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This disk is famous for the great playing and drug influenced music. "Dealer" and "Colored Rain" are classic traffic rockers, that showcase the band's ability to mix winds and woodwinds through their music effectively. "Dear Mr Fantasy", the title cut, features trippy guitar and Steve Winwood's soaring vocals. "Berkshire Poppies" is an obviously a reference to one of the drugs of choice, featuring Winwood's ragtime piano. Dave Mason's "Hole In My Shoe" is a happier, chemically influenced tune, that shows a lighter side of his writing. In all, it is a period piece, that is different in that the melodies are catchy, and the musicanship great enough to stand the test of time.
I own "Heaven Is In Your Mind" which is the U.S. Hope this helps. As far as I'm concerned, there's only one solution here.buy both and listen for yourself.
mono CD titled "Mr. But for my money, if I had to choose only one the U.K. release of this album and it's excellent, but as far as I'm concerned the U.K.
Some of you will like one more than the other, and I believe most Traffic fans will ultimately want both versions of this masterpiece. Fantasy" is VASTLY SUPERIOR to the stereo version. I suppose it's a matter of taste, but the mono presented here has a drastically different, slicker psychedelic sound to it.
mono version wins HANDS DOWN. Happy listening :-)
I am spending time filling in the gaps that I missed out on during the 60s and 70s. Two songs on this album, namely 'No name, no face, not number' and 'Mr Fantasy' must be amongst the best rock songs ever, ever written (to say nothing of Steve Winwood's ethereal singing). I grew up with the better known 'John Barleycorn.' and 'Low Spark.', but recently (thanks to the classic 1983 Rolling Stone Record Guide)acquired 'Mr Fantasy' and their 2nd album 'Traffic'. Both knock the spots off the later Traffic, and while the critics gave 'Mr Fantasy' only 4 stars I rate it one of the best albums ever. Regarding the issue about the US versus UK versions, I was fortunate to but a recently re-mastered CD that has both on it. Get that one, then sit back like a happy cat and lick the cream.
I liked this album when I was in college and was exploring all sorts of late sixties albums and.lots of other things. Most songs on this album are psychedelic curiosities. Many songs lack the melody and tunefulness that Steve and the gang can produce in droves. Many of those albums from the era did hold up over time. This one doesn't.
great to finally have a cd with all the bonus tracks in order. this disc is still a powerful document of the psychedelic era. it has a tremendous range of material from the guitar workout of dear mr fantasy to the comic hole in my shoe. light the candles and the incense.
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