Traffic

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Considering that Traffic couldn't seem to stay intact for more than a few months at a time, the band's work seems even more remarkable. Recorded in the summer of 1968 and released later that fall, Traffic, the band's sophomore release, stands as the outfit's high-water mark and one of the great rock albums of its time. Clearly, Dave Mason and Steve Winwood had completely different visions for the band, both musically and socially. In fact, Mason had already left the band at the year's beginning, only to return a few short months later. Mason liked to work alone and favored rooted folk-tinged material; Winwood saw the band as a communal affair and leaned toward progressive jazz-influenced music. Of course, the synthesis of these two approaches is what makes Traffic such a terrific album. There's not a weak moment across these 10 songs (augmented on this reissue with three mono single mixes). By fusing bits of country and folk, wisps of psychedelia, and elements of jazz and soul, the album managed to both presage and summarize the ambitious developments of rock music during its most creative era. --Marc Greilsamer
Product Details
  • Artist: Traffic
  • Binding: Audio CD
  • EAN: 0731454285223
  • Label: Island
  • Manufacturer: Island
  • MPN: 542852
  • NumberOfDiscs: 1
  • OriginalReleaseDate: 2001-02-27
  • ProductGroup: Music
  • ProductTypeName: ABIS_MUSIC
  • Publisher: Island
  • ReleaseDate: 2001-02-27
  • Studio: Island
  • UPC: 731454285223

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Customer Reviews

Classic Traffic album - Classic Quality2008-08-18
Take the advice of another reviewer and get the US version, with good, clear, punchy sound - and no irrelevant extra tracks. This is the classic Traffic including Dave Mason with great songs and performances all round.
TRAFFIC JAMS!2008-02-28
Wow! I haven't heard this cd in a very long time. In fact, I last heard it on LP back in the late 80's. I forgot how GREAT these songs are. I bought Smiling Phases back in the early 90's. I have almost all of the Traffic on CD. This one brought back lots of memories. Any Traffic fan can vouch for that!
talented bands deserve to be remembered2007-08-28
Traffic- This is one of the most underrated rock bands in history. At least, the most underrated from the early 70's. Song after song this band continues to amaze me with their top notch songwriting skills and musical variety talent. On this release, you can hear such emotionally beautiful songs such as "Cryin' to be Heard" that makes me almost cry with its powerful chorus. "Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring" is almost considered soul-pop, and it's excellent. Chris Wood is brilliant on this album. A memorable version of "Feelin' Alright" too. A must own.

Simply, a Must Have!2007-07-14
For anyone appreciative of the late sixties, early seventies progressive rock era of music, this is simply a must have for your collection. Combining psychedelia and folk, this innovative CD stands out above the rest. As popular as Traffic was back then as a band, I still feel that Steve Winwood and company were underrated. Check out Blind Faith and Steve's later solo work from the eighties too.
Traffic's second album2006-12-12
This isn't the place that you want to start your Traffic collection. Get Low Spark and Shootout first. Still this is a very good album. The only weak cuts for me is Vagabond Virgin which sounds like they're trying to be a little too clever and Don't Be Sad. Many songs that would be considered Traffic classics come from here-Feelin' Alright?, Fourty Thousand Headmen, Pearly Queen, ect. This is a very good release with great sound.
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