It’s not often that a “classic” band can come back together after disbanding and put out a new album that sounds fresh – but then add to that, this new album is filled with covers from their contemporaries (as well as a new, original track) and done in the band’s own style, which put them on the map to begin with. That’s what Vanilla Fudge have done and done well.
Spirit Of ’67 is their first new studio album since their cover of Led Zeppelin songs, 2007’s Out Through The In Door and this is a great gathering of classics – powerful, tight, rich and sounds like now, rather than then. Three of the four original members are here (bassist Tim Bogert has since retired) and this album shows they still can rock with that groove that made them blast into the charts with their now-famous rendition of “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”. Amongst the absolute standouts on this album – which are all from 1967 (naturally) include their take on (my beloved Alex Chilton and…) The Box Tops’ “The Letter”, which is soulful and heavy; a groove-injected to near-progressive killer version of The Who’s “I Can See For Miles” (ye gods, listen to that organ playing – simply fantastic); an almost Argent-like (!) rendition of “I’m A Believer” (oh, yes) and a funky, kick-you-in-the-head spin on “Gimme Some Lovin'”. The new, original track, “Let’s Pray For Peace” is a beautiful, gospel-tinged powerhouse with a strong and meaningful message.
So glad to see a band that still has their teeth and chops as sharp as ever. Nothing sweeter than the heaviness of the Fudge. Spirit Of ’67 definitely has the spirit.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Spirit Of ’67 is available now
http://www.vanillafudge.com/contents.htm
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