The Snake [Import, Original recording remastered]

Harvey Mandel | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 15, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Original recording remastered
• Label: Bgo - Beat Goes on
• ASIN: B0000011PO
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #74,807 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. The Divining Rod

2. Pagasus

3. Lynda Love

4. Peruvian Flake

5. The Snake

6. Uno Ino

7. Ode to the Owl

8. Levitation

9. Bite the Electric Eel

Editorial Reviews

1997 reissue on BGO of 1972 album by Mandel, the respected rock guitarist who played with Canned Heat & John Mayall, and declined an offer as the replacement for Mick Taylor with the Stones. Nine tracks, including 'The Divining Rod' and 'Pegasus'. Originally released on Janus Records.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars timeless classic, September 30, 2004

By 

Steven Hugh Wilson "support442" (vera, ok United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Snake (Audio CD)

Back before Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Vinnie Moore, et.al, there was Harvey Mandel. I don't care how old you are or how old this album might be, if you're a fan of guitar music buy this album now. Or better yet, buy the double-cd with Baby Batter. I guarantee you will not regret it.

There's no doubt that Harvey Mandel is one of the most imaginative guitar players alive. I remember hearing this album when it was released in 1972 and drove from Tulsa, Ok., to Louisville, Ky. just to see him play it. The songs gave me shivers back then and still give me shivers now.

This is timeless great stuff. Harvey's stuff from the late 60's to the mid-70's is really, really good guitar music.

By the way, if you're one of those people who don't understand music unless there are lyrics, don't bother with this. It's all instrumental. And again, great, great music.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have the original LP., March 31, 2002

By 

. (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Snake (Audio CD)

While new listeners in 2002 may no longer find Mandel's concepts unique and 'ahead of their time' as we did on '72, ('Snake's original release year), and as far back as the mid-60's, this music holds up well: 'Psychedelic'-blues-rock guitar as played by a musician with jazz-quality ability and concepts equals fusion in the _good_ sense, a rarity. Mandel's work has the thick sustain that many associate with Beck and Clapton's work, but please note that he was sounding full-on modern at least a few months before those two found such tones. PLEASE NOTE: In spite of the bracketed title suffix, this CD is NOT live. Not at all, as it is filled with creative use of overdubs.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the guy who pioneered tapping on the fretboard, May 18, 2002

By 

Philip J. Lane "[e-mail]" (miami, florida USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Snake (Audio CD)

harvey mandel's career is one of always being in the right place but at the wrong time. his earliest recordings showed his chicago blues influences, late 1960s releases added a touch of psychedelia, and early 70s (the snake and shangreneade) show that harvey had some clear jazz leanings.
arguably harvey mandel was the first true fusion guitarist-long before that label even existed or became yet another trite pigeon hole. for serious guitar fans the snake is a revelation.