Canned Heat - Hallelujah, Liberty LST-7618

Canned Heat, 1969, is one hell of a band. The rhythm section has never sounded better; Larry Taylor and Fito de la Parra give the music drive, Henry Vestine is in top form, Alan Wilson, the most highly-skilled mouth-harp player in rock, opens up some new frontiers for the instrument, and both he and Bob Hite sing movingly. The recording has clarity, and balls as well. “Hallelujah” is basically one great blues song after another, in an impressively eclectic set. It opens with a classic sing-along blues shuffle, “Same All Over”, featuring one of the best Hite vocals ever. “Change My Ways”, starts with a great organ and drum opening, then moves into a Wilson boogie, with interesting tempo changes and bridges. On “Canned Heat” Wilson holds forth on one speaker, hammering out peerless Delta rhythm, while Vestine flies freely from the other and Hite sings impressively. The piece de resistance, “Sic ‘Em Pigs.” is about police harassment, with deliciously sarcastic lyrics and marvelous sound effects. “I’m Her Man”is a shuffle that cooks, spiced up with some great leads by Vestine. “Time Was” ends side 1, a slower number that has a good sense of movement, with some good tempo changes. Flip the reord over or more fine blues.

Grading scale: NM > EX > VG+ > VG > Good > Poor)

Vinyl: VG+. Signs of use but nothing that really compromises the record visually or audibly. The finish is shiny with light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Labels are superb, clean and bright without marks. Spindle shows no sign of wear. And no warps.

Cover: VG.  (Actual images so you can check the condition)

Will combine for shipping if you buy mixed singles and albums. If you buy multiple items wait for invoice with correct shipping cost.

Records are packed well with extra protection and LPs taken out of sleeves. Double-LP usually works as 1LP but no extra protection.

Tracks:

A1 Same All Over 2:51A2 Change My Ways 2:47A3 Canned Heat 4:22A4 Sic ’Em Pigs 2:41A5 I’m Her Man 2:55A6 Time Was 3:21B1 Do Not Enter 2:50B2 Big Fat 1:57B3 Huautla 3:33B4 Get Off My Back 5:10B5 Down In The Gutteut Free 5:37