Last Exit by Traffic, a 1969 album.
An album that divides critics between the concept of a collection of outtakes and that of a collection of rarities. It is, in fact, a collection released after the band's first breakup and assembled by Island Records.
The band first broke up in early 1969 due to strong creative differences with Dave Mason, who continually left and rejoined the group. Furthermore, Winwood favored jazz and experimental sounds, and Mason wrote successful pop-rock songs like "Hole in My Shoe," which caused further friction.
For this reason, Steve Winwood disbanded the group to form the supergroup Blind Faith with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker. It was during this period that the record company released Last Exit, to fulfill contractual obligations.
This is a 1972 reissue (ITA).
The result is a two-part album, with the studio side A containing previously unreleased singles and songs, including beautiful psychedelic and soul tracks like "Medicated Goo" and "Shanghai Noodle Factory," the album's highlights, a great fusion of pop and experimentation. There's also the folk-pop song "Just for You" (written by Dave Mason) and the obscure "Withering Tree," both interesting tracks.
Just for You, a song written by Dave Mason, is an acoustic folk-rock track with Indian influences (the tabla is beautiful).
"Shanghai Noodle Factory" is a beautiful soul piece with a driving groove and great work and synergy between Chris Wood's flute and Steve Winwood's organ. Beautiful.
"Something's Got a Hold of My Toe" is a brief instrumental rarity, a bluesy jam.
"Withering Tree" is a beautiful, melancholic ballad, with a strong piano and harpsichord part.
"Medicated Goo" is a funky, rhythmic track with a big saxophone and beautiful vocal harmonies.
The B-side is live, recorded at the Fillmore West in March 1968, and includes only two long improvised performances: "Feelin' Good" and "Blind Man," with the band as a trio (without Dave Mason) engaged in lengthy improvisations.
"Feelin' Goo" is a ten-minute-plus jazz-rock version of Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse's classic, featuring extensive solos.
"Blind Man" is a blues-soul cover centered on Winwood's powerful vocals, with extended jam sessions.
It is therefore a transitional album, suitable for the band's most loyal fans. It is fragmented but features Steve Winwood's extraordinary voice and beautiful live jam sessions, displaying great creativity and technique.
Although the cover features all the original members of the lineup, including Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood, and Dave Mason, the latter is not featured on most of the tracks.
An album that I enjoy listening to and that cannot be missing from any collection of the fantastic Traffic.
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.
Tracklist
1. Just for You (2:18)
2. Shanghai Noodle Factory (5:06)
3. Something's Got a Hold of My Toe (2:14)
4. Withering Tree (3:04)
5. Medicated Goo (3:36)
6. Feelin' Good (Live *) (10:40)
7. Blind Man (Live *) (7:06)
Durata 34:28
* Recorded Live At The Filllmore West
LineUp
- Steve Winwood - vocals, organ, piano, guitar (2.5), bass
- Dave Mason - guitar (1.3), vocals (1)
- Chris Wood - flute, saxophones, organ
- Jim Capaldi - drums, percussion, backing vocals
