Review Summary: One Of Rock's Masterpieces
History can either be kind or cruel. Sometimes it rewards with recognition, status and cultural significance. Other times it preserves people and places so they will never be forgotten. However, the past can also rob and cheat. It can destroy reputation and credibility leaving an association of hatred and animosity in its wake. Yet even worse it can simply choose to forget and wipe our memory clean of hard endeavour and artistic brilliance. Unfortunately, the Allman Brothers Band belongs to the latter category.
This six piece (at the time) band from Jacksonville, Florida have released some stunning work. Their debut was raw and visceral; their sophomore effort was more polished and radio friendly. Yet this album is their peak and one of rock music’s gems. The sad thing is not many people have listened to the band and so only a few have been able to enjoy what a supreme work of art this really is.
In my opinion the band’s greatness on this album lies in three parts. First, their rhythm section (which included two drummers) was as tight as a camel’s arse in a sandstorm. Second, the incredible voice of their lead singer Gregg Allman. Finally, and most importantly, the visionary playing of lead guitarist Duane Allman.
The first ‘side’ of the album is the shortest. The beginning two songs are very hard rocking. It’s on these tracks that Gregg Allman shines. He has this beautiful, ‘fried in Southern soul’ voice that just washes over you. From a rasping yelp, to a gorgeous melodic growl he shows his immense talents throughout the album.
“Statesboro Blues” kicks off with a thunderous beat and a short guitar solo. During the song Gregg and Duane trade lyrics and chords with astonishing precision; the bassist and drummers never failing to keep up. This style continues into “Done Somebody Wrong” which offers even more ferocious drumming.
“Stormy Monday” is my favourite track on the album. It starts off with this wonderful guitar riff. Next the rhythm section come in and then Gregg’s organ plays at full blast. It is the best part of the album; it has this jazz feel which just sounds so damn cool and makes your hips shake. Gregg’s voice is just…aah I can’t put into words how good it is! He seems to draw up all this raw emotion and belt it out in such an ethereal way. And all this while Duane is punctuating the gaps between the words with his concise solos. Magical. Then around half way through the piece, Duane opens the taps for the first time and produces the first of many mind blowing solos. After such a calm and peaceful start the juxtaposition of this loud and angry wail from his Gibson Les Paul is terrific. It sounds just like the storm from the title.
“You Don’t Love Me” is the second longest track on the album and another cracker. Really, the song is just a generic blues track about love and frustration, but this band plays it so well! The way they drag out certain sections without making the listener lose interest is such a great skill. Although 19 minutes is an exceedingly long time, the band never bore. Duane is able to go for it and he certainly doesn’t pull any punches. If this song was a canvas, Duane would be the artist painting furious brushes without once putting a stroke wrong. At one point, the only instrument playing is the guitar and you just can’t help but be transfixed. Even though it is just one track, the band changes the style and pace numerous times, as a result the 19 minutes just fly by.
“Hot ‘Lanta” is a short jam wedged between two monolithic songs. I view it as the weakest song on the album. Even though I would happily listen to it, I don’t really think it adds anything.
The last two songs are among the most well known tracks in this band’s history. “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed” continues the jazz thing from “Stormy Monday”, but takes it into different directions. It has a South American, Latin feel which sounds fantastic. “Whipping Post” starts with a vicious bass line before building into another tale of angst and woe. The track is 23 minutes long, which is just insane! Yet if you love hearing bands jam, this is absolute nirvana. The song climaxes several times often building into a crescendo before starting all over again. You can not help but admire the tightness and control of the band - there is not a note out of place.
Duane displays his best work in this track probably in his entire, and unfortunately very short, career. He was and still is a catastrophic loss to music and who knows what new heights he would have reached had he not died so young. His guitar playing was on a par with Hendrix and Clapton; although I reckon he was better than both of them.
So there you have it, one of rock’s hidden treasures delivered by a criminally underrated band. I would only recommend this to people who enjoy long jamming sessions because for others I can appreciate that it can get a little tedious. Even saying that, anyone who wants to build up a formidable music collection or just someone who enjoys excellent musicianship should have a listen. Don’t let the album and the band slip beneath the cracks of musical history.
