Product Description

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

Track Listing

1. But Anyway
2. Gina
3. Mulling It Over
4. 100 Years - Blues Traveler, Joan Osborne
5. Dropping Some NYC
6. Crystal Flame
7. Slow Change
8. Warmer Days - Blues Traveler, Joan Osborne
9. Gotta Get Mean
10. Alone
11. Sweet Talking Hippie

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #80768 in Music
• Brand: BLUES TRAVELER
• Released on: 1990-05-18
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

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

Amazon.com
Though Blues Traveler's 1990 debut gets docked points for having foisted on the world a "jam band" scene whose white funk-boogie reprised some of the worst excesses and stifling professionalism of '70s rock, it's hard to write the album off as simply a bunch of aimless displays of improvisational chops. Yes, there's plenty of wanking and not enough songs here. But when grooves, melodies, and song structures emerge--most notably on "But Anyway"--it's practically unforgettable. And even at its worst, the band's playing--especially John Popper's virtuoso harmonica blowing--is always impeccable and occasionally thrilling. If it's yuppie rock you crave, you could do a lot worse. --Roni Sarig

Customer Reviews

this album still rocks after all these years
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

Just Might Be Their Best
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.

One of the Best Debut Albums Ever
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.