British blues/hard rock guitarist Alvin Lee has always been viewed as one of rock's finest old-school instrumentalists, and his work with his band, Ten Years After, during the late '60s and early '70s remains highly celebrated in classic rock circles. However, Lee had also functioned as the band's primary songwriter and lead vocalist - even while backed more than ably by a solid and consistent lineup of musicians to complete the quartet. Unfortunately, typical rock cliche tensions inevitably developed, leading the band to take a lengthy hiatus in 1974 that probably seemed to many fans like it would never end. Luckily, that break came up far short of forever and gave '80s music fans the chance to hear and see one of rock's most admired legendary bands - with original lineup intact.
1989's About Time rocks plenty hard without giving up the vintage Ten Years After sound for a glossier, pop metal-inspired direction. And although "Wild Is the River" may not be able to measure up to "My Baby Left Me," "I'm Coming On" or "50,000 Miles Beneath My Brain," but those tracks reach a particular pinnacle that few artists experience twice. Even moderately above-average work from Alvin Lee translates to excellent, energizing rock and roll, and that may be the closest thing to an insult that one could hurl at this thoroughly solid reunion record. Blues rock singer-guitarists like Rory Gallagher, Terry Reid and Lee often receive less adulation for their vocal work than they deserve, but such multiple talents will always be welcomed by rock audiences in any decade.
- Listen to "Wild Is the River" in its entirety here.
- Compare prices on Ten Years After CDs here.
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Album Cover Image Courtesy of Chrysalis
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