Ten Years After - Essential

When the best songs are extracted from a well listened to LP, the effect is somewhat jarring. And in this case, when the best songs left out are replaced by not-as-good songs in the name of completeness, it is especially unsatisfying. I think I`ll continue listening to Cricklewood Green, and put this on the shelf. If you want to explore this band, try that. If you need an "essential" collection, I ask why? This is not bad, just not as satisfying as the source.

"Ten Years After" were the classic case of a band with limited talent, but they aimed all their time and effort at what they`d got, and worked their fingers to the bone. They must still hold the record for a major band touring the states completing a total of 28 coast to coast tours. The main object of their talent was fastest guitarist in the west Alvin Lee, who also handled all the vocals, wrote all the songs, and stood center stage leaving the others very much in subordinate roles.

They weren`t cute; they definitely weren`t trendy. (Alvin Lee used to come on stage wearing that well known Rock `n` Roll footwear, a pair of Dutch clogs.) However, England`s "Ten Years After" were one of the most electrifying groups from the late 60`s and early seventies. At a time when blues based bands were two a penny, "Ten Years After" towered above the opposition with a sizzling combination of tough rootsy songs both their own compositions and well chosen covers and driving power house ensemble work, highlighted by perhaps the hottest guitar licks in the universe. Just listen to Alvin`s guitar breaks on their version of Chuck Berry`s "Sweet Little Sixteen" recorded live at the Isle of Wight Pop Festival as the groups final encore from their album "Watt", and you will never of heard anybody play faster. Mind you, drummer Ric Lee (no relation) sounds as if he is thrashing away at dustbin lids not high hats.

At the time Alvin Lee was the ultimate axe hero. He sprayed searing blues notes from his red Gibson like a crazed machine-gunner mowing down live audiences in their masses, and adding that certain hint of danger that made their studio albums stand out from the crowd.

"Ten Years After" always had the knack of being in the right place at the right time. Their appearance in the movie of the Woodstock Festival is possibly the standout contribution, and when you consider they were lined up against Santana, Hendrix, The Who, and Joe Cocker, that`s quite an achievement.

The proof is all here in this action packed set of 14 tracks spanning their entire career, with a couple of live tracks to boot. Their blistering signature tune "I`m Going Home" from Woodstock, all ten glorious minutes of it; American radio station favorites like "I`d Love To Change The World"; "Me And My Baby", which reminds us Lee was a soulful singer not just a devastating Rock `n` Roll outlaw. "Ten Years After" also had one worldwide hit single "Love Like A Man". Here we get the full unedited version. And then of course there is all the no holds barred no nonsense classic foot stomping Rock `n` Roll. From a scorching version of Little Richard`s "Goin` Back To Birmingham" to the supersonic boogie of "Choo Choo Mama". (Z.Z. Top took a page or two from Ten Years After book when they laid down their blueprint).

Alvin and the boys could rattle windows, and shake walls with a feverish intensity rarely witnessed since rock`s first generation of stars (who were saluted by the bands very name).

Taken as a whole some of "Ten Years After" albums could be a little patchy and none of their studio releases clocked in over 38 minutes. But with "Essential" you get over an hour`s worth of them at their very best, which testifies to the timeless appeal of stripped down, high-octane Rock `n` Roll. Slip the C.D in your player, crank the volume, and feel free to boogie one more time.
Mott the Dog.