Traffic

Posted by: mykel on 06 July 2003

Was just listening to a psychedelic 70's show on FM. They played the old Traffic chestnut " The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys " As usual I really got into it. I have no Traffic, and can think of no other tunes I do know. How does it compare, and where would I start?

regards,

michael
Posted on: 06 July 2003 by Traveling Dan
Equally psychedelic (but perhaps not quite as good ...?) is "Shootout at the Fantasy Factory". Either this album or "Low Spark" contains the smokers' anthem track "Either light up or leave me alone".

Try also:

(1) "John Barleycorn must die" - where Traffic went a little 'folky' in places;

(2) "Welcome to the Canteen"; and

(3) "When the Eagle Flies" - This is my personal favourite. 'Dream Gerard' is a very, very psychedelic number (check out the lyrics), but not the best on the album. In my view, that accolade goes to 'Walking in the Wind'.

After that, you can try Steve Winwood's first solo album, eponymously called "Steve Winwood", which has a very Traffic-like feel. Particular highlights there are 'Hold On' and 'Midland Maniac'. His later solo albums such as "Arc of a Diver" went more mainstream for my taste.

Happy listening.

Dan
Posted on: 07 July 2003 by Peter Stockwell
There's a live album from the Low spark period with the muscle shoals rhythm section that wasn't bad. John Barleycorn must die is a great track, I'm not sure about the album, I had it for a while, it was an italian pressing and sounded downright wierd. But maybe a UK press from early 70s might have sounded right. Dear Mr Fantasy is another good cut.

To state the obvious, Stevei Winwood was the singer for traffic and also recorded as a teenager with the Spencer Davis group and there are some good cuts there.

It ain't Yes but it ain't bad ! Smile

Peter
Posted on: 08 July 2003 by Anderzander
Hi

I always rated their 'best of' album

no weak tracks on it at all imo and a great introduction to them.

Steve
Posted on: 09 July 2003 by Rasher
I was always assuming that "Hole in my shoe" was a Stevie Winwood song - but it was written by Dave Mason.
Just a little aside there of no relevance whatsoever.....!
Posted on: 12 July 2003 by docstocker
The best Traffic Album is thrb eponymous 'Traffic'. It is one of the early albums when Traffic were a four piece.
There were early problems between them as Dave Mason wrote most of the catchy commercial songs that some of the other members criticised for being too commercial. Dave Mason left to do a good solo album and yo join 'delaney and Bonnie on tour'
Posted on: 14 July 2003 by Rasher
Cheers Doc - didn't know that. Have seen Dave Mason stuff but never investigated.
Posted on: 15 July 2003 by Chris Metcalfe
Dave Mason's semi-live album 'Headkeeper' from 1971 is one of my favourite LP12-playing albums.

The CD remaster of the Traffic albums is very good. John Barleycorn is a splendid album throughout, as is 'Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory'.

And Steve Winwood's playing at Cheltenham next week!