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THE LOW SPARK OF HIGH HEELED BOYS was a big change from the quiet, largely acoustic flavor of Traffic's reunion album JOHN BARLEYCORN MUST DIE. Although the gentle opening track, "Hidden Treasure," and the meandering, mellow closer, "Rainmaker," were in keeping with the pastoral vibe of the previous record, sandwiched in between those are several increasingly aggressive and lyrically sour songs about that evergreen topic--life in a rock & roll band.
The venality of the business gets a workout in the 12-minute title track, a slow-building jazz-rock groove that starts with a sense of quiet menace and ends with a pealing, distorted guitar solo, with one of Steve Winwood's most impassioned and lengthy organ solos at the song's heart. "Rock & Roll Stew" and Jim Capaldi's sneering putdown "Light Up or Leave Me Alone" are even more forceful, with only the groovy ecological message of "Many a Mile to Freedom" lightening the mood. Even that song rocks harder than anything on JOHN BARLEYCORN MUST DIE, though, and that extra hint of power is likely what helped make THE LOW SPARK OF HIGH HEELED BOYS Traffic's most commercially successful album in the United States.
Originally released on Island (9180).
Additional Tracks
Traffic: Rick Grech (bass instrument); Rebop Kwaku Baah, Jim Capaldi, Jim Gordon , Chris Wood , Steve Winwood.
Personnel: Steve Winwood (vocals, guitar, piano, organ); Jim Capaldi (vocals, percussion); Rick Grech (violin); Chris Wood (flute, saxophone); Jim Gordon (drums); Rebop Kwaku Baah (percussion).
Liner Note Author: John McDermott .
Recording information: Island Studios, London, England (09/1971).
Photographer: Richard Polak.Rolling Stone (1/20/72, p.48) - "...as musicians [Winwood] and Traffic have never played better...The longest and the best cut on the album is the title track...creative ensemble playing..." Q (6/02, p.142) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Winwood's haunting vocals are cool and restrained while the combination of subtle musicianship, relaxed jamming and a timeless title track ensure this retains its classic status." Uncut (8/02, p.122) - 4 out of 5 - "...Magnificent showing...Their finest hour."
musical rocket ride super Submitted by zebadiha (waterford, mi, usa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 2 of 2 found this helpful.
Melodical Steve Windwood was ahead of his time. His music is timeless.The track Low Spark of High Heeled Boys has a valuable message.It is music about everyday life.The instruments are marvelously matched. Submitted by Stanleym (JOhannesburg South Africa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
A great 'forgotten' album Some great music from 1971 that still sounds great 'and holds up'. Steve Winwood's voice is in great form and songwriting and playing is solid all the way through. Submitted by stevedirkx (Dallas, tx USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Classic Traffic Great music from start to finish. if you had this on vinyl, you have to check out the quality of this CD. If you're new to Traffic or Winwood, this is the place to start. Submitted by a reviewer (Boulder Colorado USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Classic Traffic album finally gets the sound it deserves. This classic Traffic album has always sounded terrible on CD...until now!
This newly remastered CD (along with Welcome To The Canteen) now boasts an astonishing upgrade in sound quality.
I'm waiting for the remasters of "Shootout At the Fantasy Factory" + "When The Eagle Flies"... Submitted by a reviewer (Nashville, TN United States) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
musical rocket ride
Classic Traffic
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