Traffic – The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (180g Vinyl LP)

One of the greatest British rock acts of their generation Traffic emerged from the West Midlands as Birmingham’s very own Beatles. Deeply psychedelic at first, later acid folk related their music remains an inventive template for any band with aspirations to musical excellence. Utilizing improvisational methods with tremendous versatility they employed Mellotron and harpsichord, sitar and reeds as well as the conventional rock flavors. Given that their stand out performers were Stevie Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Dave Mason and Chris Wood such excellence was hardly a surprise.

Renown for its progressive fusion of space rock and jazz, 1971’s equally stirring and soothing The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is home to the funky hit “Rock & Roll Stew,” the beloved Jim Capaldi-penned “Light Up or Leave Me Alone” and the sprawling title track gem. The Platinum-certified affair is notable for the solo passages on the often covered title cut and the deep production job afforded by Winwood not to mention Tony Wright’s striking cube shaped die-cut album cover.

Remastered from the original tapes and pressed on 180g heavyweight vinyl LP with the non-die cut artwork caringly overseen and interpreted.

1. Hidden Treasure
2. The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys
3. Rock ‘n’ Roll Stew
4. Many A Mile To Freedom
5. Light Up Or Leave Me Alone
6. Rainmaker