Artist: Canned Heat Album: Historical Figures and Ancient Heads

Year: 1972
Duration: 0:0-1

Canned Heat's Historical Figures and Ancient Heads: A Critical Review

Canned Heat is an American rock band formed in 1965, famous for their unique blend of blues, rock, and boogie. They released numerous albums throughout their career, but Historical Figures and Ancient Heads remains one of their most iconic albums to date. In this blog post, we'll dive into this album, discuss the history of the band, the music genre, the best songs, and the most innovative parts. Additionally, we'll provide a critical review of the album, and assess why it mattered in the music industry.

Before we get into the album itself, it's important to understand who Canned Heat was. The band formed in Los Angeles, and its original lineup consisted of lead singer Bob The Bear Hite, guitarists Henry Sunflower Vestine and Alan Blind Owl Wilson, bassist Larry The Mole Taylor, and drummer Adolfo Fito De La Parra. The band gained widespread attention after their set at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, and they quickly became an influential part of the blues rock and boogie movement.

Historical Figures and Ancient Heads was released in 1971, during a time when Canned Heat was experimenting and expanding their sound. The album adopted various styles, including country, blues, and rock, while incorporating political and social themes. It's impossible to categorize the album into a single genre, and it's this diversity that makes Historical Figures and Ancient Heads such a unique listen.

The album's opening track, Sneakin' Around, is a traditional blues song with a modern twist. It's the perfect introduction to the sound that Canned Heat created on this album. The most innovative part of the album is the blend of genres that the band incorporates. For example, My Time Ain't Long features some country elements, which is not something typical of Canned Heat's work. Nevertheless, it works well on this album, and it shows off the band's ability to adapt to different styles.

One of the standout tracks on Historical Figures and Ancient Heads is Harley Davidson Blues. The song is an ode to the iconic motorcycle, but it's also a song about freedom and rebellion. Bob Hite's vocals are powerful, and the song's bluesy instrumental and catchy chorus make it an essential part of Canned Heat's catalog.

Another excellent track on the album is Poor Moon. The song is a haunting ballad that showcases Alan Blind Owl Wilson's incredible musicianship. It's a sad song that tells the story of a man who lost everything, but it's also a beautiful song that demonstrates the band's ability to create emotional responses through their music.

Finally, the album closes with Utah, a track that features a funky rhythm and a groovy bassline. It's a song about a trip to Salt Lake City, and it's a fun way to end the album. It also highlights the versatile nature of the band, as they can create songs that range from emotional ballads to funky tracks.

In conclusion, Historical Figures and Ancient Heads is a critically acclaimed album that showcases Canned Heat at the height of their musical abilities. The album features a diverse range of genres, political and social themes, and emotionally charged vocals and instrumentals. While it may not have been as commercially successful as some of their other albums, it's an undeniable masterpiece of blues rock and boogie. It's a must-listen for any fans of the band, as well as anyone who loves music that challenges traditional boundaries and expectations.