Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Traffic-John Barleycorn Must Die

Since I’m talking about embarrassing moments, did I ever tell you about the time I twisted my ankle because I thought I was just about to step on a dead bird (filthy) and tried to maneuver out of the way? Turns out it was just a leaf, but my phobia of deceased avian got the better of me. But with all of this airing of things I should probably keep private, I hope at least a few of you can have a laugh at my expense. Here’s an album that I think some people might be a little ashamed to cop to enjoying, but not me. I think it’s an absolute classic. Sure Winwood went on to commit some serious musical crimes, but this is him in top form. Folk, psych, soul all blend together in creative and unexpected ways. If you thought this band sucks then believe me they can never suck as bad as you.

Here

12 comments:

  1. I LOVE this album, and *might* consider upgrading my (mumble)-year old cassette copy as long as you give me credit for still owning/listening to said copy. Which I will continue to play until it unravels for the last time ;-)

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  2. Thank you. I've gotten too much shit over the years for liking these guys. Glad to know that someone with such refined taste as yourself shares my beliefs in this band.

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  3. Agreed. I was even called out for playing Traffic on College Radio back in the day. Where I live now they play Justin Bieber on the college station, so this would probably rate as impossibly obscure.

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  4. College radio, for the most part, has become a complete joke. My school bases their play list on some cmj pole. Has that ever been a credible source?

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  5. jerry and holly, you both fascinate me. mostly because the breadth/depth of your tastes are pretty similar to mine. wish i knew you guys in real life. not that holly's ever going to read this, but whatever.

    (for the record, i like traffic.)

    i can't believe there is a college radio station that plays justin bieber. i feel physically ill reading that. and it makes me sad that college radio is now getting a reputation for being a joke.

    there are still good college stations out there that play plenty of weird/unusual shit. i know i play lots of crazy stuff on my radio show. but the powers that be are trying to kill off good college radio stations (and make a pretty penny in the process). and yet...the justin bieber-playing station will probably survive. gah.

    congrats on your new gig, jerry o. life is too short to spend it in a place you hate. now if i could only take my own advice.

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  6. Nan -

    If you knew me in real life, you'd know that OF COURSE I'm reading this ! ;-)

    Blessed with 2 great college radio stations in my area that would never play Justin B (except perhaps for the surprisingly listenable chopped & screwed mix that went viral last year). I worked at one of said stations for ages & needed a break, I think it's time to go back.

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  7. holly--

    wxdu or wxyc? you should get in touch! i've spent time listening to (and even dj'ing at) both of those stations.

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  8. 'xdu, back in the 90s. And occasionally guested at 'xyc during the same time period

    Yikes! I really didn't realize who long my 'break' has been! Oof.

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  9. holly--i'm pretty sure you were at wxdu when i was at wxyc, and i'll bet we know some of the same people. if wxdu still allows ex-student/non-student dj's, you should consider getting back into it!

    (and sorry for hijacking this comment thread, mr. orbach!)

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  10. The piano on "Glad" is beautiful, especially during the slow, spacey coda which is absolutely amazing. My second favorite Traffic LP next to "Dear Mr. Fantasy".

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  11. Hmmm. I agree with you on the piano, but I think this one still tops DMF, but i love that one too so...

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