Original released on LP Fontana TL 5295
(UK, January 1966)
During the British blues-rock/R&B boom of the mid-60's popularized during the mod movement, The Spencer Davis Group was one of the tighest, leanest of all the bands from this era (which also encapsulates the Stones and the Animals). That said, these guys were really more of a singles band than an albums band, especially in this early stage. While not every track on here can really be considered a hidden gem, there are some highly enjoyable moments on here. For example, the jammy, Ray Charles cover "Georgia On My Mind", one of their first hits "Keep On Running", the edgy "Hey Darling", and the lean rock and roll of "Watch Your Step". It's hard to believe good ol' Steve Winwood is only at the mere age of 18 here, since his voice already sounds so gritty and soulful. For a guy who presumably didn't have much vocal training, this guy could definitely belt it out. And his voice coalesces excellently with the rest of the band's tight, bluesy sound. In fact, Steve takes so much of the band's spotlight, it would seem more fitting to call the band "The Steve Winwood Group". But Spencer does actually get to sing 2 tracks on here - "I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water" and "Since I Met You Baby", both obscure blues covers. His voice is pleasant enough, but he doesn't really have the charisma of Winwood, and it doesn't really help that the songs he chose to cover are rather unmemorable, frail tracks. But once again, when the band gets it right, they really do get it right. It's definitely not an essential 60's album, but if you like good old 60's mod-rock, this would be a great album to check out. (in RateYourMusic)
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