Classic Rock Album of the Day- Blue Cheer- Self Titled (1969) ***
Wowzer... This was probably about my 5th-8th album I ever bought. And tonight is probably the first time I have given it an entire listen in easily 50 years. And honestly I wasn't disappointed. Blue Cheer were quite innovators in their day. They incorporated many styles that would be heard in many future bands in the following 20 years. But the thing about this Band, is that they really did not seem hep on hit making. In fact their highest and only one of two charting tunes was the oft covered Cochran Tune, "Summer Time Blues".
If you really want to pin a direction for this very good LP, its very complex mix of psychedelia, metal, funk, and blues. It is my opinion their most consistent work if you consider Side 1 its own unique work. And still, listening to this one and few other early works, you have to wonder why there is no substance to this band's legacy. They were innovative, influential, and competent in songwriting and instruments. So what the hell happened? Mostly a mystery, but if there is one striking detraction to this group, is not only lack of a superstar grinder, but there were 30 different people who have been members of the Band Blue Cheer. Also, there are snips here are there that make the band sound a whole lot alike The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Animals, and a few others. Maybe too much. And honesty, before doing this review, if I was pressed into citing one member of the band, I wouldn't have been able to. And I am one who likes to think he is somewhat a student of rock history.
Still, this is a fine example of exactly what the then late 1960's SF Haight Asbury look and sound was, and is well worth a listen. One last point is almost all of their best stuff is on Side 1. I do know there are jewels out there in the sea of obscurity, and this is a perfect example.
Fun Fact: Even though in my opinion, this is their best work, it didn't even crack the Top 200 Album chart.
Side 1-
-----------
Fool- Though it won't be the first or last time the band went into Stones territory on this LP, Fool sounds about as good as anything from Richards and Jagger in the late 1960's hay day. Very good catchy blues number, that though I wouldn't call it hooked it has some great well played ax/harmonica bluezy groove. 1
You're Gonna Need Someone- Another fine blues tinged rocker, that has fantastic bass line. Love the ending and quackery that nowadays would be a real head scratcher, but quacking ducks was just what that era's Stoners were digging 2
Hello LA, Goodbye Birmingham- Very quaint period piece with that signature hammond organ that we loved during the era. Song has that often used theme of country boy gets a guitar, and goes on adventure on his way out to make it in the music industry. All the Charm of Into the Great Wide Open, with that 1960's flair. 4
Saturday Freedom- Maybe the most standard 4/4 rocker on the LP. They did a very and unique blend of bluez and psychedelia that worked well. 3
Ain't That the Way (Love's Supposed to Be)- Band bit a bit more than they could chew, and this one has a level of clutter that hurts the continuity of the tune. I love well crafted chaos. But this one sounds more like guitar v. organ.... And neither wins. 9
Side 2-
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Rock and Roll Queens- Just realized that Grand Funk swiped some riffs for Footstompin' Music on this one. Not so hot, and there are much better choices on this album. 8
Better When We Try- This Animals/Doors style attempt misses the mark. 7
Natural Man- Stones cloning attempt Part 2. Falls flat on its ass. 10
Lovin' You is Easy- More Side 2, that just didn't meet the same standards as 1. 6
The Same Old Story- Blues finale. Slow roller, that infused even some Janis Joplin kind of vocalization. Simple one, but kind of a pleasant change of pace from the rest of S-2. 5
Originally written September 23, 2023
Wowzer... This was probably about my 5th-8th album I ever bought. And tonight is probably the first time I have given it an entire listen in easily 50 years. And honestly I wasn't disappointed. Blue Cheer were quite innovators in their day. They incorporated many styles that would be heard in many future bands in the following 20 years. But the thing about this Band, is that they really did not seem hep on hit making. In fact their highest and only one of two charting tunes was the oft covered Cochran Tune, "Summer Time Blues".
If you really want to pin a direction for this very good LP, its very complex mix of psychedelia, metal, funk, and blues. It is my opinion their most consistent work if you consider Side 1 its own unique work. And still, listening to this one and few other early works, you have to wonder why there is no substance to this band's legacy. They were innovative, influential, and competent in songwriting and instruments. So what the hell happened? Mostly a mystery, but if there is one striking detraction to this group, is not only lack of a superstar grinder, but there were 30 different people who have been members of the Band Blue Cheer. Also, there are snips here are there that make the band sound a whole lot alike The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Animals, and a few others. Maybe too much. And honesty, before doing this review, if I was pressed into citing one member of the band, I wouldn't have been able to. And I am one who likes to think he is somewhat a student of rock history.
Still, this is a fine example of exactly what the then late 1960's SF Haight Asbury look and sound was, and is well worth a listen. One last point is almost all of their best stuff is on Side 1. I do know there are jewels out there in the sea of obscurity, and this is a perfect example.
Fun Fact: Even though in my opinion, this is their best work, it didn't even crack the Top 200 Album chart.
Side 1-
-----------
Fool- Though it won't be the first or last time the band went into Stones territory on this LP, Fool sounds about as good as anything from Richards and Jagger in the late 1960's hay day. Very good catchy blues number, that though I wouldn't call it hooked it has some great well played ax/harmonica bluezy groove. 1
You're Gonna Need Someone- Another fine blues tinged rocker, that has fantastic bass line. Love the ending and quackery that nowadays would be a real head scratcher, but quacking ducks was just what that era's Stoners were digging 2
Hello LA, Goodbye Birmingham- Very quaint period piece with that signature hammond organ that we loved during the era. Song has that often used theme of country boy gets a guitar, and goes on adventure on his way out to make it in the music industry. All the Charm of Into the Great Wide Open, with that 1960's flair. 4
Saturday Freedom- Maybe the most standard 4/4 rocker on the LP. They did a very and unique blend of bluez and psychedelia that worked well. 3
Ain't That the Way (Love's Supposed to Be)- Band bit a bit more than they could chew, and this one has a level of clutter that hurts the continuity of the tune. I love well crafted chaos. But this one sounds more like guitar v. organ.... And neither wins. 9
Side 2-
-----------
Rock and Roll Queens- Just realized that Grand Funk swiped some riffs for Footstompin' Music on this one. Not so hot, and there are much better choices on this album. 8
Better When We Try- This Animals/Doors style attempt misses the mark. 7
Natural Man- Stones cloning attempt Part 2. Falls flat on its ass. 10
Lovin' You is Easy- More Side 2, that just didn't meet the same standards as 1. 6
The Same Old Story- Blues finale. Slow roller, that infused even some Janis Joplin kind of vocalization. Simple one, but kind of a pleasant change of pace from the rest of S-2. 5
Originally written September 23, 2023
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