Blues Traveler

Blues Traveler

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 18, 1990)
• Original Release Date: June 5, 1990
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: A&M
• ASIN: B000002GJ0
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,866 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

Led by John Popper's virtuoso harmonica playing, Blues Traveler introduced a distinctive new sound into the burgeoning New York City jam-band scene in the late 1980s. On their self-titled debut, the quartet introduced 11 blues-tinged rock tunes that in concert would spread out to extended improvisations, but on record often had the snap of compact, well-structured pop. "But Anyway," became an early signature tune, thanks to Popper's dexterous soloing and his rapid-fire delivery of the song's flippant lyrics. The shapeshifting "Slow Change," gives a better indication of the group's performance chops, as do "Sweet Talking Hippie," "Gina," and the wistful "100 Years," which have become longtime concert staples. --Daniel Durchholz

Product Description

No Description Available.
Genre: Popular Music
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 5-JUN-1990

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars this album still rocks after all these years, March 16, 2002

By	Martin Lemos "Marty" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

I bought BLUES TRAVELER back in the summer of '92 after a friend of mine had me listen to it well kicking back with a few beers. Right off the bat, I was hooked listening to the way John Popper just blew everyone away with his harmonica playing on BUT ANYWAY. That is a killer song that kicks the album off. Out of the 11 songs on the album, the one that just left me kind of wanting was GOTTA GET MEAN. It is not a bad song, it just doesnt measure up with the others so thats the 1 star deduction is for. The song that really stands out here is CRYSTAL FLAME. It is a 9 1/2 min classic rock epic that should be put on a mantel like the other epics like STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN OR FREEBIRD. I think that this album is a good introduction to the band for a new fan or for someone who only knows them by RUNAROUND. Go Out and buy this album know

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Might Be Their Best, November 12, 2002

By	G. J Wiener (Westchester, NY USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Blues Traveler certainly became more mainstream with the Four release with smash singles Hook and Runaround. And Four is certainly a fine record. However, the debut release just might be the best. The band is raw and honest sounding with many spunky and funky jams.

The single, But Anyway may have a catchy structure but the fine guitar and harmonica solos just keep my attention. The streak of great songs just continues. The rapping and catchy lyrics of Mulling It Over makes me chuckle. John Popper is sure thoughtful with his lyrics. 100 Years is a pleasant ballad and Warmer Days is a fine blues number featuring Joan Osbourne on background vocals. And Alone is so captivating with its shifts from slow to fast.

Truthfully there isn't a dull moment on this release. If you were HOOKED on Blues Traveler because of their radio friendly hits, you certainly owe it to yourself to explore the roots of this excellent band.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Debut Albums Ever, September 4, 1998

By A Customer

One of the things that distinguishes a true musician from the average hack is that with a true musician, the instrument becomes invisible to the listener - you forget the musician is having to physically do something because they appear to be able to communicate anything they hear in their head to your ears without any effort. I've had that feeling watching Eric Clapton and SRV play guitar and I get that feeling listening to John Popper play harmonica on this album. His playing is so fluid and dynamic you will forget on most tracks that he's actually playing harmonica.

What really puts this album over the top is Popper's harmonica playing with the rest of the band's tight rythm, the sparkling production (this album JUMPS out of the speakers with the same spaciousness and presence as Who's Next), and the songwriting/lyrics. One of my favorite lyrics from Slow Change:

Well fear not, for my fear soon turns to anger / As I watch my world get ruined by a pristine hand / I said I'm out here, saying "Excuse me" like a stranger / Cuz I never did learn how to say "Isn't this grand?" /

Although Blues Traveler has a reputation as a "jam band" in the vein of the Dead, Phish, etc. the songs on this album all seem to be the perfect length. Songs like 100 Years and Dropping Some NYC make their point and stay short and sweet. The longer songs like Crystal Flame and Alone take more time but the material still seems to fit perfectly in the space - you won't be checking your watch.

In summary, a great album with incredible material which gets better with repeated listenings. Certainly one of the top 2 or 3 albums released in the 1990s and well up the all-time list.