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Awash in those Manzarek-esque keys comes the '66 sound; it's such a cool oasis to stop by in the midst of possible 80s-90s fatigue.



We have some of those sweetly innocuous psychedelic "awareness" tunes - Standing on the Corner, Mindbender, You Don't Have to Ask (Otis on a Shakedown Cruise?!?!) - in context they really do have a unique slot in the changing culture, much like the Beach Boys' SMiLE sessions, before it all exploded.



And I have to concur that there is absolutely nothing wrong with Jer's guitar sound. It was what it was for the era. Listen to Invocation & RItual Dance of the Young Pumpkin on Zappa's '67 album "Absolutely Fre"e and pair it alongside this Viola Lee Blues; there really is no difference at all. Zappa, Garcia, Bloomfield and the like were pushing the limits of what guitar rock was all about....again, before it all went skywards.



Really, this is kind of a cheat-five-star rating, because there isn't anything particularly mind-blowing about this set. It's due to the rarity of a '66 set sounding so clear and pure, the voodoo of the era, and its overall irresistibility. I have to say, however, that hearing the single fastest, most driving version of Good Lovin' you'll ever hear - complete with a mini-solo from Pigpen (?!?) is totally delightful.

- May 19, 2013--