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As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.
Come holiday time 1968 how would you like to have been a Capitol Records executive knowing the incredible publicity the label had earned for the past year with the Beatles and the debut from the Band.
July 1, 1968 the Band would release their first record. It was more than a piece of vinyl. It would signify one of the most important recordings ever. The unique sounds, the haunting lyrics, and Robbie Robertson's amazing ability to come up with the most advantageous riff, solo, and chord pattern.
The opening track "Tears Of Rage" (One of three written or co-written by Dylan) would establish a sound of Mesmerization. The combination of the lyrics delivered with pain and the comradery of the keyboards and guitar is striking. "To Kingdom Come" penned by Robbie asked in an analytical style "When you look out the window what do you see?" Can you recall your first impression of "The Weight?" We were hypnotized following the story. It offered everything of a top selling book, the plot, the darkness, and some comic relief. "Long Black Vail" has been recorded as many times as the current national debt but wouldn't you be hard pressed to find a better or more believable version? The lyrical content is devastating- "If you were somewhere else you wouldn't have to die." There will never be words that properly pay homage to "Chest Fever." The final icing on the award winning cake was Robbie's open mindedness to let the organ shine as much as the guitar on the final mix. The instrumentation is flawless and once the tune is experienced, you can never forget the five plus minutes of musical genius. "This Wheels On Fire (Co-Written by Dylan) has left at least one line in our minds to this day- "If your memory serves you well." The original vinyl LP and CD ends with Dylan's "I Shall Be Released. A perfect way to put the 5 Star stamp of approval on the material.
The news gets better. If you pick up the remaster CD please look for the version with 9 bonus tracks. It makes the journey that much more breathtaking. Can you believe the version of "Key To The Highway" didn't make the album? As a bonus track it enhances the almost forty year old diamond.
Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"
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