Traffic [Extra tracks, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

Traffic | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 27, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 1968
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Island
• ASIN: B000059T1H
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,169 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #71 in Music > Classic Rock > Psychedelic Rock
  • #83 in Music > Music Deals > 3 CDs for $25, Plus FREE Super Saver Shipping

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Considering that Traffic couldn't seem to stay intact for more than a few months at a time, the band's work seems even more remarkable. Recorded in the summer of 1968 and released later that fall, Traffic, the band's sophomore release, stands as the outfit's high-water mark and one of the great rock albums of its time. Clearly, Dave Mason and Steve Winwood had completely different visions for the band, both musically and socially. In fact, Mason had already left the band at the year's beginning, only to return a few short months later. Mason liked to work alone and favored rooted folk-tinged material; Winwood saw the band as a communal affair and leaned toward progressive jazz-influenced music. Of course, the synthesis of these two approaches is what makes Traffic such a terrific album. There's not a weak moment across these 10 songs (augmented on this reissue with three mono single mixes). By fusing bits of country and folk, wisps of psychedelia, and elements of jazz and soul, the album managed to both presage and summarize the ambitious developments of rock music during its most creative era. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally Feelin' Alright about this great album, February 17, 2001

By 

WTDK "If at first the idea is not absurd, the... (My Little Blue Window, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Traffic (Audio CD)

One of the finest albums the original quartet produced their second self titled album captures the musical diversity that Traffic was capable of creating. When the trio fo Winwood-Capaldi-Woods began recording their second album Dave Mason decided to join them in the studio. The resulting tracks were so strong that the members decided to allow Mason to rejoin. Mason provides some of the second album's highlights with his single Feelin' Alright a magical 3 minute portrait of the band's best qualities.

That isn't to slight Winwood. He also (in collaboration with Capaldi and Wood)wrote some of his finest material for their second album. The band sounds more cohesive (if that's possible) than on either Mr. Fantasy (the first UK album) or Heaven Is In Your Mind (the reconfigured Mr. Fantasy and their first US album).

The inclusion of bonus tracks is always welcome but the UK version of this album was a bit odd. While it's understandable that Island would want to include as much single and b side material as possible the inclusion of the band's first single on their second album was a bit jarring to say the least. Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush doesn't fit in with the band's second album.

Supervising producer Bill Levenson has reconfigured the UK release to more accurately reflect the band's sound at this time. The sound quality is outstanding. Levenson's reissue doesn't sound quite as overprocessed as the UK release. The liner notes are informative without overdoing it. Although it isn't mentioned if this is a 24 bit remaster on the cover art the sound quality rivals that of the Uk release but still retains the organic sound of the original vinyl and source tapes.

Traffic isn't the band's best album (John Barleycorn Must Die still stands as the band's definitive statement) but it is the best album recorded by the original quartet. Hopefully Island will remaster and reissue the rest of their catalog (particularly the fine late period albums Low Spark of High Heeled Boys and When The Eagle Flies. Here's hoping that Welcome To The Canteen is also remixed to improve the sound quality of the original live tapes)shortly. This great UK band is finally getting their due in the digital age.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Albums of the '60s, July 24, 2002

By 

Steven R. Seim "Steve Seim" (Beaver Dam, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Traffic (Audio CD)

Traffic had one of the most original (and interesting) sounds in British rock, and not only because of their eclectic musical influences, which embraced psychedelia, folk, jazz, soul, R&B, and even classical. Their unique sound was also the result of their unusual instrumentation. While the group went through a number of personnel changes, its constant core members were Steve Winwood (vocals, keyboards, guitars), Chris Wood (sax, flute, and organ), and Jim Capaldi (drums & percussion). With no regular bass player, Winwood often filled in with the bass pedals on his organ. And, while there is no lack of guitars on most Traffic recordings, the guitar is not emphasized or particularly important to the group's sound. Dave Mason came and went in their early years and, on other recordings, Steve Winwood would switch to guitar, with Chris Wood taking over organ duties. In short, Traffic was anything but your typical guitar-bass-drums rock outfit. And, with "white Ray Charles" prodigy Winwood at the helm, and with their willingness to experiment with virtually any sound or musical style, they cut some of the most distinctive and important records in British rock.

Their sophomore album, "Traffic," perfected the band's sound, and stands as one of the best albums in British rock. Psychedelic influences were still evident, but gone was the silly "Sgt. Pepper"-style trippiness of "Mr. Fantasy." Instead, Winwood and Capaldi perfected their jazzy take on psychedelic-soul, while Dave Mason turned in by far his best contributions with the group. Mason's "You Can All Join In" and "Feelin' Alright" (later popularized by Joe Cocker) are folk-rock gems, while Winwood's genius shines through on the whimsical but very funky "Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring" and the swampy jungle-rock epic "40,000 Headmen." Furthermore, in contrast with the cut-n-paste nature of Traffic's other LPs with Dave Mason, here there is real collaboration, as when a Mason folk-rocker climaxes with Winwood's soulful wailing on the refrain or the bridge ("Don't Be Sad," "Cryin' To Be Heard"). The overall result is a delicious paradox: a recording that is wildly eclectic, yet artistically cohesive.

If you haven't heard "Traffic," all I can say is, you don't know what you're missing.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Traffic's best, August 5, 2001

By 

G B (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Traffic (Audio CD)

John Barleycorn Must Die is a great album and I have a soft spot for Traffic's debut, but as far as I'm concerned they peaked on their self-titled second album. It strips away much of the psychedelia of Heaven Is in Your Mind, leaving a tasty mix of blues-rock, R&B, folk, little bits of classical, and even country -- all focused into short, tight songs. Between five great Dave Mason originals and five classics penned by the rest of the band, there isn't a dud present. Especially noteworthy are the dreamy "40,000 Headmen" (nice flute playing by Chris Wood), the classic rock staple "Feelin' Alright", and Dave Mason's cheery "You Can All Join In", and the meaty blues-rock of "Pearly Queen". If you like late 60s British rock, this album is absolutely essential.