csberry

Child is Father to the Man is the debut album by Blood, Sweat, & Tears. Al Kooper was the band leader and one of the vocalists. The band introduced a big band sound to rock music and paved the way for bands such as Chicago and the fusion branch of jazz. The album is amazingly varied in sound. There is blues, soul, bossa nova, fusion, rock, and psychedelia. After this album, Al left the band, the sound became less eclectic, and pop audiences came on board. While listening to this album, my fil came into the room, asked who it was, and was shocked to hear my reply. His reaction - "I think I may have this album, but may have only listened to it twice. This is the album they did before they got a singer that could sing." I can understand if he prefers David Clayton-Thomas's voice better, but I don't think that the vocals on Child is Father to the Man are poor in any way.

What impressed me most with repeat listens is the strength of the songs considering the variety of genres being used. There are times it sounds more like a compilation album than a collection of songs from a single band...and I mean that in a good way. It also has an Americana feel to it that makes me wish even more that Brian Wilson had finished Smile on time because the two albums could have sparked a mini-movement in pop.

I think this album will be finding itself into my record collection some time over the next year or so.

Songs I knew I liked: none

Songs I didn't know but now like: "Morning Glory" (kinda cheesy, but grew on me), "My Days Are Numbered," "Without Her," "Just One Smile," "I Can't Quit Her," "House in the Country," "Diogenes & Freud, The Modern Adventures of Plato," and "So Much Love"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: None