VOODOO SOUP

This is the last ''studio'' release of the Alan Douglas era (73-85). During that period, dear old Alan released several very good live albums from the master, but the studio attempts were quite average to poor.

On this one, he mostly used what had been released by M. Jeffery namely ''The Cry Of Love'' in 1971 and ''War Heroes'' in 1972.

No less than seven tracks are coming out of the first posthumous studio album of which the very weak ''Belly Button Window''. Alongside, some enjoyable numbers as well of course (''Angel'', ''Freedom''). At times, some tracks vary slightly from the original (but this is more a mixing fantasy).

From ''War Heroes'', two excellent tracks were picked to release this compilation. ''Stepping Stone'' is definitely my fave from this album; it is an astonishing wild track. A real bomb should I say (of which few live recordings remain unfortunately). The second one also belongs to the good material of the master. This instrumental heavy blues-rock has been slightly extended and is one of the highlight of this selection.

The least I can say is that I don't understand the selection from the dreadful ''Crash Landing''. This work was a complete mess, and if the studio version of ''Message To Love'' is bearable, the choice of ''Peace In Mississippi'' is completely out of purpose. Douglas would have been inspired to have ''Machine Gun'' or ''Hear My Train'' from the ''Midnight Lightning'' recordings instead.

There is one unreleased song at that time: the instrumental opener ''The New Rising Sun'' which is dispensable.

And finally two tracks come out the 'Rainbow Bridge affair: 'Room Full Of Mirrors'' which can be considered as another good moment from this soup. Just like ''Pali Gap'': another very pleasant instrumental; on a softer side. Quite appealing and melodic.

This compilation effort is quite bizarre to say the least and is not the one you should invest into. In terms of original I would recommend ''The Cry Of Love'' and ''War Heroes'' (that are available as a one CD offering) or '' First Rays Of The New Rising Sun'' in terms of compilation.

Two stars.

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