707 Traffic - John Barleycorn Must Die (1970)

 707 Traffic - John Barleycorn Must Die (1970)

Studio album - Progressive Rock


About the Act:

Traffic were a psychedelic/prog band from Birmingham England, and their most famous member was Steve Winwood, who had a solo career as well as being in other bands. They have existed for four short periods of time, starting in 1967, and most recently in 2004. They hare released 8 studio albums and 3 live albums.

About the Album:

This was their fourth album.

My History with this Album:

None

Review:

What's this? A prog album I don't know? Outrageous!

It's not very prog, but it definitely leans in that direction. It's a bunch of people playing music pretty well, with disregard for traditional song structures and avoiding being singalong pop. Stylistically there's medium rock (especially organ-led), more mellow stuff, some folk, a bit of psychedelic, edges of jazz-rock and a general relaxed attitude to labelling. Some bits reminded me of Genesis, with a strong, strident voice and heavy organ. Some reminded me of people like Fairport Convention, folk-tinged and acoustic. There's some really nice sax and flute playing at times and it takes it's time, we're just here to hang out and enjoy playing, and sometimes we might jam a bit, is that OK? Traffic jam.

The title song is nice, it's a version of a traditional song about harvesting, but personifying the corn. The first track is instrumental, and has some lovely piano in it. Keyboards are definitely a feature, which is Steve Winwood's thing. 

I liked it. That's not a shocker. I don't know how this one has managed to pass me by, it's a competent, listenable and accessible prog-mild but nicely-put-together album. I wouldn't rave about it, but I would definitely listen again.

7.6/10


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2TjodugH6rA5ZHPsWVErmw

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYFfVpn-D5S3Y9e9hQ4G-cd4T9vZeauFw

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barleycorn_Must_Die



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