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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0731454882729 Format: Extra tracks, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered Label: Island Manufacturer: Island Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Island Release Date: March 19, 2002 Studio: Island Sales Rank: 689 MPN: 548827
Amazon.com: Despite not even charting in the band's native England, this album became a platinum-selling American hit on the basis of three enduring FM radio staples--the expansive, jazzy impressionism of the near-12 minute title track, and the more straightforward funk of the R&B charmers "Light Up or Leave Me Alone" and "Rock & Roll Stew." Those disparate tracks perfectly underscore Traffic's rich musical appeal and its restless, sometimes problematic creative and interpersonal relationships. With now thrice-departed Dave Mason out of the mix and percussionists Jim Gordon and Reebop Kwaku Baah participating in the studio for the first time, the band's innate musicality truly takes wing. Winwood's familiar vocal phrasings nearly take a backseat to his fluid, dramatic guitar work on "Rock & Roll Stew Roll" and "Many a Mile to Freedom," while the Tull-ish, folk-madrigal sensibilities of "Hidden Treasure" and "Rainmaker" are further punctuated by Chris Wood's deft flute and woodwind flourishes. Compared with the more organic John Barleycorn album, the contrast is all the more remarkable. While many contemporary bands were experimenting with various attempts at fusion, few achieved this collection's rock-jazz-folk-R&B range or level of often subtle sophistication. Digitally remastered, this edition also contains the six-minute-plus U.S. single version of "Rock & Roll Stew, Parts 1 & 2" as a bonus track. --Jerry McCulley
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Breathtaking Sound (2002 US REMASTER)
I've had this since it came out but after spinning it this morning I was reminded of just how great it was and how deserving of a great review this release is.
Rating: - A strange thing when most popular and most creative mix well together.
The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Traffic's 5th album, remains to be one of their most popular albums, due to the suprising smash hits of "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys," "Light Up Or Leave Me Alone," and "Rock ... Read More
Rating: - Discovering Traffic at well into my adult years
[Forgive the short review; this deserves better]
This is my first Traffic CD, after a decades as a Steve Winwood fan (saw him in both "Arc of a Diver" and "Back in the High Life" tours.)
Rating: - Winwood at his best
I stumbled across this album late (1975) and recall being fairly floored at the time that I was not familiar with it (albeit that I had had John Barleycorn for years prior).
Rating: - The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys
Traffic-The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys ****
Traffics The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys is a jazz/rock classic. It is both progressive and yet very basic simultaneously. Combining elements of ... Read More
- Breathtaking Sound (2002 US REMASTER)
- Discovering Traffic at well into my adult years