A must for anyone who likes superb blues/rock guitar.

Formed in 1967, a British blues, rock outfit, Ten Years After's reputed strength was as a live outfit. This reputation was well deserved and partly gained through their performance at Woodstock of the classic "Goin' Home'. The best live album ever recorded has to the double album set "Recorded Live" which serves as a testament to the musicianship of these four guys. However it was in the studio that their most innovative and original work was done. Most of the hype with this band was with Alvin Lee's speed on the guitar which meant most people overlooked how good the band was and didn't notice what great songwriter Alvin Lee is. Ten Years After were a tight group led by Alvin's superb, smooth, melodic guitar work. Rock and Roll Music to the World is one of those rare albums that doesn't have a bad track on it and should hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Album Tracks

You Give Me Loving

A simple, but very effective E blues based riff with a jazzy, innovative solo in the middle.

Convention Prevention

Superb drumming, a great melody that swings along with typical lyrics from Alvin about the importance of being free. One of the best.

Turned Off TV Blues

12/8 blues in E with good lyrics, but not the greatest vocals. The fills and 2 guitar solos, however are gems showing how cleverly Alvin can craft a solo to blend with the chord changes.

Standing at the Station

Simple, but effective 3 chord tune that starts slowly and builds to and extended organ, then guitar solo before the train comes rushing in at the end.

You Can't Win Them All

12 bar boogie riff in C with an unusual rhythm and interesting solo..

Religion

Slow 2 chord tune about the problems of the world and the need to be free. Simple riff, good melody and an extended instrumental fading into

Choo Choo Mama

This song alone should put Alvin up there with likes of Eric Clapton, etc. Again a simple 3 chord boogie in E, but the guitar work is outstanding with Alvin demonstrating how he got the appellation "Fastest Guitar in the West". Forget the speed and listen to the phrasing, timing and impetus that is built as the band lay down a solid backing for the beautifully melodic, smooth soloing. This is a song that's takes a while to get into but you will never grow tired of listening to.

Tomorrow I'll Be Out of Town

Another superb song that swings with a great driving rhythm laid down by the band. A splendid tune, great solos and one of the best on the album

Rock and Roll Music to the World

Title track and deservedly so. A brilliant example of rock n roll with the band doing what they do best. Great drumming, bass and guitar work.. A biographical description of life on the road. One great line "I tell the truth. I aint no star. I only shout and leave the rest to my guitar" and into the solo.

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Other albums. Most have something to offer, the next best are: -

Cricklewood Green - 8 great tracks with a good variety of styles.
A Space in Time - Innovative, experimental, well worth a listen.
Recorded Live - brilliant live album, worth having for "Goin' Home" and "Help Me" alone .

All of these are available on remastered CDs.

From the Solo Albums, Let it Rock and Detroit Diesel are both great albums,
but once again they all have something to offer

Note One of Alvin's biggest fans 'Adam' who just turned 3 thinks 'Detriot Diesel' is the greatest and often points at trucks asking "Is that a Detriot Diesel?"

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