MR. FANTASY

TRAFFIC's debut was released in 1967 which really amazes me, I didn't know these guys started so early. Of course Stevie Winwood has already left his previous band SPENCER DAVIS GROUP, and yet he's still only 19 years old when they recorded "Mr.Fantasy". This is a mixed bag for me, but I must admit i'm not a big fan of Psychedelic pop tunes, especially the silly ones.

"Heaven Is In Your Mind" is a top three song for me on this record. Piano to open as drums and sax join in. Vocals follow. Piano is prominant throughout this excellent track. Tasteful guitar after 3 minutes to end the song. Nice. "Berkshire Poppies" brings in the silliness with piano.They're having fun anyway. "House For Everyone" is another top three for me. I just love the way this one sounds with sax, flute and those psychedelic lyrics. "No Face, No Name And No Number" is a ballad with some flute.

"Dear Mr.Fantasy" is my favourite off this record. I've always enjoyed listening to this one over the years. For me it's head and shoulders over the other tracks. Steve's soulful voice, the organ, the harmonica and raw guitar all combine to create magic. The guitar and drumming after 4 1/2 minutes are surprisingly aggressive. "Dealer" has this Mexican flavour to it. I like the flute. "Utterly Simple" i'm sure was influenced by THE BEATLES. Sitar is all over this Indian flavoured track. "Coloured Rain" is a song I can't get into, same with "Hope I Never Find Me There". "Giving To You" has this confusing intro which gives way to a flute / drum melody. Prominant guitar before 2 minutes,organ follows. Good song.

My favourite TRAFFIC album is "The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys".