Though Blues Traveler's 1990 debut gets docked points for having foisted on the world a "jam band" scene whose white funk-boogie reprised some of the worst excesses and stifling professionalism of '70s rock, it's hard to write the album off as simply a bunch of aimless displays of improvisational chops. Yes, there's plenty of wanking and not enough songs here. But when grooves, melodies, and song structures emerge--most notably on "But Anyway"--it's practically unforgettable. And even at its worst, the band's playing--especially John Popper's virtuoso harmonica blowing--is always impeccable and occasionally thrilling. If it's yuppie rock you crave, you could do a lot worse. --Roni Sarig
Product Identifiers
Producer Justin Niebank
Record Label Texas A&M University Press
UPC 0075021530829
Product Key Features
Release Year 1990
Genre Rock, Rock & Pop
Artist Blues Traveler
Additional Product Features
Format CD
Contributing Artists Joan Osborne, Chris Barron
Distributor Universal Distribution
Recording Mode Stereo
Release Date 19900605
Duration 56min.
Spar CODE Add
Recording Type Studio
