Record Company Filler

We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..

In 1971 Steve Miller suffered a broken neck in a car accident and was laid up for awhile. His record company felt like they had to release something so they put together an album featuring a side of unreleased live performances and a side of studio out-takes. It didn’t do well.

His 1970 LP, Number 5, had gone to #23 on the charts. That album featured a backing band featuring Ben Sidran, Nicky Hopkins, Tim Davis, Lonnie Turner and Bobby Winkleman. Only Winkleman remained on the new record. Ross Valory (later to join Journey) and Jack King back Miller up on this one. These guys, along with guitarist David Denny who plays on “Blues Without Blame” were in a band called Frumious Bandersnatch. It worked the Bay Area in the psychedelic rock arena….

This album has it’s fans but for me it’s a disappointment. The live side is a muddy recording although the song ‘Blues Without Blame” has it’s moments. On the studio side there is nothing as strong as Space Cowboy, Livin in The USA, Going To Mexico or Your Saving Grace although the tune ‘Deliverance ” gives him a chance to stretch out. It might help to be high when you listen to this. If you want to sample early Steve Miller I would suggest listening to “Anthology” which came out in 1972.