Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Quicksilver Messenger Service: Happy Trails

Happy Trails is the second album Quicksilver Messenger Service put out. Recorded in 1968, the album is essential two live performances. Side one, the "Who Do You Love Suite", is a 25 minute jam based on bo Diddley's Who Do You Love. The song is divided into six tracks and retitled to allow the band a better take of the royalties. Side two is a live performance that starts with Bo Diddley's Mona and seques into a few originals. The album ends with a quick take on the Roy Rodgers "Happy Trails" theme. Happy Trails is a lighthearted way to end a otherwise heavy psychedelic album.
Of the two distinct acts on the album, I favor side one's improvisation on Who Do You Love. The band manage to venture far from original but they still find their way back. The album as a whole is great, though, and the second side shouldn't be overlooked.

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