They were a bit before my time, although their hits got enough airplay for me to have always heard them. Not long ago, I saw some videos from their set at Woodstock and other performances. They sure didn’t look as I’d imagined, so I did a little research and learned that the line-up changed many times over the years, with members coming and going before and after the deaths of founding members Al Wilson in 1970 and Bob Hite in 1981. There seems to be a story to be told there of tragedy and pathos, but also one of commitment, integrity, realization and triumph.
I’ve enjoyed the hell outta the videos I’ve seen, and I have to say that the band members were a lot more talented than I thought. In particular, I had to laugh out loud at around 1:23 in this video. Somebody (a friend?) gets onstage, hugs Hite and actually bums a smoke and a light from him before sitting down practically at his feet to enjoy the rest of the set.
As dysfunctional bands go, Canned Heat is definitely one of ‘em. Still, some great and/or iconic tracks. I much prefer them with Harvey Mandel over the other guy (Henry?)
This is probably my favorite CH track:
Wilson blew a mean harmonica. I originally didn’t care for the tracks where he sang in a falsetto, but that was before I had ever heard Skip James sing. Once I put the two together, I was in awe.
I am less familiar with CH’s later incarnations, but I know Robert Lucas played with them for a time. His incredible voice and talent were major assets in the absence of the band’s co-founders. I learned belatedly of Mr. Lucas’ OD death even before I ever knew he fronted Canned Heat. It only added to the sadness.
They were a competent white blues band that, unfortunately, got in the habit of playing 10+ minute variations on ‘Boogie’ (a la John Lee Hooker) that went nowhere.
Same here. I think he was very good for that time. A couple of days ago, I noticed in Mandel’s Wiki entry a reference to fretboard tapping on his album Shangrenade. It’s on YouTube, I listened to the first two tracks and liked what I heard. Not bad at all for 1973.
Looks like threadshitting to me, and it’s not the first (or second) time I’ve seen you do this.
I really never understood the attraction. I figured they were one of those bands that other bands like or something. His voice drove me batty and the songs weren’t really interesting or different, except for the annoying falsetto.
Canned Heat rocked. And here’s the original “Goin Up The Country”. It’s called Bulldoze Blues. I believe, but am open to argument, that the wind instrument is homemade.
