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Avg: 3.5 (91 ratings)
- Date Released: January 1, 1967
- Genre: Rock/Pop
- Style: Classic Rock
- Label: Collecting Records
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We Say...
Formed in the mid '60s by two rabid blues record collectors, harmonica player Al Wilson and vocalist Bob "The Bear" Hite, Canned Heat enjoyed an unusually high profile on the late '60s scene — even headlining Woodstock — and the group's early albums boast an unusual mix of hits and extended blues performances. Stone-cold fanatics, the band put its commercial clout to use, introducing blues legend John Lee Hooker to a new generation of listeners by recording and performing with him at Carnegie Hall. Though both Hite and Wilson have subsequently died, the band name (taken from a song about huffing Sterno by blues legend Tommy Johnson) lives on: the quintet has recorded with 21 members over nearly 30 years.
Their 1967 debut album, Canned Heat, has two chief driving forces: the band's love of the bluesmen they emulate — it showcases tunes by Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Elmore James and B.B. King — and the impressive signature sound of guitarist Henry Vestine. Underappreciated, Vestine is both a confident, rock-steady rhythm player and searing soloist whose rich, thick tone defined the band as much as Hite's vocals and Wilson's harmonica. Along with the band's first radio hit, "On the Road Again," the album's highlights include extended versions of "Sweet Sixteen," "Wish You Would" and "Bullfrog Blues," and a heartfelt, hip-shaking version of "Got My Mojo Working." Though just the start of their story, Canned Heat is one of the band's best. -
They Say...
This debut long-player from Canned Heat was issued shortly after their appearance at the Monterey International Pop Music Festival. That performance, for all intents and purposes, was not only the combo's entrée into the burgeoning underground rock & roll scene, but was also among the first high-profile showcases to garner national and international attention. The quartet featured on Canned Heat (1967) includes the unique personnel of Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson (guitar/vocals), Larry "The Mole" Taylor (bass), Henry "Sunflower" Vestine (guitar), Bob "The Bear" Hite (vocals), and Frank Cook (drums). Cook's tenure with the Heat would be exceedingly brief, however, as he was replaced by Aldolfo "Fido" Dela Parra (drums) a few months later. Although their blues might have suggested that the aggregate hailed from the likes of Chicago or Memphis, Canned Heat actually formed in the Los Angeles suburb of Topanga Canyon, where they were contemporaries of other up-and-coming rockers Spirit and Kaleidoscope. Wilson and Hite's almost scholarly approach created a unique synthesis when blended with the band's amplified rock & roll. After their initial studio sessions in April of 1967 produced favorable demos, they returned several weeks later to begin work in earnest on this platter. The dearth of original material on Canned Heat was less of a result of any songwriting deficiencies, but rather exemplifies their authentic renderings of traditionals such as the open-throttled boogie of "Rollin' and Tumblin'" -- which is rightfully recognized as having been derived from the Muddy Waters arrangement. Similarly, a rousing reading of Robert Johnson's "Dust My Broom" is co-credited to Elmore James. Blues aficionados will undoubtedly notice references to a pair of Howlin' Wolf classics -- "Smokestack Lightning" as well as "I Asked for Water (She Gave Me Gasoline)" -- as part of the rambling "Road Song." While decidedly more obscure to the casual listener, Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones "Story of My Life" is both a high point on this recording, as well as one of the fiercest renditions ever committed to tape. Until a thorough overhaul of Canned Heat's catalog materializes, this title can be found on the Canned Heat/Boogie With Canned Heat (2003) two-fer that couples this title with their 1968 follow-up.
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| 01. |  |
On The Road Again |
3:23 |
|
| 02. | |
Same All Over |
2:54 |
|
| 03. | |
Rolling And Tumbling |
2:09 |
|
| 04. | |
Bullfrog Blues |
7:22 |
|
| 05. | |
Dust My Broom |
5:45 |
|
| 06. | |
Pretty Thing |
1:42 |
|
| 07. | |
Wish You Would |
8:09 |
|
| 08. | |
Big Road Blues |
2:05 |
|
| 09. | |
Spoonful |
2:20 |
|
| 10. | |
I Got My Eyes On You |
2:22 |
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| 11. | |
Sweet Sixteen |
11:00 |
|
| 12. | |
Got My Mojo Working |
2:42 |
|
12 Total Tracks, 51:53 Total Length
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Credits
- Canned Heat - Main Performer // Larry Taylor - Bass // Henry Vestine - Guitar // Frank Cook - Drums // Bob Hite - Vocals // Alan Wilson - Guitar // Alan Wilson - Vocals
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