THE LOW SPARK OF HIGH HEELED BOYS

I've listened to this album dozens of times, and I don't see anything that makes it a 5 star album. It's a generally boring concotion of poor lyrics and toddler-level instrumental talent. Steve Winwood is the only one who shows any noticable ability to play an instrument well, some of his organ solos are quite good.

The fact that it isn't traditionally progressive doesn't affect my rating whatsoever, I enjoy all kinds of well performed music. Traffic is a blend of rock n roll, jazz, and folk. Half the content of this album is average rock songs (Hidden Treasure, Rock n Roll Stew, Light Up Or Leave Me Alone) , part is simple songs and ideas stretched beyond their value (Low spark, Many a Mile to Freedom) and the last is a very good jazzy song, Rainmaker. Throughout the album though, you will notice Winwood doesn't have much talent in the lyric department. "We were children once.. playing with toyys".. Enough said.

Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy listening to this album, but there isn't enough substance to keep me interested unless I'm in the mood for it. My favourite part of this album is the organ solos, they sound like a slowed down version of Dave Sinclair on "Winter Wine" or "Nine Feet Underground" and I love the sound and the simple progressions of the solos.

Most certainly not a masterpeice of progressive music, I can't say it would be an excellent addition to any progressive music collection, so 3 stars it is. Leave Traffic alone unless you like uninspired folk rock music with not much substance.