Customer Reviews

Loosen Up Naturally

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Well, I've typed this in without reading any of the other reviews. I first heard this album when I lived in the Bay Area in 1968-1969, and it struck me then that these guys -- who, for some inexplicable reason, did not get the hype of the other great S.F. bands -- were, without much question, one of the premiere S.F. bands -- up there with Cold Blood in terms of a "horns" band. (No, Tower of Power hadn't been invented yet. And if you haven't heard of Cold Blood, well take some initiative.)

Simply exquisite musicianship with impeccable and original -- emphasis on "original" -- arrangements. A truly exceptional band. Trust me. Buy their live album, too.

Best S.F band in the '60s? I lived there: my vote -- tie between Santana and the Sons of Champlin. No question about it. Buy it! Pass the magic to another generation!

I first heard this album in the early 70's when a friend loaned it to me. Being a trombone player at the time, it absolutely blew me away. I can't for the life of me understand why the Sons never made it. They are early Chicago, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Rare Earth and Chase all rolled in to one, but much more talented and much more soulful than Chocago ever was. Listening to this album (I'm showing my age calling them "albums") will literally send chills down your spine. The opening cut, 1982A is absolutely incredible. Buy this one---it will be the best [money] you ever spent!

After reading all the other reviews, there's little I can add. I grew up in the Bay Area in the sixties, and no self-respecting hippie was without a copy of "Loosen Up Naturally". Their inspiring lyrics got me through some tough college classes, as well as some hairy personal experiences. Who can not be affected by the soaring message of "Freedom"? The music inspires shouting, and loud singing in general. Yes, they played their music at a time when all that seemed important was the playing of good music. Man, those were the days, and the Sons were right in the thick of it. They were simply awesome in concert, as if they had never played these songs before. It's great to discover other "Sons" fans out there. It's a must addition to a classic rock collection.

In the the late 60s I walked into a music store and this album was playing. I was in there for about 40 minutes looking at other music and this record was playing the entire time. Every song was great. I went up to the counter and asked who the band was and they told me it was the Sons of Champlin. I bought it immediately. I bought the record, years later I bought it in cassette and now I have bought it in CD. I have never gotten tired of listening to it and it sounded great in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. During this time my taste in music went from black sabbath to paul simon and back and no matter what frame of mind I was in Champlin was also great to listen to.

I went to a high school dance in '69,(just before this album came out)and the band the was Sons. I didn't care, teenage-hormones were racing for this girl I brought and these guys were another hippie rock band...WRONG!!! They proceeded to play this album pretty much top to bottom, both LP's and I stood transfixed. "Can you feel it coming...it's gonna set you back on your heels."(1982-A)(the first song of the set) It was an omen that all my varied musicial interests(Jazz,R&B,Rock,etc.) would be forever borne onto the Sons of Champlin. I do not remember what happened to my date...what was her name? Thank You guys for changing my life in so many wonderful ways. GET THIS "ALBUM" TODAY AND HEAR WHAT THE BEST OF YESTERDAY WAS!!!

This album/group was the cream of the crop from the late 60's and early 70's. It is a mix of acid rock, great jazz, excellant vocals. The words speak clearly of the inner light and the answer to lifes mysteries: Love. When the band broke up, Bill Champlin joined the group Chicago. This album gets angular at times, ie real jazzy, but they always bring you back to great rock and vocals.
I searched for 15 yrs to find this on vinyl, and what luck to find it on CD (imported from England)
Go to the Grateful Dead web site, they state that the Sons of Champlin were by far the most talented group from the San Francisco era.

I'm a "Sons" fan from the 70's and we LOVE them here in upstate new york where they have a huge following...My first exposure to the Sons was "Loosen Up Naturally" and I have loved them ever since...I recall writing some of their lyrics on the bathroom wall at school..."love lifts life's illusions". I recently purchased the new CD "The Sons of Champlin Live" and I'm truly amazed that their sound could be even better today. Bill's voice still has the same soulful and sometimes brash sound and the horns, vibes and back up music is simply the best anywhere. I recommend "Loosen Up..." for the lyrics...just sit and listen..and learn..."faith is finding honest ways to live"...I LOVE THE SONS, BUY IT TODAY!!

I am proud to say I am a die hard fan of the Sons for over 30 years. This album is truly timeless. I remember listening to the original album back when it first came out and knowing that this band was way ahead of their time. I have seen them on tour last year several times after reuniting again. They are just as good or better than they ever were. What else can I say, try the CD, you will love it.

I remember first hearing this album in the late sixties at a close friend's house. It belonged to his older brother, who I thought was the coolest guy on earth, and when he handed us a copy of Loosen Up Naturally to listen to...well, we went nuts. One playing ensured it as my favorite album and we wore the first copy out with repeated playings. I had never heard vibes in a rock band before and it just caught me the right way. As the years went past I looked for my own copy of Loosen Up Naturally but could not find it. I collected all the other Sons albums but I was always missing my favorite. You can only imagine my excitement when I discovered a copy on CD at Amazon. From the minute I put it on I remembered all the lyrics, all the riffs and most importantly, a piece of my childhood. My friend and I have lost touch over the years and his older brother passed away a few years ago from cancer. This is a first class album from top to bottom and it really showcases the talent of a band that everyone called the third best band in San Fransisco. Frankly, I do not think either the Fefferson Airplane or Quicksilver held a candle to the Sons. I am happy to have them back in my life again.

I first heard the Sons of Champlin on a reel to reel tape a friend had in 1969. The soulfulness and the energy grabbed me
right away. They played U.C. Davis shortly after, were thirty minutes late and then blew the topbilled band off the stage. In
concert they are a rush and this album reflects the spirt and
talent that is only amplified in person. 1982-A and Freedom are
the highlights, but the whole album is infectious; I highly recommend the new "Live" album and seeing the band in person if
you ever get the chance.