What's Spinning, Vol. 44
Some British Blues
British blues? Sure why not....
The sixth studio album from, Ten Years After, is in my mind their best work. It contains a lighter and more bluesy edge than previous albums.
Granted, it has a slight psychedelic element to it, but that's quickly subdued with amazing acoustic guitar work that reminds me of Led Zeppelin at the time.
Here They Come, is a prime example of this. It transports your mind to an open plain and possibly something you'd hear in an old saloon. It's a light but heavy song that pleases the ears.
I'd Like to Change the World, is arguably one of the most important songs against the Vietnam War. It perfectly combines acoustic and electric instruments in a perfect blend of sound.
Overall, this mellow and light album is perfect for the overcast day we are experiencing today. If you haven't listened, please do.
I think the most impressive thing about this album is, Alvin Lee, wrote every single song on this album except, Uncle Jam. As a songwriter, he definitely deserves more credit.
The album was also a commercial success as it peaked at 17 on the US Billboard 200 charts. They also enjoyed worldwide success on other charts.
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Ten Years After - A Space In Time
Columbia, 1971
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I love this album too, but I always found it to have come from a dark place (Lee's heroin addiction). That said, there is a lightness as he sings to the listener that he has "no hard monkeys on my back," and he reassures the listener that "I've been there, too," and everything will be ok. 'Space' and 'Cricklewood Green' are the two LPs where they broke away from the standard white boy blues and took it in their own direction.Â