After the first verse, any ear can decipher the brilliance and passion in his voice.

"It's No Secret" (Another Balin composition) would become a staple of the band's early stage repertoire. Balin changes gears and shows his musical diversity with the upbeat rocker.

"Tobacco Road" is indeed the often-covered tune written by John Loudermilk. The majority of folks may think of the Nashville Teens hit version, but the Airplane rendition is as good as any.

"Let's Get Together" (Written by Dino Valente) yeas later would become an anthem for the Youngbloods under the name of "Get Together." Before the well-deserved accolades were handed to them, the Airplane had done a superlative arrangement.

Signe Anderson's voice can be heard miles away on the brilliant "Chauffeur Blues." She relayed a great story to me for the book that during a studio session of the song a mixing board ended up exploding because the engineers had her levels too high.

If you don't already know how tight the reigns were on suggestive lyrics back then the bonus tracks will introduce you to the songs that were originally censored and how ridiculous the reasons were! Even from day one, Paul Kantner was pushing the musical envelope.

The remarkable achievement of the initial J.A. recording is the consistency. While they took some blues from Jorma, folk from Paul, and Marty's love for rhythm and blues, they also initiated a sound for the ages. As great as they would become, even if this line-up remained and the style didn't take the more esoteric approach, they could have had their place in history as a tremendous rock and roll band.

You will notice the nice folks at Amazon give you numerous ways to purchase the CD. One version of the gives you the mono and stereo mixes (Excellent for the fanatic). It is not the optimum choice if you are purchasing only one copy. The remastered CD with the eight additional tracks is the version to procure. You'll be rewarded with the uncensored versions of "Let Me In" and "Run Around." Play it once and it won't ever be too far from your hands.

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

A very accomplished debut even without Grace.......2002-07-06

This is Jefferson Airplane before Grace Slick was persuaded to leave her former group (the Great Society). Signe Anderson was the 'girl' singer. In my opinion, she was a kind of weak folksinger. [For a terrific female folksinger working in the context of rock, check out the lead vocalist for Ill Wind, from the same era. She really wails!]

Side 1 (tracks 1-5) is quite the gem really. Here, they really have the electric San Francisco ballroom band sound down to a 'T'. Kind of like early Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, and the Charlatans, but really a bit better.

The singles and b-sides were "Come Up the Years", "Blues from an Airplane", "Bringing Me down", and "It's No Secret". They're all pretty terrific.

"Come Up the Years" is probably the best here. Oddly enough it sounds more like Jefferson Starship ten or so years later. "Run Around" sounds like late Airplane, around 1970. So there are a lot of seeds sprouting here, so to speak.

I was surprised that "Tobacco Road", even though so very different, is as good as the hit version done by the Nashville Teens (actually a British band). "Let's Get Together" is the same song made famous later by the Youngbloods; it's a passable version; with different folks trading off as lead singer, and a lot of excellent three- and four-part harmony vocals.

It's interesting that, although they come off solidly as rock (and all electric, at that), when several of the group members are singing harmony together, which happens frequently, they sound like a folk group, though much more gutsy than, say, Peter, Paul and Mary [etc.].

Tracks 9-11 are throwaways, which is why I rated this at only 3 stars.

Takes off.......2000-08-08

This album is the first of many good Jefferson airplane albums. The band has Signe Toly Anderson not Grace Slick. Overall, this album is rated three stars cuz most of the songs are just average. The best song on the album is probably Blues From An Airplane. This album is not bad, but I'd reccommend getting a collection of Jefferson Airplane first.

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review