Traffic [Gold CD]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Thirty years of rock radio have cast Traffic largely in the context of its later years as songwriter, singer, and keyboard player Steve Winwood's platform for jazz-inflected progressive rock, but their second, self-titled 1968 album reflects the equal weight of guitarist Dave Mason's voice, guitar, and songs. Together with drummer and third vocalist Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood's evocative sax and flute, this is Traffic at its most earthy, most concise, and arguably most coherent--even when the bulk of the songs are set as fevered dreams, surreal ballads, or outright nightmares. Winwood showcases like "Pearly Queen" and "Forty Thousand Headmen" are matched by Mason's classic "Feelin' Alright" and Beatle-browed "You Can All Join In," while the playing and arrangements are spirited and tight. --Sam Sutherland --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Someone To Love
'92 Subaru
Yolanda Hayes
Traffic And Weather
Fire In The Canyon
This Better Be Good
Revolving Dora
Michael And Heather At The Baggage Claim
Strapped For Cash
I-95
Hotel Majestic
Planet Of Weed
New Routine
Seatbacks And Traytables

Amazon.com

Punctuated by 2005's sprawling compilation of B-sides and outtakes (Out-of-State Plates), a nearly four-year interval between fresh recordings has done nothing to tarnish Fountain of Wayne's pop-drenched songwriting tandem of Chris Collingswood and Adam Schlesinger. This 14-song bash is a late-'60s/early-'70s time warp that exploits every facet of the pop action plan (chiming guitars, infectious choruses, sinful harmonies) and begs for radio play. As usual, the band never takes itself too seriously, crafting melodies around a lively, vigorous cast of characters that practically come to life. There's a DMV attendant who can't shake our attention (the bouncy, piano-boosted "Yolanda Hayes"), an airport-stranded couple waiting impatiently for lost luggage (the folksy "Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim"), and ex-lovers who blame it on the highway ("Fire in the Canyon," which explores the radio country-rock of the Eagles and America). They sing of an old-model Japanese car to get the girl ("'92 Subaru") and Renee seeing you "at the Gap in a baseball cap" ("This Better Be Good"), and any way they shake it, even after a too-long interruption, Collingswood and Schlesinger rarely miss the mark. --Scott Holter

Album Description

A new, indelible cast of characters is inducted into the FOW pantheon of stars on Traffic And Weather: Yolanda Hayes, a sullen object of affection behind the glass at the Department Of Motor Vehicles; Seth Shapiro and Beth Mackenzie, two lonely, hardworking New Yorkers who cross paths - sort of - in "Someone To Love" (which features Hole/Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur singing backing vocals); the exhausted couple in "Michael and Heather At The Baggage Claim", dragging themselves onto an airport shuttle bus after a long trip; newscasters in heat in the album's title track, and many others. Hapless protagonists like the suspicious boyfriend of "This Better Be Good" and the hit-man target in "Strapped For Cash" are also classic Fountains Of Wayne narrators.

Travel and transportation continue to figure heavily in the on-the-go world of FOW. The guy who buys himself a "'92 Subaru" is convinced that the right pimped-out ride is all he needs to get the girl; in the Beatlesque "i-95" a driver explores a rest area gift shop late at night, on the way to visit his loved one; we hear of "an eerie kind of sadness on the highway today" in the Gram Parsons-tinged "Fire In The Canyon" (featuring backing vocals by the Candy Butchers' Mike Viola, who was the voice of "That Thing You Do"). The misery of sitting in coach on a delayed flight is examined in the wistful waltz "Seatbacks And Traytables" (which contains a guest appearance on guitar by James Iha). And in the semi-epic "New Routine", we follow a series of characters who each randomly pick a new place to live, only to discover someone else there who can't wait to move away.

Customer Reviews:

More of the Same from Fountains of Wayne.......2007-07-15

Fountains of Wayne's latest album doesn't change much of their formula. There are 14 songs, all some variation of pleasant, ultra-catchy pop-rock. It's all well-written and some of it is clever, and yet, the overall effect is something a bit diminished this time. I thought I personally had an endless appetite for cool variations on power-pop, but maybe that's not so true anymore. It's tough to pin down exactly what, if anything, is wrong with Traffic and Weather.

The songs, taken individually, are pretty darn good. There's opener and single "Someone to Love," which features a slight curveball in the familiar FoW formula by including a hyped-up disco-beat chorus. Then there's "Yolanda Hayes," a bouncy song with sweet lyrics about the narrator's attempts to woo a DMV attendant. "This Better Be Good" is about the paranoia of a man who keeps hearing sketchy rumors of his girlfriend being seen with other men and in places she isn't supposed to be. I-95 is a wistful country song with lyrics about driving down the titular interstate to visit a long-distance lover. "Planet of Weed" is a one-joke song that's made to work with the ambient sounds in the background- various clinking and low talking. Plus the piano that fades in and out, playing bits completely unrelated to the main song, and the tambourine that keeps showing up that isn't on the beat at all. "New Routine" is a strong rocker that zooms around the world and tells several stories of disenchanted people making a change in their lives.

But then there's the rest of the songs. The band's penchant for pop-culture references verges on the out-of-control on this album; it'll be dated by 2008. "Someone to Love" works entirely on its music and chorus, the verses reference Coldplay, King of Queens, and The Late Show, and you're getting a bit aggravated on the first song. Then there's "'92 Subaru," a song whose narrator is a pompous jackass talking about how he is pimping out his car. I think it's supposed to be ironic, but the "irony" comes across about as well as Motley Crue's "Dr. Feelgood" came across as an anti-drug song (now they've got me making the references- dammit!). "Traffic and Weather" is a one-joke song that doesn't work, as a male news anchor spends the whole song telling his female co-anchor "we belong together, like traffic and weather." The effect is creepy, and not so funny. "Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim" is a boring story of a couple who have lost their luggage, and it's supposed to be sweet, but it's piled on too thick and becomes cloying. And "Strapped for Cash" features another unlikeable narrator that's supposed to be funny, this time a loser who owes money to everyone.

Leaders Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood are as strong as ever in the songwriting department. But since their style hasn't changed nearly at all over the past decade, the weaknesses in the lyrics keep this album from being a home run. Too bad the guys didn't write more stuff like the two great new songs off of their 2005 B-side collection, "Maureen" and "The Girl I Can't Forget." Despite the complaints, this is still a pretty good album. I'd give it a 3.5 on the Amazon scale, or a solid 7/10.

Fun fun fun!.......2007-06-08

My only prior experience with FOW was Welcome Interstate Managers which I love. Listening to this band never fails to bring a smile to my face. No, they are not very "deep," but they are clever and I always feel like I am in on the joke. Their rhymes put me in mind of Lily Allen. The song that runs through my head these days is Traffic and Weather, but I love Strapped for Cash, and the part that makes me go Awww! is in Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim where Michael asks Heather "Have you had enough?" and Heather says "Michael, you know it's you I love." And how about the places people end up in New Routine? Too funny. This is pop at its finest - catchy, funny and makes you feel smart.

Another 5 Star for Wayne.......2007-06-08

Since they started releasing albums, Fountains of Wayne have yet to disappoint me. Not every song on every album is gold, but they always pack their CDs with a bunch of great songs and a few misses.

If you look up and down the reviews you will see a lot 5's from people who were probably fans since they first heard the band. It all comes down to taste, and this band seems to divide folks between love and hate.

If you didn't like them before, you probably won't like them now, but if you enjoyed Interstate Managers and other releases then you will appreciate this.

Traffic and Weather.......2007-06-07

Google tells me that as many as 13 Fountains of Wayne album or concert reviews contain the word "sugar" or one of its variants. That critical short-circuiting once struck me as odd--bands with a higher sugar content didn't get this characterization nearly as much--but after hearing Traffic and Weather, I finally understand. More so than on previous offerings, these songs give the listener an initial burst of flavor that quickly subsides in favor of shameful feelings and an upset stomach.

Power-pop as a genre has become a guilty pleasure ever since Weezer fell out of favor, but Fountains of Wayne have remained true to their uncool sound from the beginning of their decade-long career. Grungy guitars, a crisp 4/4 beat, '50s-style piano, underdog stories--these are a few of Fountains of Wayne's favorite things. They're the sort of band that cites Burt Bacharach and Buddy Holly as influences (though they sound more like an updated version of Fastball than anything else) and believes that all anyone needs is love and a really big chorus. While so many current pop outfits worth their salt--Spoon, The Shins, Broken Social Scene, even Fall Out Boy--aim to challenge us somehow, Fountains of Wayne keep things simple. Way, way too simple.

It's all moderately catchy, too, but it never once goes beyond that. During my first pass through the Americana-lite "92 Subaru," I found myself tapping my feet to the punchy guitars and driving beat. The second pass was less satisfying, like birthday cake I didn't feel like eating, since one go was all it took to tell me everything I needed to know about "92 Subaru," lock, stock, and barrel. The third pass didn't even last two minutes. Traffic and Weather is assembly-line music, happy and jovial enough but unmistakably constructed in a factory or a lab rather than in the Williams College dorm where they all met. It screams "Ready for the radio!" like the worst emo and party rap, and while Fountains of Wayne would probably like us to pay attention, every song kept hitting the part of my brain that only half-listens and naturally tunes things out.

There's nothing wrong with the verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus rubric to which they adhere so closely, and it made them an ideal pick to write the hit rock `n roll number from 1964/1996, "That Thing You Do" (from the movie of the same name, but you knew that). Yet four albums and a B-side compilation later and they're still serving up much of the same, so you'll excuse me for thinking it's getting a bit long in the tooth. Once in a while they'll stretch themselves, as on the polished country-rock of "Fire in the Canyon" or the Prince-Yes soundclash "Strapped for Cash," and it sort of works, though the effort is appreciated more than the results. A duck that dresses up like Shirley Temple is still a duck, but power-pop is an incredibly confining genre, so I suppose we'll take what we can get.

Worse, singer Adam Schlessinger is a mediocre storyteller with too many stories to tell. "Seth Shapiro got his law degree," the album begins, "he moved to Brooklyn from Schenectady, '93/Got some clients in the food industry." So? The road-beaten hopefuls in these songs get flattened by Schlessinger's propensity for dumb little details (do we need to know that one woman "takes the contacts out of her eyes" before bed?) without his humanizing them in a way that matters to us. The album reaches a lyrical nadir during "Michael and Heather at the Baggage Claim," which revolves around some lost "soft and brown" luggage. Lurking somewhere in there is a suburban yarn about people who love each other in the face of everyday hardships, but it requires too much guesswork. Throughout Traffic and Weather, we're left to plow through empty narratives whose meaning and raison d'être may be clear to the songwriters, but leave us scratching our heads at the starting line.

So in the end, we've got a standard-issue power-pop album that will give Fountains of Wayne devotees their next fix but will keep everyone else at arm's length, at least after the initial sugar high dissipates. Most aspects of Traffic and Weather are difficult to flat-out dislike, and the welding of rock and electronic instrumentation in many of these songs is actually pretty impressive. But if Fountains of Wayne make it all sound easy, it also seems like they didn't try very hard, especially for their first full-length effort in four years (roughly 120 music years). And if there's anything this album is not, it's a "grower," with the potential to bore, annoy, even anger those who find themselves on the wrong side of it for too long. Traffic and Weather, indeed.

Eclectic, surreal, polished, and infectious! :).......2007-06-04

Fountains of Wayne's newest album is a catchy, up-tempo collection of memorable songs with fresh, often surprising lyrics. In this day of homogenized, unimaginative lyrics and chord progressions, "Traffic and Weather" couldn't be more different. Songs like "Someone to Love", "Yolanda Hayes", "Traffic and Weather", and "Michael And Heather At The Baggage Claim" are remarkably clever and infectious. You'll find any one of them stuck in your head for hours on end. One of my favorite parts of their writing is the *specificity* of their lyrics. Unlike most pop songs today (which can do little more than shuffle around the three or four "good rhymes" in a hackneyed refrain about "love"), FoW's writing is full of pop culture references and complete character names and personalities. They're storytellers, these guys!

Another reviewer mentioned influences like The Eagles and America. I'd say you can also hear echoes of Weezer (in "Someone to Love"), Robyn Hitchcock (in "Revolving Dora"), The Foo Fighters (in "'92 Subaru"), and Crowded House (listen especially to the title track and see if it doesn't make you think of Neil Finn). Fans of "Traffic and Weather" who are unfamiliar with any of these acts should check them out right away.

Altogether, it's a great record for fans of "Welcome Interstate Managers" (my only previous experience with the band). I'm not acquainted with any of FoW's earlier albums, but on the strength of their two most recent, I'll definitely be looking for more.

Average customer rating:

Low Spark, high marks
Original Albums
one of the great things about 1971 was this album.
The Best of the Best
Hidden treasure

Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
Traffic
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

John Barleycorn Must Die
Blind Faith
Traffic
Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory
Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs

ASIN: B0000639A3
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Tracks:

Hidden Treasure
The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys
Light Up Or Leave Me Alone
Rock & Roll Stew
Many A Mile To Freedom
Rainmaker
Bonus Track - Rock & Roll Stew (Single Version)

Amazon.com

Despite not even charting in the band's native England, this album became a platinum-selling American hit on the basis of three enduring FM radio staples--the expansive, jazzy impressionism of the near-12 minute title track, and the more straightforward funk of the R&B charmers "Light Up or Leave Me Alone" and "Rock & Roll Stew." Those disparate tracks perfectly underscore Traffic's rich musical appeal and its restless, sometimes problematic creative and interpersonal relationships. With now thrice-departed Dave Mason out of the mix and percussionists Jim Gordon and Reebop Kwaku Baah participating in the studio for the first time, the band's innate musicality truly takes wing. Winwood's familiar vocal phrasings nearly take a backseat to his fluid, dramatic guitar work on "Rock & Roll Stew Roll" and "Many a Mile to Freedom," while the Tull-ish, folk-madrigal sensibilities of "Hidden Treasure" and "Rainmaker" are further punctuated by Chris Wood's deft flute and woodwind flourishes. Compared with the more organic John Barleycorn album, the contrast is all the more remarkable. While many contemporary bands were experimenting with various attempts at fusion, few achieved this collection's rock-jazz-folk-R&B range or level of often subtle sophistication. Digitally remastered, this edition also contains the six-minute-plus U.S. single version of "Rock & Roll Stew, Parts 1 & 2" as a bonus track. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Low Spark, high marks.......2007-05-18

Always a pleasure to listen to. This is an album which ages gracefully, and the instrumentals are always a pleasure. Those guys really were wonderfully musical and extremely talented.

Original Albums.......2007-05-11

Ever order a "Best of..." or "Greatest Hits of..." album or set and found yourself totally bummed out. Some musicians seem to produce albums that are more like works of art that can be only viewed/heard in their entirety. In cutting them up and reeditting, they loose too much. There are a lot of examples and this album I believe is one of them. If you want "Traffic" as part of your classic rock music library, buy this album.

one of the great things about 1971 was this album........2007-04-10

1971 was a fine year in music, indeed. "sticky fingers," by the rolling stones, the fourth led zepplin album, rod stewart's "every picture tells a story," "who's next," by the who, gene clark's white light album, john prine's debut, the doors "LA woman," and this great album, traffic's "the low spark of high-heeled boys." folk-rock, prog-rock, prog-folk, this album is hard to categorize. there's some jazz fusion in here, too. in fact, several musical passages have a feeling that's similar to the textures employed by miles davis on his classic albums "in a silent way," and "bitches brew." the album starts off with the haunting enchantment of acoustic guitar and flute on "hidden treasure." it's a beautiful folk melody and sets much of the tone for what will follow. the title track is an epic prog-rock piece with surreal lyrics that starts with a saxophone intro and builds steam slowly, intently. piano chords and notes drop in on this track that very much resemble the miles davis work i mentioned. dreamy instrumental passages stretch out the landscape, making this a long, gorgeous song. great music. track 3, "light up or leave me alone," is a song with a funky beat and some hot guitar. it's followed by the bluesy rocker, "rock & roll stew." "many a mile to freedom," is a folk-rock anthem, sporting an outstanding percussion track, on which flute and some more great guitar drift. "rainmaker," has a hypnotic percussion track that the rest of the instruments ride on, as well. it's an entrancing song, and a great finish to a great album. a must have for all rock and roll collections.

The Best of the Best.......2007-01-11

This is the best "traffic jam" you'll ever encounter. Good old get-up-on-your-feet rock and roll. This could be one of the best albums of the early '70's. Excellent musicians, great music, well produced.

Hidden treasure.......2006-12-06

One of Traffic's best records. No matter how many people I play this for I've yet to find someone who doesn't like it. It really IS a record that belongs in everyone's collection. This new remaster makes the album sound better than ever.

Average customer rating:

There Were Three Men Came Out of The West
A True Five Star
One of the finest albums of all time
incredible, indelible, inventive
Great '60's Rock

John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
Blind Faith
Traffic
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Mr. Fantasy

ASIN: B000059T1E
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

Glad
Freedom Rider
Empty Pages
I Just Want You To Know
Stranger To Himself
John Barleycorn
Every Mothers Son
Sittin' Here Thinkin' Of My Love

Amazon.com

Traffic's third studio album is also its third best, ranking below the band's superb second record (1968's Traffic) and its psychedelic debut (1968's Mr. Fantasy). The depth of those albums came from having two superior songwriters, Steve Winwood and Dave Mason; by John Barleycorn, Winwood was leading a trio that included Chris Wood on horns and Jim Capaldi on drums. Winwood now supplied guitar as well as keyboards, and songs such as "Glad" and "Freedom Rider" reflected the trio's fondness for instrumental jams. But the 1970 album is remembered most for the title tune, a traditional folk song blessed with one of the finest vocals of Winwood's long career. --John Milward

Customer Reviews:

There Were Three Men Came Out of The West.......2007-06-17

This is Traffic's third album, but Dave Mason has left to pursue a solo career, and it is mainly Steve Winwood, with help from Capaldi on drums, and Chris Wood on Sax, Flute, and Organ. A core trio, and in the studio they create a full sound, with just these three key players. It embraces a variety of styles, even for this eclectic group, ranging from the old English folk ballad, "John Barleycorn," to the jazzy R&B of "Glad."

"There were three men came out of the West,
Their fortunes for to try,
And these three men made a solemn vow:
John Barleycorn must die."

There are many versions of this folk ballad, some going back as far as 1465, and collected by Cecil Sharp from 1900 to 1910. There are between 100 and 140 versions, and in the one used by Traffic & Co., in spite of the solemn efforts of the three men to triumph over John Barleycorn, or distilled liquor, this was the outcome:

"And little Sir John and the nut-brown bowl,
And he's brandy in the glass;
And little Sir John and the nut-brown bowl,
Proved the strongest man at last."

Steve Winwood plays guitar on this, and Chris Wood plays flute. There are two vocalists, and I am guessing that it is Capaldi and Winwood. Not much percussion, and hard to sing when you're playing flute. There is a tambourine. Winwood seems to be deeply into this music, and the treatment sounds both ancient and modern.

"Glad" is an instrumental, and there is an extended jam, mostly piano and keyboards. Great drums, and a fat sax riff that is easy to play, but it sounds so cool, and ends on a very cool sounding trill. This is a great instrumental track, and the rest of the record veers between these two extremes. I really like this Traffic album for "Glad" and "John Barleycorn" but the rest ain't bad, either. Since those are my favorite Traffic songs, this is my favorite Traffic album.

"The huntsman, he can't hunt the fox,
Nor so loudly to blow his horn,
And the tinker he can't mend kettle nor pot,
Without a little Barleycorn."

A True Five Star.......2007-04-16

I was there when my older sisters listened to the vinyl version of Barleycorn on the turntable, back when the LP was only recently released. Even with the scratches and pops, the unique jazzy progressive flow of the music was immaculate. Needless to say, the re-mastering of what is already a true master may be redundant or gratuitious, but go ahead--make my day...stretch the limits of the human capacity to experience bliss. The other Amazon reviewers of this legendary work of art do not lie, are not using hyperbole, and do not exaggerate the point...this one goes to eleven...er, six...er, whatever.

One of the finest albums of all time.......2007-03-04

"John Barleycorn" has in common with much of the Beatles' work that -- even if you've listened to it a thousand times -- when you come back it sounds as fresh and new as the very first listening.

The entire album is great--and covers an amazing amount of "musical territory." It would be on my short list of nominees for "greatest album of all time."

Let me also add that I was fortunate enough to see the briefly-reunited Traffic at Columbia, MD's Merriweather Post Pavilion (the year may have been 1994), not too long after the release of their much-underrated "Far From Home" - a fine album in its own right. It was a concert for the ages. Among his many other talents, Winwood is a superb guitarist.

incredible, indelible, inventive.......2007-02-16

this is one of my favorite rock and roll (plus jazz and folk influenced) albums of all time.
it gets my vote as Traffic's best, but that's a tough call, for sure. what an amazing mix of
songs, styles, influences in a unique blend of music. never get tired of hearing the story
of poor John Barleycorn!

Great '60's Rock.......2007-01-11

Classic, creative rock by true stars of 1960's progressive music. Excellent blend of rock, folk, ballads, and a hint of improvisation. Some of Steve Winwood's best.

Average customer rating:

Simply, a Must Have!
Traffic's second album
One hell of a record
Feelin' Alright
Traffic's Second Album Is Great

Traffic
Traffic
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mr. Fantasy
John Barleycorn Must Die
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
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ASIN: B000059T1H
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

You Can All Join In
Pearly Queen
Don't Be Sad
Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring
Feelin' Alright
Vagabond Virgin
Forty Thousand Headmen
Cryin' to be Heard
No Time To Live
Means To An End
You Can All Join In - (mono single mix, bonus track)
Feelin' Alright - (mono single mix, bonus track)
Withering Tree - (stereo single mix, bonus track)

Amazon.com

Considering that Traffic couldn't seem to stay intact for more than a few months at a time, the band's work seems even more remarkable. Recorded in the summer of 1968 and released later that fall, Traffic, the band's sophomore release, stands as the outfit's high-water mark and one of the great rock albums of its time. Clearly, Dave Mason and Steve Winwood had completely different visions for the band, both musically and socially. In fact, Mason had already left the band at the year's beginning, only to return a few short months later. Mason liked to work alone and favored rooted folk-tinged material; Winwood saw the band as a communal affair and leaned toward progressive jazz-influenced music. Of course, the synthesis of these two approaches is what makes Traffic such a terrific album. There's not a weak moment across these 10 songs (augmented on this reissue with three mono single mixes). By fusing bits of country and folk, wisps of psychedelia, and elements of jazz and soul, the album managed to both presage and summarize the ambitious developments of rock music during its most creative era. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Simply, a Must Have!.......2007-07-14

For anyone appreciative of the late sixties, early seventies progressive rock era of music, this is simply a must have for your collection. Combining psychedelia and folk, this innovative CD stands out above the rest. As popular as Traffic was back then as a band, I still feel that Steve Winwood and company were underrated. Check out Blind Faith and Steve's later solo work from the eighties too.

Traffic's second album.......2006-12-12

This isn't the place that you want to start your Traffic collection. Get Low Spark and Shootout first. Still this is a very good album. The only weak cuts for me is Vagabond Virgin which sounds like they're trying to be a little too clever and Don't Be Sad. Many songs that would be considered Traffic classics come from here-Feelin' Alright?, Fourty Thousand Headmen, Pearly Queen, ect. This is a very good release with great sound.

One hell of a record.......2006-11-04

This is amazing, a must-have in any self-respecting '60's rock collection. Any album with You Can All Join In, Pearly Queen, 40,000 Headsmen and Feelin' Alright? has got to be pretty good. But you also get Cryin' to Be Heard, the underrated Don't Be Sad (pathetic lyrics aside, it's actually quite good) and Who Knows What Tomorrow Brings. Vagabond Virgin has some good social-commentary lyrics, something the group rarely tackled. And while No Time to Live is a filler, that's it. The rest is excellent jazz/folk/rock, far exceeding anything imitators ever did. For a similar record, both in general feel and in quality, pick up Jethro Tull's excellent Benefit.

Feelin' Alright.......2006-08-04

Back in the day, I had every Traffic album. I only recently picked up this one again. I'd forgotten what a classic it is. In retrospect, it's more like Dave Mason backed with Traffic, but that's a pretty good billing in my book.

The greatest feat here was the lifting of the veil of psychedelia that permeated their first release. As much as I still love Mr. Fantasy, the cohesion that Traffic produced for their sophomore effort solidified their greatness, making this album their most accessible record. It manages to balance a myriad of musical genres from psychedelia ("Vagabond Virgin") to country ("You Can All Join In") to straight-up rock and roll ("Pearly Queen") to the folky/soft-rock stylings of Mason's solo work ("No Time To Live").

What makes "Traffic" even more impressive is the incredible use of layering to produce a rich, complex tapestry of music. Generally speaking, overdubbing tends to muddle and confuse music, but it was done in such a well calculated way here that it actually enhances the overall feel of each song. It's clear there was a focus here that didn't really manifest itself ever again. That's not to say that Traffic's later work was academic or pedestrian by comparison, but the effort to establish themselves as top-notch composers is most evident on this record.

Traffic's sound changed so much over their relatively short catalog that it is difficult to point newcomers to a particular album as a good starting point. In fact, this album may be the one most unlike any others with the possible exception of John Barleycorn.

I rate this album with five stars not so much because it's my favorite Traffic album (it's not), but because of the obvious clarity of purpose they put forth. There are no weak songs here. Every one could stand alone as a picture of brilliant song writing. This is absolutely a must have for any fan of the era and/or genre.

Traffic's Second Album Is Great.......2006-04-13

Traffic's self-titled second album is great. It contains an equal number of compositions by Steve Winwood and Dave Mason, with an odd Jim Capaldi number thrown in at times for good measure. Whereas the first album (MR. FANTASY/HEAVEN IS IN YOUR MIND) is, at times, a bit too druggy-sounding to suit my chosen lifestyle, this album has very little, if any, of that. The songs are very pop- and blues-oriented, with a folk influence also present. The best song on the album is "Feelin' Alright?", a song which is about needing a change of pace and the perils of stagnation. Winwood's and Mason's belief that the young Australian tourist convicted in Indonesia in May of 2005 for drug-smuggling was the victim of a grave injustice makes this CD an essential purchase for both your ears AND your conscience.

Feelin' Alright: The Definitive Collection

Average customer rating:

Mostly good
Great album
Great songs from 1968-71, but nothing from late 1971-74
Good, but why buy this when there is Smiling Phases!?!?!?
Great overview of Traffic's earlier work.

Feelin' Alright: The Definitive Collection
Traffic
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004C4QU
Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

Paper Sun
Hole In My Shoe
Heaven Is In Your Mind
Dear Mr. Fantasy
You Can All Join In
Feelin' Alright?
Pearly Queen
Forty Thousand Headmen
Shanghai Noodle Factory
Glad
Freedom Rider
Empty Pages
John Barleycorn
Rock 'N' Roll Stew
The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys

Customer Reviews:

Mostly good.......2007-05-30

does not contain Light up or leave me alone, which was disappointing, but most of the good stuff is on here. definitely worth a listen.

Great album.......2006-12-01

All the best music and very fast shipment. What more could we want?

Great songs from 1968-71, but nothing from late 1971-74.......2006-08-02

THE BAND: The main players consisted of Steve Winwood (lead vocals, piano, organ, guitar, bass guitar, percussion), Jim Capaldi (drums, percussion, vocals), and Chris Wood (flute, sax, organ, percussion, vocals). Additional members included Rick Grech (bass guitar), Jim Gordon (drums & percussion), and on-again off-again Dave Mason (guitar, mellotron, sitar, bass guitar, vocals).

THE DISC: (2000) 15 tracks clocking in at approximately 77 minutes. Included with the disc is a 14-page booklet containing song titles/credits, pictures of all album covers, what songs came from which albums, and 10 pages of pictures and history of the band and its members. Digitally remastered sound. Label - Island Records.

ALBUM REPRESENTATION: "Mr. Fantasy" (1968: 4 songs), "Traffic" (1968: 4), "Last Exit" (1969: 1), "John Barleycorn Must Die" (1970: 4), "The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys" (1971: 2). *No songs from "Welcome To The Canteen" (1971-Live), "Shoot Out At The Fantasy Factory" (1973), "On The Road" (1973-Live), "Where The Eagles Fly" (1974).

COMMENTS: I got into Traffic way after the fact. However, I remember so many of these tunes from the classic rock radio stations growing up outside NYC. Especially the best songs on this disc... ""Dear Mr. Fantasy", "Glad", "Freedom Rider", "Empty Pages" and the ultra cool 11+ minute "Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys". With that being said, I'm sitting on the fence regarding "Feelin' Alright". The songs chosen here spot are on accurate - the best songs were chosen from each of the albums represented. But, Island Records skipped anything from their last 4 albums. So, as good as the songs here happen to be, it's not an adequate sampling at all. Traffic's sound was simply different. They were cool in a jazzy/fusion/spacy/pop kind of way. I don't recall too many bands like them at the time. They certainly were not like The Beatles or Rolling Stones. Not even close to Jimi Hendrix or anyone else at Woodstock. (Some) Traffic is necessary in your music collection. Over the years several compilations have hit the stores trying to adequately capture the best schmattering of songs. As for a single disc 'best of', this one is good... BUT it only covers a fraction of their catalog. For a more detailed mix, I'd go with the hard to find "Smiling Phases" (1991) with 2-discs and 26 tracks... and something from each of their studio albums. Looking for a single studio album - I'd first go with "John Barleycorn" (simply a great album, and backed up by the liner notes indicating this is/was Traffic's best selling album in the U.S. by a wide margin), followed by "Low Spark" and/or "Mr. Fantasy".

Good, but why buy this when there is Smiling Phases!?!?!?.......2006-04-17

For a penny less, you can get every song on "Feelin's Alright" AND ELEVEN MORE SONGS from the compilation Smiling Phases. Sure, this one disc compilation contains *great music* but what shmoe would buy it when you can get more music on 2-CDs for less money???? Perhaps another reviewer can fill me in on the "logic" of buying this over Smiling Phases because I don't see it.

Great overview of Traffic's earlier work........2006-02-04

Feelin' Alright: The Very Best of Traffic brings you the best of the earlier efforts of one of the truly great bands of the late 60s/early 70s.
It traces the band's progression from the psychedelic rock of "Mr. Fantasy" to the later jazz/blues of "John Barleycorn" and "Low Spark".
Every track on this CD is a winner!

Average customer rating:

V walk the town with space boots,space suits, f*cked up cut, but they still say his face cute...
Mf Doom's best!!!!
Viktor Vaughn
DOOM's best
Simply amazing.

Vaudeville Villain
Viktor Vaughn aka MF Doom
Manufacturer: Traffic Ent.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Venomous Villain
Madvillainy
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The Mouse and the Mask
Special Herbs: The Box Set

ASIN: B0000BZYTJ
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

Overture
Vaudeville Villain
Lickupon
Drop
Lactose and Lecithin
Dead Mouse
Open Mic Nite, Pt. 1 - Louis Logic, Lord Sear, Louis Logic, , Viktor Vaughn, Viktor Vaughn
Raedawn
Let Me Watch
Saliva
Modern Day Mugging
Open Mic Nite, Pt. 2
Never Dead
Popsnot
Mr. Clean
G.M.C.

Customer Reviews:

V walk the town with space boots,space suits, f*cked up cut, but they still say his face cute..........2007-07-15

Umm, simply said, Doom makes up some marvelous sh*t that sounds like the sweet mewing of robot fornication, the sounds on this album are real dope, even though Doom isnt hitting the boards on this one, he is certainly letting his fly and unique style on the mic shine through.

I can listen to this album on and off for weeks at a time, and so could you if you dig fresh, original hip hop with amazing beats and sampling and off the hook surreal but firm rooted, skillful MC'ing.

Doom is one of those super talented guys that are very rare in any genre, this kid is at the top of his game, with whatever he does. Whatever name he adopts for the time being, whatever positon he fills on an album. He is the man. Buy all Dooms stuff as you can, its all great on some level.

Whenever I hear this album, I think MF Doom meets Steven Spielbergs AI movie meets Thom Yorke and RadioHead for a midnight, liquid LSD enhanced jam session.

Yes, that weird and groovy :0)

Mf Doom's best!!!!.......2007-06-13

This album is tight from start to finish. Standout tracks are: Vaudeville Villain,Lactose&Lecithin,Saliva

Viktor Vaughn.......2007-04-20

I am a big fan of DOOM and his side projects,so naturally I picked up Viktor Vaughn's "Vaudeville Villain". I enjoyed this CD very well and find it almost impossible to skip a track. Vik's lyrics are as clever as usual, and he stays on point when he steps up to the mic. I would recommend this CD to any fan of DOOM and newcomers to the real hip-hop. The only flaws in this CD(from my point of view) is some of the beats. The beats that I find annoying are A "Dead Mouse" and "Pop Snot". But Vik's genius rhymes carries us through the song,no problemo. Other than that ,the CD is cool,the beats fit his style and he can spit.

Top 5 Tracks
1.Lickupon
2.G.M.C.
3.Never Dead
4.Open Mic Nite Pt.2
5.Change The Beat

DOOM's best.......2007-02-15

This is still MF DOOM's best album so far. Nice producton, especially from King Honey and Heat Sensor, nice guest appearances by M. Sayyid and Apani, and plenty of abstract rhyming from the villain. This and Operation Doomsday are his 2 essential releases.

Simply amazing........2006-10-13

MF DOOM is one of my favorite cats in the game, whether he's going under the alias of Zev Luv X, MF DOOM, Viktor Vaughn, King Geedorah, or one of his dozen other masks, he always brings purely dope music. This is one of, if not his best release, and is only exceeded in a few areas by the classic Operation: Doomsday. However, this album as a whole is more well-rounded than that classic, and would be the perfect place for anyone new to DOOM to start.

DOOM himself in incredible on this release. I know a lot of heads have a difficult time adjusting to his style, and flow at first, but once you become acquainted with it, you can appreciate his true genius. The bottom-line is, while some rappers are simply droning about guns and womens in a monotone voice, and hide their obvious weaknesses as an emcee underneath their image, DOOM kicks sick verbals, with a stream-of-consciousness flow untouched by anyone else in the game. In between his wildly animated lyrics, and stunning punchlines, he drops gem after gem of knowledge, which a lot of people who look for reasons to diss DOOM often overlook.

Production on this released is handled by a handful of indy producers, who all provide dope beats for DOOM. DOOM didn't produce a single joint on this album, but despite that, the sound is still uniquely Metal Fingers. While all DOOM albums have a couple of haunting, and somber cuts, this may also be DOOM's darkest album to date, with tracks like Lickupon, Never Dead, and Let Me Watch.

If you're open minded towards music, then it's incredibly easy to get into DOOM. He isn't like any rapper in the game; underground or mainstream. No one can kick verbals like DOOM, however, if you're not familiar with him, and you ARE familiar with some of the Wu-Tang Clan, then it also shouldn't be hard to get into DOOM, since his style is similar(in vein) to ODB, only more comprehensible, and his flow is like a more animated Ghostface Killah's. Either way, this album is perfect from start to finish, and all hip-hop heads should be able to appreciate it, if not love it.

Average customer rating:

A bridge to cross over....
Traffic
A Traffic must have
(3.5 stars) Pretty good in some places: dated in others
Psychedelic masterpiece, but get the US version!!

Mr. Fantasy
Traffic
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Traffic
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
John Barleycorn Must Die
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ASIN: B00004WF68
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

Heaven Is In Your Mind
Berkshire Poppies
House For Everyone
No Face, No Name, No Number
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Dealer
Utterly Simple
Coloured Rain
Hope I Never Find Me There
Giving To You
Paper Sun
Giving To You
Hole In My Shoe
Smiling Phases
Here We Go 'Round The Mulberry Bush

Amazon.com

It's a rather druggy record, Traffic's debut; in fact, decades later, it's still possible to get a decent contact high off of it. From the stuttering, lyrically ponderous "Heaven Is in Your Mind" to the awe-inspiring psychedelic soul of "Dear Mr. Fantasy," this is Traffic's most reverb-saturated and elliptical release. This 2000 reissue is in mono, but it does finally bring the American and British versions of the record together, so that you get "Paper Sun" and other singles from 1967. Dave Mason-era Traffic was nothing if not eclectic. On Mr. Fantasy, they mix and match the art-prog of Caravan and the goofy psychedelia of Sgt. Pepper's with the mellow groove of Procol Harum, the jazz-blues fusion of Graham Bond with the blues-rock of Cream. All that and sitar, too--not to mention Stevie Winwood's riveting vocals. A sheen of silliness covers at least a third of the album; faux-frumpy songs like "House for Everyone" and "Berkshire Poppies" are not-very-witty vaudeville spoofs that are sung in stuffy British accents. Overall, this is an engaging period piece that makes one give thanks for the Program function on the CD player. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

A bridge to cross over...........2007-05-31

Many mid-60's artists, names too countless to mention here, failed to bridge the gap from the R&R/soul based music of that day to the more experimental stylings which followed. Not so with Mr. Winwood, who jumped from Spencer Davis Group to form Traffic with fellow headliner Dave Mason and relative unknowns Jim Capaldi (dr) and Chris Wood (woodwinds). Actually, Dave Mason often slid by the wayside allowing Winwood's influence to prevail. The US cover of this LP was a rather unimaginative photo of the group members, whereas the UK version (used here) gave us more insight as to what the music inside "looked like." This was, perhaps, evidence of the UK's head start on the dreamier elements of psychedelia. Songs like "Hole in My Shoe" and "Berskhire Poppies" utilized heavy phasing and made us hang on white-knuckled for awhile til we got the idea. Yet we also got the beautiful ballad "No Face No Name No Number" which became an oft-covered standard. A cornucopia of styles at work here, and more songs than appeared on the original releases of this LP. For example, the title tune from "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" which fits here quite well. If you are expecting the long jams of latter era Traffic, think again. A seminal work from a transitional age.

Traffic.......2007-03-17

I was going to digitalize my old "Mr Fantasy" LP but looked up to see if was available on CD, which it was. What can I say. If you you're an old guy, or girl, and you like Traffic, then you'll like this CD. Maybe even if you're not old. It's a bit corny in parts, but it's good creative rock and roll.

A Traffic must have.......2006-11-10

What can I say, except get this remaster today. If your a fan of Traffic then you know. If your a young rocker trying to discover why the music from the late 60's and early 70's was just better than now-a-days, buy this and you'll find out why. This is Traffic's 1st or 2nd album...I think 2nd, during the orginial line up and is just a crazy, beautiful blend of psycedellic blues rock and jazz progressions. Very trippy. Get it. Today.

(3.5 stars) Pretty good in some places: dated in others.......2006-11-04

This review is only based on the ten original tracks, though there are some great bonus tracks (Paper Sun; Hole in My Shoe; Smiling Phases) that would've undoubtedly boosted the rating had they been included on the original album instead of a few of the dated psychedelic songs Berkshire Poppies; A House for Everyone; Utterly Simple; Hope I Don't Find Me There; and the album-closing jam Giving to You. Psychedelia wasn't Traffic's thing, they were better off playing jazz/folk/rock songs such as Heaven is In Your Mind; No Face, No Name, No Number; Colored Rain and that unforgettable title track, arguably the best song in the Traffic canon. Plus Dealer is a good song, on the misunderstood side - the title does spell drugs, but it's really about a card dealer. A bit of an offbeat subject, but this was 1968. At its best, it's the kind of English Folke that would later inspire Jethro Tull's best work; at worst, it's psychedelic excess vaguely reminiscent of the Rolling Stones' worst work. Thankfully, they would get their sound straight on the next, self-titled album, the latter of which containing several classics (You Can All Join In; Pearly Queen; Feelin' Alright?; 40,000 Headsmen). It's the better buy, but this isn't bad at all.

Psychedelic masterpiece, but get the US version!!.......2005-05-27

The British version of this CD is called "Mr Fantasy" - it has a superior CD sleeve to the US version, but a lot of it is in badly mixed mono and sounds very flat. The same album is available in the US version under the title "Heaven is In Your Mind" - it is all in stereo, and sequenced much better - makes a BIG difference - and is far superior to the U.K. version. Both versions are great - whichever one you end up with, you're gonna love if you like psychedelic music! Because this album is a psych CLASSIC! I have both versions and I ALWAYS listen to the US version ("Heaven is In Your Mind") because it sounds better and makes more sense the way it is sequenced. I had never even heard of the album until 1 year ago. I investigated this year, and I am SURE GLAD I did!!!

Average customer rating:

Best Album I Heard This Year -- Seriously
Wow
All Music Guide Description
This catchy, smart album is my new vice.

That Handsome Devil
That Handsome Devil
Manufacturer: Stardust Records/Traffic Ent.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000GW899Q
Release Date: 2006-07-25

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Standing Room In Heaven
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Miss America
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Product Description

That Handsome Devil, a born Renaissance man, comes forth with his new genre bending sound: Fringe Pop which is a combination of the last 30 years of counter culture, merging elements of Rock, Lounge, Hip Hop and anything in between.

Album Description

Following the self-help single 'Dating Tips' which has since been rumored as the genus of the Neil Strauss book ''The Game'', That Handsome Devil releases their debut self-titled EP. Arriving with an amazing arsenal of explosive riffs, guitars, keys and horns sweetened by the astounding production of Jeremy Page, front man Godforbid creates imagery that takes the listener from lumbering dreamscapes to howling anthems of cock-walking future pop. Chock-full of edgy lyrics delivered with a bar room swagger and raspy gruffness that forces you to trust their depth, charisma and balls, That Handsome Devil comes off like Tom Waits-meets-Ol Dirty Bastard. Forget Gnarls Barkley, thanks to the That Handsome Devil, the art of post-rap song-writing is here to serve you all, kick plenty of ass and take no prisoners.

Customer Reviews:

Best Album I Heard This Year -- Seriously.......2007-06-09

I wish this was longer. This is music that immediately grabs you -- it's almost too catchy -- but unlike pop music and most of what gets stuck in your head, this is music that rewards repeated listening. Lead singer Godforbid has a lot to offer and a lot to say, and the lyrics have rare depth. Every track is perfect -- the band is spooky good, and they seem to cover every genre there is in the space of seven song EP.

Wow.......2007-05-12

Simply Amazing- I can't wait until their next album is released
This is a MUST for all those "alternative music" lovers out there!

All Music Guide Description .......2007-02-23

Imagine the perfect variety show. They may not make them anymore, but you can try to be creative: fill it with comics, a great mix of eclectic guest bands, and a gregarious host that makes his scintillating guests feel at home, while with a wink at the audience, he gently shreds them to bits. That in a musical nutshell describes That Handsome Devil, as well as their eponymous EP. The quintet of musicians have obviously had professional training, and a wealth of experiences in a variety of other settings, for they bring to this set sounds from across the musical spectrum. Big-band swing, blues, surf, jazz -- both traditional and modern -- funk, R&B, hard rock, even a touch of reggae, not even Parliament Funkadelic were this far-ranging, but THD meld it all into a sound even more distinctive than Grandmaster Flash's. Even better, the arrangements are so creative and deft that the music never sounds eclectic just for the sake of it, it's not even showy, so subtle is the stitching linking the genres, so flawless the musicianship. That's reason enough to champion THD, but wait, you haven't met frontman Godforbid yet -- a consummate performer, one of the best white blues singers around, and one heck of a lyricist. Whether languorously consigning listeners to hell on "Standing Room in Heaven," helpfully and hilariously offering up "Dating Tips," recommending that angels carry guns while celebrating the end of the world on "Elephant Bones," showing life through the eyes of a derelict drunk on "Sleep It Off," or bemoaning inequality in "James Dean," Godforbid demands attention, and who could refuse? Like nothing you've ever heard before, THD is an entire musical revue in one small package, a fabulous night out's entertainment; you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll gasp in amazement at all they have to offer.

This catchy, smart album is my new vice........2007-01-08

This album's been in regular rotation at my house for months now. Impress your friends with your eclectic taste. Track one, Godforbid, philosopher and That Handsome Devil's frontman, takes you by the hand and leads you down some stairs into a dimly lit dive bar trimmed in red velvet. You probably shouldn't follow him, but if you turn back now, honey, you'll always wonder, so don't fight it. Things start to get a little crazy after that...the shots of Jack are just coming at you so fast. Once you're loosened up, though, he gets you dancing and it's real pleasant. But now your head's feeling a little funny. Just relax, everything's gonna be o.k., you can handle this surreal scene. Godforbid talks you down. Just put one foot...in front...of the other...
Seriously, this album's too good! That Handsome Devil fills a chilled shaker with jiggers of Lounge, Funk, Rock, and Hip Hop, then adds dashes of Surf and Brit Pop for a cocktail that'll knock you over. Don't worry, it's all shaken together with expert care you're gonna like. Trust me. It's Gnarls Barkley meets the Tindersticks to watch a James Bond flick and hit on Go-Go dancers in an opium den.

Average customer rating:

The best Traffic hits collection out there
2 CDs of Traffic at its best
The best representation of Traffic

Gold
Traffic
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Essential Jefferson Airplane

ASIN: B000A0GPSG
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

Paper Sun
Dealer
Coloured Rain
Hole In My Shoe
No Face, No Name, No Number
Heaven Is In Your Mind
Smiling Phases
Dear Mr. Fantasy
You Can All Join In
Pearly Queen
Feelin' Alright?
Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring
(Roamin' Thro' The Gloamin' With) 40.000 Headman
Shanghai Noodle Factory
Medicated Goo
Glad
Freedom Rider
Empty Pages
John Barleycorn (Must Die)

Tracks:

Gimme Some Lovin'
The Low Spark Of High-Heeled Boys
Light Up Or Leave Me Alone
Rock And Roll Stew Parts 1 & 2
Rainmaker
Shoot Out At The Fantasy Factory
(Sometimes I Feel So) Uninspired
Something New
Dream Gerrard
Walking In The Wind
When The Eagle Flies

Customer Reviews:

The best Traffic hits collection out there.......2006-12-10

There are quite a few Traffic greatest hits/best of collections out there. They can be useful for turning new fans on who aren't really familiar with the band or artist if they're put together well. This one covers the most ground and has the best sound quality. Don't bother with the other "hits" cds.

2 CDs of Traffic at its best.......2006-03-21

This samples from everything Traffic recorded up until 1974 including a few live cuts ("Gimme Some Loving"). If you like the band, all areas of that time period are included including some of the lengthier album songs. It's hard to argue with the song selection and the CDs are a good length as well.
One note: the 1994 reunion of Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi is not included. A number of these Gold releases exclude the more recent material and focus on the older songs and that is the case here.

The best representation of Traffic.......2005-12-18

Gold is the best representation of the best of Traffic out there. It has everything you could ever want from Traffic. I mean really this covers their whole carear. From 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' to 'The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys.'

'Rock And Roll Stew' 'Rain Maker' 'Dealer' there all here. Traffics hard rock edge, their drug induced psycadelia, their amazing folk rock, I.E. 'John Barlie Corn Must Die.' The masterfull musician ship of Steve Winnwood is presented here perfectly.

So while most best ofs are terrible, and mainly these Gold collections are really bad this one is one that everybody should have in their collection!

Average customer rating:

Welcome to the Canteen par excellence
Fabulous live album....
A classic
I love this album
Great live recording

Welcome to the Canteen
Traffic
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Traffic

ASIN: B00006399Z
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Tracks:

Medicated Goo
Sad And Deep As You
40,000 Headmen
Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Gimme Some Lovin'

Amazon.com

To call Traffic "mercurial" might be an understatement. After a promising debut, the band (whose core consisted of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Stevie Winwood, vocalist-percussionist Jim Capaldi, and winds player-keyboardist Chris Wood) variously broke up, saw Winwood's participation in the supergroup Blind Faith, reformed, and struggled with lineup expansions and contractions. Indeed, this 1971 live album recorded in London followed an unreleased Fillmore East effort by John Barleycorn's four-piece edition (the trio plus Blind Faith bassist Rick Grech). Now rhythmically augmented by Jim Gordon, ex-Dizzy Gillespie sideman Reebop Kwaku Baah, and the return of singer-songwriter Dave Mason for his third stint in the band, Traffic turns in a rich, eclectic set that didn't so much recap their career as retool it entirely. With Mason's more prosaic "Sad and Deep as You Are" and "Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave" alternating with the exotic impressionism of "40,000 Headmen," the good-natured R&B of "Medicated Goo," and the early staple "Dear Mr. Fantasy," this sounds like a band with a lot of promise. But typically, Mason's tenure this time 'round lasted just six performances. The feverish, polyrhythmic reworking of Winwood's Spencer Davis hit, "Gimme Some Lovin'," hints at the more fusion-oriented direction the band would take on its next studio album. Unfortunately, modern digital remastering hasn't improved the original recording's somewhat muddled sound. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Welcome to the Canteen par excellence.......2007-06-27

I owned this record (and I still do although it's a bit scratched up) back in high school. One of my all time favorite live albums. The CD sounds great. I would rate this as the my all time favorite Traffic album.

Fabulous live album...........2007-06-22

Cookin' good live album from a nice full assemblage of Traffic members. Of course we have Messrs. Winwood, and Capaldi and Wood but also erstwhile member Dave Mason is here, Rick Grech fills in the essential bass role, and Reebop Kwaku Baah pounds the congas. None of the stripped down trio setup that too often prevented them from performing live without assistance from non-members. And they bring in the best of what all the members could contribute, nice Mason tunes and, oh yes, a super reprisal of the pinnacle of Steve's days with Spender Davis (Gimme Some Lovin').

A classic.......2007-01-11

I had the album from the early 70's. It was one of my favorites but got too scratched to play. The CD is great-as good as I remember but with out all of the scratchs.

I love this album.......2006-12-04

This is a great release by a band that doesn't get near enough attention. The disc opens in high gear with a Medicated Goo that gets stuck in your head and is almost impoosible not to dance to. Seriously, you'll be humming this all day long. Sad And Deep As You is just as addictive but in a mellow way. Chris Wood's flute on here is beautiful. 40,000 Headmen is magical in A very Traffic way. Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave has a great organ and guitar riff. Gimmie Some Lovin' and Dear Mr. Fantasy are the best versions out there. If anything, the only drawback is that the new version doesn't have any bonus songs. Still, what's here is execellent.

Great live recording.......2006-01-29

First off, the eleven-minute Dear Mr. Fantasy is great listening, not at all indulgent like the Allmans, Zep, and Cream could get sometimes. And then there's 40,000 Headman, a dark, unforgettable tune and one of Traffic's Best. Also worthy are Medicated Goo and Gimme Some Lovin'. Though there are a couple uninspired monents (Sad & Deep, Shouldn't Have Took etc.), it's a must-hear for Traffic fans, along with the hits.

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