Canned Heat - Livin' the Blues 2LP Vinyl Album

- 1968 German Release

  "Livin' the Blues" is the 1968 double LP album by Canned Heat. It was one of the first double albums to place well on album charts. It features Canned Heat's signature song, "Going Up The Country," which would later be used in the Woodstock film. John Mayall appears on piano on "Walking by Myself" and "Bear Wires." Dr. John appears on "Boogie Music.

 

large album front cover photo of: Canned Heat Living Blues

Canned Heat's "Livin' the Blues": A Blues-Rock Odyssey in 1968
Album Description:

In the culturally charged year of 1968, Canned Heat, the blues-rock band from Los Angeles, unleashed their ambitious double LP, "Livin' the Blues." The album stands as a testament to their musical prowess, capturing the zeitgeist of a generation yearning for change and artistic expression.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

Released amidst the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, and burgeoning countercultural movements, "Livin' the Blues" resonated with those who sought solace and inspiration in music. The album showcased the band's eclectic musical influences, seamlessly blending traditional blues with elements of rock, boogie, and psychedelia. Harmonica solos, slide guitar riffs, and soulful vocals defined their unique sound.

Genre-Bending Fusion and Controversial Themes

Solidifying their position in the blues-rock genre, Canned Heat's music resonated with both blues purists and rock enthusiasts. The album's title track, "Livin' the Blues," stirred controversy with its explicit lyrics and references to drug use, further fueling its popularity as a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity.

Production and Recording

The band members, along with Skip Taylor and Dallas Smith, produced "Livin' the Blues," allowing for a hands-on approach that ensured their artistic vision was realized. Recorded at Liberty Records' studio in Los Angeles, the album captured the band's raw energy and emotional depth, with live performances from the Kaleidoscope club adding an electrifying dimension.

From blues standards to original compositions and extended jams, "Livin' the Blues" showcases Canned Heat's versatility and mastery of their craft. The album's enduring legacy lies in its ability to capture the essence of an era, making it a significant artifact of late 1960s music and culture.

Music Genre:

Psych Blues

Album Production Information:

The album: "Livin' The Blues" was produced by: Canned Heat and Skip Taylor

Record Label & Catalognr:

Liberty LBS 83 210 / LST 27 200

Album Packaging:

2LP Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork photos on the inside cover pages.

Record Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Double Long-Play  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 280 gram  

Year & Country:

1968 Made in Germany
Complete Track Listing of: "Livin' The Blues"

The Songs/tracks on "Livin' The Blues" are

    Side One:
  • Pony Blues (Charley Patton) 3:48
  • My Mistake (Alan Wilson) 3:22
  • Sandy's Blues (Bob Hite) 6:46 Canned Heat, Joe Sample
  • Going Up The Country (Wilson) 2:50
  • Walking by Myself (Jimmy Rogers) 2:29
  • Boogie Music (L.T. Tatman III) 3:19
    Side Two:
  • One Kind Favor
  • Parthegenesis
    Side Three:
  • Refried Boogie - Part I
    Side Four:
  • Refried Boogie - Part II
Album cover photos of : Canned Heat Livin' the Blues
Photo of "Livin' The Blues" Album's Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo #10 Canned Heat Livin' the Blues  
Photo of "Livin' The Blues" Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo #11 Canned Heat Livin' the Blues  
Photo of "Livin' The Blues" Album's Inner Cover  
High Resolution Photo #12 Canned Heat Livin' the Blues
Photo of "Livin' The Blues" Album's Inner Cover  
High Resolution Photo #13 Canned Heat Livin' the Blues
Close-up Photo of "Livin' The Blues" Record Label 
High Resolution Photo #14Canned Heat Livin' the Blues

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

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