Far more intelligent than some reviewers claim. Skip to head tunes like "Grace" and the instrumental "The Masked Marauder." The whole experience might come off a bit campy to some. But I just find it fun. "Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine" sits nicely after the Kinks' "Wicked Annabella" in a favored mixtape of mine.
Although some of the other songs are good, I give it 5 stars on the strength of one song. If you just give one of their songs a chance download 'An Untitled Protest' NOW - it is the best Vietnam protest song I've ever heard. It still pulls at my heart and brings a tear to my eye. 'Porpoise Mouth' is also a sweet, perverse love song (that I don't see on eMusic). After that pick and choose. They had a sense of humor and sometimes just had fun with their songs (kazoo embellishments). As with any artist some songs were better than others, but at their best - they were icons of the hippie/love/protest era. Incidentally, Country Joe was also the one who announced the warning about the brown acid at Woodstock.
If not for one song filmed and placed in a surprise hit movie, CJ & the Fish would be in the black hole of obscurity where they belong along with hundreds of more talented bands that weren't as lucky. In the 60's, if you couldnt sell records, all you had to do was to be profane. This would result in several jurisdictions banning your record and would reward you with instant notoriety. Listen to David Peel & The Lower Eastside's "Have A Marijuana" album and you will see what I mean.
I'm not fond of tracks 3 or 8. Normally, I'd commend their "head" music, but I don't know if you can get that from this SHORT collection. For a cheating way to enhance your C J & Fish collection, also see my review of the album Eat Flowers & Kiss Babies, by Country Joe McDonald/Bevis Frond. Also, while you're thinking about it, check out Country Joe McDonald - many good albums & tracks here. And if you really get stuck on CJ & Fish, amazon.com has an excellent collection of hassle-free MP3s to download.
