Comments for Traffic, John Barleycorn Must Die

This album was originally supposed to be Steve Winwood's first solo attempt, to be title 'Mad Shadows'. Please be advised that the times recorded for each song on the back cover of the CD are incorrect.

Tracks are: Glad--Freedom Rider--Empty Pages--Stranger to Himself-- John Barleycorn--Every Mother's Son

My ONLY disappointment is the short play time!

My ONLY disipointment is that it is so good. Every other album has something to moan about!

Wow! Listened to some of these tracks again coming back from Colorado, flying through Kansas. What a great groove! Is it jazz, rock? Traffic is one band I have consistently listened to since the '70's - the various "best of" tapes I've made have always been in my car. And John Barleycorn is such a great album, especially side 2.

If music were as dangerous to the will and adicting (maybe it is) as drugs, I would say that this album can safely be rated with the big boys like heroin. This is the best.

a brilliant fusion of jazz, rock and folklore...a must for any rock die hard

Traffic`s first album after their brief breakup (when Steve Winwood joined the shortlived Blind Faith). Definitely one of their best albums.

Want to really get into the frame for listening to this one... Go out a rent "Ned Kelly..." This combo would be the politically correct time capsule / content.

Interesting reflection on history. Most people don't know about the "Brits" prohibition. A Classic that reflects the times.

An essential, must-have classic album , the best Traffic album, and Steve Winwood's favourite. This is most definitely an "up" album, and the most jazz-influenced and varied of their releases. "Glad" is an up-tempo jazz piano instrumental with an unforgettable melody, punctuated by Chris Wood's saxophone - a classic composition. "Freedom Rider" again features a beautiful piano melody, incredible vocals, and an outstanding extended electric flute solo by Chris Wood, which is virtually free-form jazz."Stranger to Himself" highlights Winwood's acoustic and electric guitar expertise in a memorable rock song with a brilliant and powerful guitar solo. "John Barleycorn must Die" is an interpretation of a traditional English folk song, with a superb acoustic guitar accompaniment and again great singing. "Every Mother's Son" showcases Winwood's singing at it's most soulful and has a haunting guitar line. "Empty Pages" is a slower, organ-dominated song, with yet another fine melody and soulful, mournful vocals. This album was released in April 1970, and was a Top Ten Hit in the U.S., where Traffic had a strong following. This recording has not dated and still sounds modern today. If you've never heard it, buy it!!, you'll love it!