#444

Release Date: 1972
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes

Impressions: In college, I had four roommates, so every one of us would get to choose one CD and throw that into the 5-disc changer for parties. Then we’d put it on uber-shuffle, lock the door and let it go all night without taking requests or having anyone mess with the music. A few of my roommates were big into War, so usually one of their CDs would make it in. Luckily, their funky ’70s soul, latin, rock thing worked well with any other CD in the carousel that it didn’t matter what anyone else picked. Time for a spin…The familiar harmonica-driven “The Cisco Kid” pops right out of the speakers. Just funky as all get out. Without a true lead singer, they lack a charismatic center, but the band is so amazing they are the star. Tight funky as hell, Like a Latin version of The Band and Parliament combined. That bassist is a monster on every cut but especially “Where Was You At.” Lots of long instrumental jams that change moods, styles… sometimes all in one song (the epic “City, Country, City”) They sound like they are doing soundtracks for amazing, non-existent movies. I can see why my stoner roomie dug this stuff; these tracks are great to zone out to. In fact, a few of the longer tracks seem close to floating away (“Four Cornered Room.”) Still, the band puts a ton of thought and feeling into their soulful playing, which makes up for lack of a lead singer or occasional long-windedness. Although, some of their 10 minute tracks might have thrown the delicate balance of our 5 CD changer mix out of whack.

Starred Songs: “The Cisco Kid,” “The World Is A Ghetto”
Sneaky Tracks: “Beatles In The Bog”
Should this album be on the list? Yes
Will you listen to this again? I Might

Verdict: Evocative, ’70s funky soul/rock jams that expand (sometimes too much) beyond mere radio singles.
Rating: ★★★3/4