Customer Reviews

Revelation: Revolution '69

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The odd thing about this album is that it was made after John Sebastian's departure from the Lovin' Spoonful.
I realize that Joe Butler did his share of lead vocals during the band's heyday, and did some very fine stuff, indeed. But this is all Joe Butler and it sounds as though he took advantage of the fact that Sebastian was gone to make his "hippie" album. Songs such as Revelation;Revolution '69, and War Games suggest that Butler was more interested. at that time, in putting forth his political views rather than making just another Spoonful record. The band always seemed to shy away from overt political ranting and did mainly good-time music. That isn't to say there was a lack of social commentary in the group's work, just that they didn't hit you over the head with thier views. Maybe Butler realized that the band was on it's last legs and it was time to make a statement.
There are, of course, some excellent songs on this album, but they seem to fall into the category of "classic" Spoonful tunes. Songs such as Til I Run With You and Never Goin' Back could easily fit in with "Hums of the Lovin' Spoonful" or "Everything Playing". As a matter of fact, the latter album did contain songs that could be considered
in the style of Revelation:Revolution '69. I read that the other two members of the Spoonful, Steve Boone and Jerry Yester were on this album, but you can't really tell. They aren't even pictured or credited on the sleeve. Anyway, it does have some good "Spoonful-like" songs on it, but the political/social rants are a bit too much. If you are a fan who wants everything the Spoonful released, then buy it (if you can afford it). You will find some pleasant stuff on there, indeed. Just don't buy it thinking you'll find Daydream, vol. 2.

By the time 1968's Bob Finiz produced "Revelation: Revolution '69" hit the streets the band was essentially functioning on life support. With longstanding front man John Sebastian having hit the road as a solo act, drummer Joe Butler effectively took over what was left of the nameplate, handling vocals, providing the goofy liner notes, and co-writing a couple of tracks with producer Finiz (note the album was billed as 'The Lovin' Spoonful Featuring Joe Butler'). While Butler had a decent voice, he wasn't anywhere the talent Sebastian was. Sebastian's departure also stripped the band of it's primary creative source, leaving Butler, Steve Boone and Jerry Yester to rely on outside source of material, including three tracks from Dino Sembello and three Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon compositions. On the other hand Sebastian's departure allowed the band to push beyond their patented top-40 moves, turning in what was probably their most activist release. Doubt that comment then check out the title track, 'War Games', and 'Jug of War'.

- 'Amazing Air' got the album off to an odd start. Penned by Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon, this one didn't immediately click with me, but after a couple of spins it drilled its way into my head and wouldn't let go. Easily the album's most commercial song. I doubt anyone cares, but I always liked the hyperactive bass pattern. rating: **** stars
- Given a folk-rock twang, their cover of John Stewart's 'Never Going Back' was quite different from the rest of the album. Spotlighting some pretty acoustic guitar and tasteful pedal steel, this was one of the album highlights. I also liked Butler's Roy Orbison-styled vocal. Very nice. rating: **** stars
- Co-written by Butler and producer Finiz, 'The Prophet' sounded like a bad Tony Joe White song. Complete with horrible da-da-da's and some female backing singers that threatened to drown out Butler, the results were thoroughly forgettable. rating: ** stars
- One of three Dino Sembello compositions, the harpsichord propelled 'Only Yesterday' was simply a bit too middle-of-the-road for its own good. Another nice bass pattern, though the out of tune whistling didn't add much to the song ... rating: ** stars
- Written by Butler, ' War Games' was a totally bizarre aural collage. Obviously meant as a big social statement, the track started out with the sounds of birth and then spent seven minutes wandering through someone's life which seemed to consist of school and then a short and terminal stint in the military. The war sound effects sounded like they'd been borrowed from a television program while the constant heartbeat became increasing irritating as the track went along. On the other hand, you had to acknowledge Butler as one of the few musicians out there who had actually done his time in the service (Air Force). He at least had some basis for comparison. rating: * star
- ' (Till I) Run with You' started side two with the one song that recalled Sebastian-era Lovin' Spoonful. Complete with memorable melody and some tasty harmony vocals, this was a great slice of power pop. Easy to see why it was tapped as the second single from the LP. rating: **** stars
- Geez, 'Jug of War' was another harpsichord-powered ballad ... Sensitive and insightful. Yech. rating: ** stars
- Ah the title track - The Spoonful never sounded as rocking, or activist as on this one. True, it hasn't aged all that well, but it still stands as one of Butler's creative highlights. rating: **** stars
- The third Bonner-Gordon composition, the stark ballad 'Me About You' was another highlight. Kicked along by Butler's martial drums and one of his best vocals, this one was a bit too odd to make it on the radio, though that didn't stop Kama Sutra from tapping it as the album's third single. rating; **** stars
- 'Words' found the band trying to sound hip and happenin' ... Unfortunately the heavy orchestration and Butler's strained vocals didn't really pull it off. rating; ** stars

Elsewhere the album was tapped for a series of three of singles:

- 1968's 'Never Going Back' b/w 'Forever' (Kama Sutra catalog number KA-250)
- 1968's '(Till I) Run with You' b/w 'Revelation Revolution '69r' (Kama Sutra catalog number KA-251)
- 1969's 'Me About You' b/w 'Amazing Air' (Kama Sutra catalog number KA-266)

Far from perfect, given the limited expectations for this one, the results actually weren't half bad. Call it an interesting late-inning release and go look for one of the numerous greatest hits packages. (Anyone ever notice that the LP label actually has the title 'Till I Run with You' ?)

"Revelation: Revolution '69" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Amazing Air (Garry Bonner - Alan Gordon) - 2:50
2.) Never Going Back (John Stewart) - 2:48
3.) The Prophet (Bob Finiz - Joe Butler) - 2:45
4.) Only Yesterday (Dino Sembello) - 2:43
5.) War Games (instrumental) (Joe Butler) - 7:02

(side 2)
1.) (Till I) Run with You (Garry Bonner - Alan Gordo) - 2:42
2l.) Jug of War (Dino Sembello) - 2:31
3.) Revelation Revolution '69 (Bob Finiz - Joe Butler) - 2:29
4.) Me About You (Garry Bonner - Alan Gordon) - 3:48
5.) Words (Dino Sembello) - 2:18