This is one of the most encouraging albums I have heard in months. Having moved far past their early imitative blues/ragtime phase, the Youngbloods have become broadly eclectic and, eschewing dilettantism, have transmuted each of the musical streams borrowed into strongly individualistic statements. Although there are pieces on this record which could easily be classed as ragtime-rock, bossa nova, eastern-rock, modern jazz, etc., etc., everything here bears the distinct stamp of three forceful and original personalities, setting this record leagues ahead of all the arty, synthetic, pseudo-eclectic, pseudo-rock clotting the grooves today. Not only that, but this album exudes that supremely rare commodity in these dark, bored, destructive times—joy. These men obviously love what they're doing, and their music is knocking them out as much as it does us.

"Darkness, Darkness" is the first track on the album and also the first to hit you with that headshaking, footstomping impact; the shock of recognition. Errant-folkies-take-on-the-Eastern-schtick but real and new, sans affectation. From the first sizzling violin tones the sense of power, purpose and unflaunted professionalism is there, lifting and carrying you.

"On Sir Francis Drake" is a jazz piano instrumental that reminds me a little of Monk, a little of Bud Powell, a lot of somebody new and different I'd like to hear a lot more of. Perhaps I should mention that several of the songs are instrumentals, a tactic that a great many other groups should seriously consider, since so many potentially fine songs are marred by fatuous or pretentious lyrics.

"Ride the Wind" is the best track on the album, a breath of fresh air that you'll play again and again. The nearest comparison might be Sergio Mendes, but that would be unfair because the Young-bloods have taken those same Latin rhythms that Mendes handles so tritely into a whole new area of inspired cooking and solid musically. Especially nice are the vibes, an instrument too long neglected in rock. Here they are positively mesmeric.

The rest I'll leave for the listener's own delighted discovery. Suffice to say that this is an album that you'll come back to again and again, and that the Young-bloods are three non-bullshit musical workmen with a genuine feeling for the textures of life and sound. May they have a long life together. (RS 37)

LESTER BANGS