This is Not This Heat

Canned Heat 1967-1976: The Boogie House Tapes is a double-disc set, assembled by drummer Adolfo de la Parra, the only remaining member of the original '60s band, and Canned Heat collector Walter de Paduwa; it's a compilation of some previously "lost" studio and live performances of the indefatigable boogie band. While hardcore fans will rejoice hearing the great Alan Wilson, who appears on roughly half of these tracks, in his prime, it's still a very mixed bag. Guitarists Harvey Mandel and Henry Vestine are featured prominently, as is vocalist Bob "the Bear" Hite who, along with drummer de la Parra, is the only constant band member across these two CDs.

One More River To Cross is the tenth studio album by Canned Heat, released in 1973. The band negotiated out of their contract with Liberty Records and debuted with Atlantic Records. This album featured horn arrangements played by the Muscle Shoal Horns along with Barry Beckett and Roger Hawkins. The album cover was designed by Ernie Cefalu. While not quite on the same level as the classic treasures that came before it, this is an underrated gem much like later albums by Savoy Brown. Never mind the Jimmy Buffet on psylocybin cover, what's underneath has some serious pedigree. Produced, recorded and engineered at Muscle Shoals, with none other than swampers Barry Beckett and Roger Hawkins at the helm, the sound exudes simple rural elegance.