CHILD IS FATHER TO THE MAN

My Sister got this album for me for Christmas when I was about 14. At first I was disappointed, because it didn't have David Clayton Thomas, but I soon grew to like this first release from the band more than anything they would put out. Al Kooper would also become one of my favorite solo artists, although looking back on his solo stuff, there were a lot of songs I just couldn't stomach.

Al Kooper and company do it up right with the opening selection. This was my introduction to the "Overture." To me this is where prog probably came from. I liked the idea of one song having a boatload of changes in it.

I think the best song on the whole album is "The modern adventures of Plato, Diogenes, and Freud." It is a classical piece sung very well by Mr. Kooper. There is not one rock note in the entire song and it is great regardless. I have never liked the opera type singing and I am glad Al sang it like he did.

Another fave is "I Can't Quit Her." It is just plain good music. The band changes it up a few times and it pleases the ear. Then there is "My Days are numbered." I sang this one a lot when I was in boot camp waiting for my time to get out of that situation. This song helped get me through all the beatings I got, for not doing exactly what my DI wanted me to do. Mistakes were not accepted very well by my Drill Instructor.

"Without Her" is a beautiful tune! I never tire of hearing it.

"House in the Country" is on the crazy side and I enjoyed it alot.

I didn't remember there being one bad song on the whole thing. I consider this to be one of those ground breaking musical contributions, but I don't believe a whole lot of new generation types will find this as enjoyable as I did. I give this album 3 stars.