An odd, erratic, but interesting anthology of rare performances recorded by Elektra in the mid-'60s, when the label was just getting its feet wet with rock. Leading the way are
the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, whose five tracks are very much in the style of their first LP; the
Butterfield original "Lovin' Cup" is about as good as anything he ever did.
Eric Clapton and the Powerhouse are a most interesting aggregation, also featuring
Stevie Winwood,
Paul Jones,
Jack Bruce, and
Spencer Davis Group drummer
Pete York; their three tracks include early versions of "Steppin' Out" and "Crossroads," which
Clapton would record with
the Bluesbreakers and
Cream, respectively.
The Lovin' Spoonful's four tracks date from before reaching stardom with the Kama Sutra label; here they concentrate on blues and early rock & roll-style songs, which frankly don't measure up to their folk-rock. Rare tracks by
Tom Rush and
Al Kooper (who reworked his contribution "Can't Keep from Crying Sometimes" with
the Blues Project) round out the set. ~ Richie Unterberger