A
perfect single-disc anthology of a band with what seemed like unlimited
potential, but in reality limited output and few quality studio
recordings that accurately reflected its combined musicianship. Like its
musical cousins, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Electric Flag was one of the
first bands to combine rock with big-band jazz swagger. This concept
and the fact that Electric Flag contained Michael Bloomfield on electric
guitar was reason enough for the band to be one of the most anticipated
aggregations of the era. Yet many of the recordings show off the band's
limitations like a sore thumb. A certain over-baked production and
arrangement feel permeates many of the fine songs from the band's debut
(A Long Time Comin', included in its entirety), such as " Groovin' Is
Easy" and "She Should Have Just," rendering it somewhat top-heavy. Yet,
despite these moments of excess, the band could also perform modern
blues-rock like no other and, for these tracks alone, Old Glory is worth
purchasing. "Texas" and "Goin' Down Slow" (an outtake from the first
album sessions) combine the group's real strengths with a supple energy
that is positively beguiling. Between Buddy Miles' drumming and vocals,
Bloomfield's unparalleled skill on electric guitar, Barry Goldberg's
keyboards, and Nick Gravenites' songwriting and vocals lay true magic.
The fact that these moments are few and far between can make the disc a
bit frustrating but, when the listener gets into cuts such as the
aforementioned "Texas" and "You Don't Realize," it's well worth the
wait. The five songs from the post-Bloomfield version of the group are
nearly disposable, but a pair of earlier, live cuts from the band's
debut at the Monterey Pop Festival (with Bloomfield) save the end of the
collection. Although Electric Flag was troubled, chaotic, and
disorganized, Old Glory proves that the band was important and had
positively sterling moments, despite its foibles.
Artist: Electric Flag
Album: Old Glory: The Best Of Electric Flag
Released Year: 1995
Genre: Rock
Playing Time: 68:23
Total Size: 157.8 MB
Codec: LAME 3.99
ID3-Tag: ID3v1/ID3v2.3
Format: MP3
Bit Rate: 320K/s
Mode: Joint Stereo
: 01. Killing Floor (4:11)
02. Groovin' Is Easy (3:06)
03. She Should Have Just (5:03)
04. Goin' Down Slow (4:44)
05. Texas (4:47)
06. Sittin' In Circles (Alternate Version) (4:15)
07. You Don't Realize (4:58)
08. Movie Music-Improvisation (3:55)
09. Another Country (8:45)
10. Easy Rider (0:50)
11. Soul Searchin' (2:57)
12. See To Your Neighbor (Demo Version) (2:41)
13. With Time There Is Change (3:14)
14. Nothing To Do (4:18)
15. Hey Little Girl (2:36)
16. Drinkin' Wine (Live) (2:30)
17. The Night Time Is The Right Time (Live) (5:25)
.jpg)
It 's a dead link.
ReplyDelete