Kapt. Kopter and the (Fabulous) Twirly Birds was
Randy California's debut solo album after leaving
Spirit, and thus, expectations were high.
California, still only 21, opted to return to the influence of his early mentor,
Jimi Hendrix, who had died in 1970.
California wailed through a series of tunes in a style more reminiscent of the extended arrangements of
Electric Ladyland than the tight psychedelic pop singles on
Are You Experienced.
Beatles songs like "Day Tripper" and "Rain" became almost unrecognizable frames for
California's improvisations. At least the covers were actual songs, which was more than you could say for the originals.
Kapt. Kopter ended up proving that
California was not ready to be promoted from a group guitarist who sang and wrote occasionally. ~ William Ruhlmann