Customer Reviews

Mighty Baby

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

 

 

This is what Buffalo Springfield would have sounded like if they had been more progressive. You can also throw in a little Kaleidoscope to add to the pop trippiness, and perhaps a smidgen of Grateful Dead to account for the occasional jam passage. "Mighty Baby" definitely has some of late-60s psyc sound, but it's rooted in strong song compositions, not free-form acid guitar and organ excursions (not that I have anything against those!). The songs run in the 4-6 minute range, which provides a nice midway point between too simple and too complex---accessible yet full of turns and diversions. The eight tracks from the original "Mighty Baby" album would make the purchase worthwhile, but the CD version also has five bonus tracks from the related band "The Action." These cuts have a more pop flavor---sort of a less glossy Strawberry Alarm Clock---and are also quite enjoyable. I consider this CD one of my best finds over the last five years or so.

This has to be one of the best examples of brit acid rock there is. The opener "Egyptian Tomb" shows the band in a nutshell: fluid guitar work, tight sax comp, cool interplay. A classic! And almost all of the songs are long stoned acid jams. They are simply so good at this, especially the guitar plays like an acid dream. And the singer has a high and nasal voice. The band plays tight, incredible improvisations. If you like the late 60's acid rock sound, this is your album. Like the late Quicksilver Messenger Servie or the Gratful Dead but perhaps more "stoned" in sound. Includes some good songs from pre-Mighty baby, "The Action".

Originally released in 1969, Mighty Baby apparently had several members (most,in fact) formed this band from The Action. Basically decent British psychedelia. Tracks that I found to be most inspiring were "Egyptian Tomb","I've Been Down So Long","Same Way From The Sun"(gorgeous melody)and "Understanding Love". Line-up:Reggie King-vocals,Alan King&Pete Watson-guitars,Mike Evans-bass and Roger Powell-drums. Should appeal to fans of The Action,John's Children,early Who,Five Day Week Straw People and The Creation.

Mighty Baby took a while for me to get into: I bought this a few years ago and thought it was ok, but it didn't grab me.

Basically, this is well written rock and roll with some progressive elements. The singer is good--at times the vocals actually sound like Clapton and Bruce in Cream, and the songs never fall into rock cleches

This is not something that is going to arrest you right away, but let it cook a while and it becomes enjoyable. I wish they pushed the progressive elements further.

You probably don't have to grab this today, but if you are into 60s rock or early prog and are having one of those days where you want to buy music but really don't know what to pick from the menu, you may want to try Mighty Baby,

Mighty Baby on this their first album deliver all the goods. Very competent musicianship and although originally released in 1969 stil seems relevant today.
Harmony work and space between instruments suggests vocal arrangements of early Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young from around this period.
Highly recommended.4 Way Street

This group reminds me of the group Spirit. Egyptian Tomb is a track that has an unique sound and is over the top.

As usual, I picked this CD up on a chance, after hearing The Action, just to see what it was like. I have to agree with the review of Mike Reed, it is really a good little album and it gets a lot of play at our clubhouse here in St. Louis. Another lucky find in the "I never heard of these guys" section.