griff's internet archive | reviews

Review Summary - 5/5, I highly recommend listening to this album laying on the floor in a pitch black room. The pure essence and power of this album should be experienced in its fullest without any other form of stimulation.

Composition/Songwriting - Some, including my college jazz history professor, say that Coltrane quit his addictions cold turkey and wrote this album in isolation from his colleagues and family in the attic of his house. While I don't know how true that is, this powerful and genuine album Coltrane was created after he was fired from Miles Davis' band from 'erratic and destructive' behavior. Not only is this album one of my favorite jazz albums (I literally recommend it to everyone), but I can really feel the raw emotion Coltrane layers in each track. OH MY this album is good. Songwriting and composition is truly a work of a higher dimension or something like that.

Album Art - While some may consider the image of Coltrane on this album traditional and expected of a jazz album, I believe that the album cover genuinely captures the message of the album. He faces off to the side towards something unknown to the viewer. To me, I think he has found something he is searching for and leaves the viewer in search of that thing through this image. And if they have found it too, they know exactly what he is looking at...do you?

Recording Quality -No noticeable flaws in the recording. My record has some bubbling in the press, but those don't take away from the listening experience at all.

Listening Experience - First time I listened to this album made me cry tears of hope, joy, and sadness at the same time. First time I watched the documentary on Coltrane's life I cried. Then proceeded to write my final paper of my jazz history class on how powerful this album is to me. Every time I listen to it is a powerful experience. Each time reminds me of those same emotions I felt the first few times I heard it. But now I don't cry haha.

How I rate albums:
1/5- I never want to hear this again. Genuinely not an enjoyable album.
2/5 - I may play this as a joke or infrequently.
3/5 - An average album; it's not bad but I don't seek it out regularly.
4/5 - A good or very good album; something that I can enjoy/appreciate each listen.
5/5 - Genuinely life changing. I am a different, better person now because I listened to this.

Review Summary - 4/5, recording quality could be better but still a great listen.

Composition/Songwriting - Excellent compositions and songwriting here. Melissa stands out to me as a wonderful song with lyrics. It hits you in your heart, but also leaves you feeling some hope after everything is said and done. I also really like Little Martha as an example of their songwriting without lyrics. An acoustic guitar song that is joyful and kinda reminds me of walking through a field on a summer morning. All good stuff. Overall, composition is pretty classic southern rock/jam band. Mountain Jam is a great example, if you like that type of stuff this album is great.

Album Art - This album has a really cool inner jacket print. I could easily look at that print for an hour. The album cover is cool and has a little bit of humor baked in, but doesn't stand out to me as impressive as the inner jacket. I also wish the cover art was a bit bigger.

Recording Quality - A little muddy, but nothing that takes away from the listening experience.

Listening Experience - It's a great album to throw on and enjoy a nice day outside. I think it is more of a spring/summer album though, but can still be enjoyed year round. This album makes me want to porch sit and have a drink on a sunny day.

How I rate albums:
1/5- I never want to hear this again. Genuinely not an enjoyable album.
2/5 - I may play this as a joke or infrequently.
3/5 - An average album; it's not bad but I don't seek it out regularly.
4/5 - A good or very good album; something that I can enjoy/appreciate each listen.
5/5 - Genuinely life changing. I am a different, better person now because I listened to this.