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Groundhogs - Blues Obituary (1969/2001)
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 The Groundhogs third album “Blues Obituary,” is widely regarded as their finest hour. While I have not heard their entire catalog, I have listened to several releases and this is by far the best. This digitally remastered LP issued by Akarma Records comes issued on a 180-Gram virgin vinyl LP. Let us not forget the original year of issue was 1969, a most inspiring time during the course of recorded music, therefore it comes as no surprise that it was some of their best work.
Tony McPhee, the mastermind behind this trio’s sound, is in fine form singing and playing in an inspired manner throughout this classic blues-rock session. His guitar playing is on fire and as pinpoint perfect as it ever was in the studio. He also plays some phenomenal slide on the closer “Light Was the Day,” a smokin’ instrumental, a track highlighted by long blues-rock-psychedelic guitar runs (like Hendrix) with a primal beat to back it. The guitar parts ride on the crest of a tidal wave of sound all the way through the track, it is very cool. The percussion is simply hypnotic; all of those factors combined push the cut to run close to seven minutes. I felt this was a fantastic way to close out a superb album. Every track comes at you filled with tremendous emotion so expect this kind of energy from start to finish.
Any great blues band with any mettle whatsoever would feel hard pressed to create an album with this kind of constancy. There is a thread of commonality that weaves its way methodically throughout this album. There is a certain kind of energy and vibe that is easily detected in this music, you know when it is there and when its not, there are no grey areas when it comes to this kind of magic. Sensitivity to your surroundings allows for an advanced listening experience. It is something that you key in on and then something goes click and you then hear the music as well as feel it in synchronicity.
Everything I have ever heard or read about this album is true; it is without a doubt worth having. This LP is a real blues-rock classic for the ages.
© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck |
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