The Best of Canned Heat [EMI]

Performer: Canned Heat
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: Canned Heat: Bob "Bear" Hite (vocals, harmonica); Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson (vocals, guitar, harmonica); Henry Vestine, Harvey Mandel (guitar); Larry Taylor (bass); Frank Cook, Adolpho "Fito" de la Parra (drums). Unknown Contributor Role: Canned Heat. This ten-track set contains essential sides from the classic rock blues and boogie combo Canned Heat, culled from their first four long-players: Canned Heat (1967), Boogie With Canned Heat (1968), Living the Blues [Akarma] (1968), and Hallelujah (1969). Notably, this discounts Canned Heat Cookbook (1969), a hits package that cashed in on their association with the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair, and was the first LP to contain the single "Going up the Country." The core personnel during this seminal run includes Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson (guitar/vocals), Larry "The Mole" Taylor (bass), Henry "Sunflower" Vestine (guitar), and Bob "The Bear" Hite (vocals). Frank Cook (drums) stayed long enough to play on their eponymous debut LP, and was replaced by Aldolfo "Fido" Dela Parra (drums) prior to Boogie With Canned Heat (1968). The Heat's interpretations of both blues standards, such as Muddy Waters' "Rollin' & Tumblin'," or the funky update of Wilbert Harrison's "Let's Work Together," were lauded for their uncanny authenticity. With an almost cerebral respect for their craft, few would have guessed Canned Heat did not hail from the R&B meccas of Chicago, Memphis, or St. Louis, but rather the Los Angeles-area artist colony of Topanga Canyon. Their light-hearted reworking of William Harris' "Bullfrog Blues" also became an enthusiastic favorite, staying in the Heat's concert repertoire for decades to follow. In addition to the slightly psychedelic and rambling original "On the Road Again," they were also responsible for the anti-speed anthem "Amphetamine Annie," and the extended musical memoir, "Fried Hockey Boogie." With Hite at the helm, each member is presented as they solo, building up to an open-throttle jam, concluding with the proclamation "...Don't forget to boogie!" When first issued, Best of Canned Heat [EMI] (1990) was one of the only comprehensive CD collections highlighting the band. In the wake of Best of Canned Heat [Disky] (1999), or the two-disc Uncanned! The Best of Canned Heat (1994), this title may come up short. However, those seeking a cursory compilation will probably find all they need here. ~ Lindsay Planer Disky's Best of Canned Heat collection combines all original material taken from their most popular late- '60s Liberty albums: Boogie With Canned Heat, Future Blues, and Canned Heat. The most obvious of their well-loved hippie blues tracks are here, including "On the Road Again," "Going Up the Country," "Fried Hockey Boogie," and "Let's Work Together." If your collection is lacking a decent budget-priced Canned Heat disc, pick this one up. ~ Al Campbell

Goldmine - 4 Stars - Excellent

One of the premier blues bands of the 1960s, Canned Heat's boogie-tinged take on the style reached a wide audience following its appearance at Woodstock. The band grew more popular after being prominently featured in the subsequent WOODSTOCK documentary film and on the companion album. Although they never achieved superstar status, Canned Heat's influence can be heard in a wide variety of bands--from ZZ Top to Phish--who place a shuffling, bluesy groove front and center.

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