ABRAXAS

Fortunately for me, my dad had a vinyl of this album, and I knew how to operate the table. It's possibly insignificant, but I also noticed the multiple "boobies" on the cover. Any way you slice it, I liked this album a lot back then, and I like it just as much today. No matter his future blunders, Santana will always have a special place for me because of this album.

Singing Winds, Crying Beasts, Black Magic Woman. Just another case of the classic rock stations not getting it right: Black Magic Woman is SO much better when you hear the opener. Either way, the band is incredibly tight here: awesome percussion, bass, and of course guitar. If the finale doesn't get your feet tapping, you have been listening to too much GBYE!

Oye Como Va. A classic rock and pop stalwart. Good stuff.

Incident at Neshabur. A rocking start leads to a mellow finish. Great way to close out the album side.

Se a Cabo, Mother's Daughter. Santana start out this side as if they are going to rock throughout, but unfortunately it is deceiving. Either way, these songs ROCK, and the excellence of the first side is mostly continued. Carlos really lets loose on the solo for Mother's Daughter.

Semba Pa Ti. Nice mellow instrumental. Now we know (if we didn't before) that Carlos can play.

Hope You're Feeling Better. A rocker that probably fits better on Santana's debut album. Good stuff, but not progressive.

This album has some rocking and energetic pieces, though unfortunately the A side is superior to the B side. Any classic rock enthusiast will already have this, but I think prog aficionados will also find plenty to enjoy. Tied with Caravanserai in terms of progressive contribution according to me. Find it, rock out, and be happy.