Fear Itself
Album: Fear Itself (US 1969)
CD / Cat. No. WIS-1031
LP / Cat. No. WIS-004 (+ insert)
The album was originally released in 1969 on Dot-Records but didn´t receive too much attention - maybe it appeared as a "too" freaked out heavy version of Jefferson Airplane or Big Brother & the Holding Co. The group started back in Atlanta Georgia in 1967 as a quartet with 2 guitars, played true Psychedelic sound, recorded with Tom Wilson at the Record Plant in NYC, and moved to Woodstock (NY). The 10 album tracks contain 2 arrangements of traditional tunes all others are originals reflecting true electric heavy blues with a strong Hendrix feel, duelling guitarwork and an outstanding female voice/vocals/screams...lots of intense stereo effects.
The group performed at Woodstock Festival in 1968 (one year before...) and played the hottest venues of NYC such as Filmore East. Ellen McIlwaine, the founder of the group made an international solo career as blues-singer and slide guitarist sharing the bill with Jimi Hendrix (main influence), Laura Nyro, Howlin' Wolf, Weather Report, Taj Mahal, George Thorogood, Tom Waits, Chicago, Bruce Springsteen and played a series of concerts with Johnny Winter. This release, with stunning soundqulity from the masters includes on CD a nice 12 p. booklet, on LP a printed innersleeve incl. pictures, memorabilia and biographical background.
For all 60´s collectors who are not familiar with this masterpiece - it´s a must - there are not many groups that were able to present the freewheelin´ live on stage feeling on their studio album! |
   
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