"Fields" is kind of an oddity; especially for a record label that's best known for a more pop-oriented catalog. The album's overall feel is very blues-rockish. A number of reviews we've seen draw comparisons to Cream. In this case the comparison isn't bad, with tracks such as the leadoff rocker 'Elysian Fields', 'Take You Home' and 'Jump On It' baring more than a passing resemblance to Clapton and company. Exemplified by tracks such as 'Bide My Time', the performances are quite raw. Personal favorite - the bizarre, sidelong 'Love Is the Word'. With backing from Motown singer Brenda Holloway, the song offers up a weird blend of rock, psych and soul influences. Stretched out over nearly 20 minutes, it has to be heard to be believed. [SB] ~~~ Decent hard rock effort by a band with a Cream fixation (but thankfully no drum solos). Lots of lead guitar on the normal length songs on side one. Side two is one 20-minute song that has a lot of creative ideas and builds in intensity. It's much better than most side-long songs of the era and is an actual composition, not just an excuse for jamming. Overall, a good but not great album that is interesting enough to be recommended to fans of the style.
This US power trio's sole album was released on both sides of the Atlantic in 1969, but sank without a trace. Equally influenced by blues, soul and acid rock, it's an enjoyable mixture of snappy hard rock songs and the lengthy "Love Is The Word" suite, which occupied a whole side of the original LP. Featuring backing vocals from Northern Soul legend Brenda Holloway and production by former Merry-Go-Round guitarist Bill Rinehart, it's a must for fans of bluesy psychedelic rock
01 - Elysian Fields - 0:00 02 - Bide My Time - 3:47 03 - Take You Home - 8:27 04 - Jump On You - 11:31 05 - Sun Would Set - 14:56 06 - Love Is The Word - 20:19
Credits
Arranged By [Special Arrangements] – Bill Rinehart, Gene Page Bass Guitar, Vocals – Patrick Burke (2)* Engineer – Frank Kejmar Graphics [Graphic Art], Design – Mitchell Brisker Lead Guitar, Vocals – Richard Fortunato Management [Personal] – Mark Slotkin Percussion, Vocals – Steven Lagana Photography By, Design – Michael O'Bryant Producer – Bill Rinehart
