Would John Sebastian do this album?
Garry Daniel | Knoxville, TN United States | 02/25/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The odd thing about this album is that it was made after John Sebastian's departure from the Lovin' Spoonful.
I realize that Joe Butler did his share of lead vocals during the band's heyday, and did some very fine stuff, indeed. But this is all Joe Butler and it sounds as though he took advantage of the fact that Sebastian was gone to make his "hippie" album. Songs such as Revelation;Revolution '69, and War Games suggest that Butler was more interested. at that time, in putting forth his political views rather than making just another Spoonful record. The band always seemed to shy away from overt political ranting and did mainly good-time music. That isn't to say there was a lack of social commentary in the group's work, just that they didn't hit you over the head with thier views. Maybe Butler realized that the band was on it's last legs and it was time to make a statement.
There are, of course, some excellent songs on this album, but they seem to fall into the category of "classic" Spoonful tunes. Songs such as Til I Run With You and Never Goin' Back could easily fit in with "Hums of the Lovin' Spoonful" or "Everything Playing". As a matter of fact, the latter album did contain songs that could be considered
in the style of Revelation:Revolution '69. I read that the other two members of the Spoonful, Steve Boone and Jerry Yester were on this album, but you can't really tell. They aren't even pictured or credited on the sleeve. Anyway, it does have some good "Spoonful-like" songs on it, but the political/social rants are a bit too much. If you are a fan who wants everything the Spoonful released, then buy it (if you can afford it). You will find some pleasant stuff on there, indeed. Just don't buy it thinking you'll find Daydream, vol. 2."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1