Traffic was incredibly diverse in their catalog, hope you guys will check out more. For one that rocks harder, check out, "Light Up or Leave Me Alone".
Steve Winwood (vocals/multi-instrumentalist) would start his professional career at only 15 years old in,, The Spencer Davis Group "Gimme Some Lovin'",, "Keep On Running",, "I'm A Man" & "Every Little Bit Hurts" ALL MUST HEAR Classics🔥..TRUTH!!
It's one of my FAVORITE all-time songs. This is a gem, and I'm so stoked that you guys reacted to this. This song came out in 1971. Yes, Dear Mr. Fantasy is another classic Traffic tune. ❤❤❤
Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi started writing this song in Morocco, where he was getting ready to make a movie called Nevertheless with actor Michael J. Pollard. The film project fell through, but did lead to one of Traffic's best-known songs. Said Capaldi: "Pollard and I would sit around writing lyrics all day, talking about Bob Dylan and the Band, thinking up ridiculous plots for the movie. Before I left Morocco, Pollard wrote in my book 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys.' For me, it summed him up. He had this tremendous rebel attitude. He walked around in his cowboy boots, his leather jacket. At the time he was a heavy little dude. It seemed to sum up all the people of that generation who were just rebels. The 'Low Spark,' for me, was the spirit, high-spirited. You know, standing on a street corner. The low rider. The 'Low Spark' meaning that strong undercurrent at the street level." >>
Nope. Not about drugs. In the 70s "platform shoes" were fashionable for men, and musicians and artists began wearing them before others did. So, in this song, the "high-heeled boys" are the musicians that make the music (low spark) that the "man in the suit" is the music executives and record label operators that "bought a new car (got rich) from the profit he's made on your dreams" - "the low spark(music) of high-heeled boys(musicians). You can take it from there, I think.
It's about drugs Heroin speedballs in general The little spark is when you inject The high heeled Boys is the rush The second part of the song deals with the drug dealer who died Basically Steve and Jim capaldi decided to interject a few things and jabs towards the record company without coming right out and saying it
The high heels they are talking about are platform shoes that we all of us used to wear back in the 70's. That is the great Steve Winwood on vocals. He also played the sax, the piano and the organ on this song which is about rock bands being ripped off by their managers. Smooth classic song! Cheers from the great white north.
If you looked at the album cover notes back in the day you couldn't help but notice that each one of these guys sings and plays like, a dozen different instruments. Musicians of the highest caliber, these guys. Another band on that level is "The Band"
MUST READ:: Lead vocals/keyboard/guitar/mandolin/bass/drums/saxophone Steve Winwood is a legendary music icon who not only had a great solo career,, But was also in several iconic groups,, Like "The Spencer Davis Group" as well as "Blind Faith" (Including music icon Eric Clapton)..Steve started playing/singing professionally at only 15 years old with "The Spencer Davis Group".
Winwood was 21 years old singing and playing piano here. This is after already playing with Hendrix a year before. He had been gigging out at clubs since 16.
I envy you guys that you get to hear this for the first time. It’s quite the full throttle out of body experience. I am lucky I got to see Steve Winwood 3 times in concert and I got to see him perform this song.
Driving cross country, I think I drove a stretch of 400 miles and through about 3 rainstorms. Started at about 4pm with this song and the rewind button... and a joint.
I think you've reacted to almost all my favorites from the 70s at this point, this one since I was like 8 - you might actually know their song Dear Mr Fantasy
High heeled boys were Rock Stars , Rock stars had the best clothing, turned us all loose to go wild . Exceptional musicians. Dear Mr Fantasy or Light up but mostly sit with the album and experience it how it was designed
My thought is that the title means the inspiration of young musicians. As the song is an attack on the music business. "The man in the suit has just bought a new car by the profit that he made from your dreams." I found thus: “The Low Spark of High- Heeled Boys” is something actor Michael J. Pollard wrote to Jim Capaldi while both were traveling in Morocco. Traffic interpreted it to refer to the grassroots power of the counterculture, and the song’s anthemic jam resounds as a mysterious tribute to the Woodstock generation." Jim Capaldi was the original drummer and one of three percussionists on this song. He was the lyricist who, also accordingbthe same site. Wrote the third verse immediately begore Steve Winwood sang it. Steve wrote the music and plays the piiano and organ along with vocals.
Stevie Winwood a master of his art ....even at 14yrs old when he was in The Spencer Davis Group! You gotta hear him do 'I'm a Man', awesome.... Jazz/Rock/Psychedelica fusion at a high ass level!!
The first time I heard this song, back in the mid-70's in college, I knew I was onto something new and different. Then i found out the lead singer was Steve Winwood, from Blind Faith, Spencer Davis Group, and his own band, and I knew it was gonna be great. Repeated listenings have proved that to be true. Went right out and bought the album, still have it, still play it.
Many have thought this was a drug song: "At its core, the song expresses a yearning for escape from the mundane, rigid structures that confine our lives". The pursuit of happiness through materialistic means. There's a bit more to it if you care to research and read more. Regardless, whatever it make you feel is all that matters.
LOW SPARK = marijuana joint. HIGH HEELED BOYS = rock stars! This is Winwood's story of him and his band being put through it by their record label because they were basically not paying attention to business because they were... otherwise occupied
Steve Winwood left The Spencer Davis Group and was going to make an album where he played all the instruments. After some difficulty, he ended up calling his old group members for help. Winwood said in an interview I heard that the song was about the young men hanging out on the street corners of NYC in the platform shoes of the day. I had always thought of spike heels and more of a gay thing. I was wrong. One of the nastiest saxophones I have ever heard.
Winwood eventually did make that album where he played all the instruments but it came out a long time after Spencer Davis Group, after Blind Faith, and after Traffic. The album is Arc Of A Diver.
I heard this song for the first time about 20 years after it was released. I was listening to my favorite DJ on WXRT in Chicago. I was driving from one suburb to another and as the fade out(s) at the end Richard Milne came over the air and said....'....that was Traffic with The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys and if you were around for the beginning of this you have put at least 15 to 20 miles behind you.....' He was right but it didn't seem like 11 minutes and it sure didn't seem like 20 miles! 🤣
Before disco everybody was pretty much talented devoted to being unique, Steve Windwood started out as lead singer he was 16. He sang in Blind Faith. ✌🏻
This is one of my all-time favorite songs. The album is in my top ten. The best way to listen to this is in a dark, smoky room with some friends, candles, and incense. Leaning back with eyes closed and letting this beautiful music wash over you. Ahhh, the good old days! 🤭🤯. ☮️❤️😎
That's just some beautiful music right there. Gave me the same Vibe as it did you Smokey...sitting in your favorite Club chilling letting the live music take you away, whatever you like to smoke and whatever you like to drink...with ice! I don't know if I've ever heard this but it felt familiar, might just be the Steve Winwood Vibe, love him ✌💚😎
Thanks, guys! When you said you'd never heard of the band or album, I thought "they don't know what's about to happen." 😁 Seeing your stunned joy and awe was so uplifting! Absolutely classic song.
THAT is one of my FAVORITES by TRAFFIC - LOVE YA'LL'S REACTION!!! Such a GREAT, SLOW JAMMMMM!!!!! Great, late-night party tune: when everyone's feelin' GREAT! HUGS, YOU-GUYS!!!
Smooth Jazz, brothers. All of this greatest of music comes from the same time period. Steve Winwood is insanely talented. Even as a young boy. My favorite all time lyric. "And strip me of everything including my pride, but spirit is something that no one destroys." This is reality. Also trance like and semi-psychedelic.
SW is one of my favorite musicians of all time. He plays multiple instruments and his vocals are perfect for the style of music he delivers. He’s got one of the most soulful voices I’ve ever heard from a white guy! Gotta check out the song Empty Pages, the tempo is infectious, his electric piano playing is stellar, the song has a nice jazzy groove to it that I highly recommend listening to. ✌️
He was on stage playing key boards during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance of While my guitar gently weeps along with Prince and everyone else that was up there.
THIS!!!. Was just listening to this song out of the blue the other day. I am a metal guy but appreciate all kinds of music and this song/band/Steve windwood.
Traffic one of my favorites, diverse sound and instruments. Of course any band with Steve Winwood was great including his solo albums. Rock and Roll Stew and Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave (with Dave Mason on lead vocals) are great. 👍👍👍
The song is about drug culture and the relationships between users and suppliers. Low spark is injection, and high heeled boy is speedball, a mixture of cocaine and heroin. The first verse is about shooting up. The second verse is about a dealer that got overdosed.
Great Band, I will add another vote for "Light Up of Leave Me Alone" it should be right up your alley. The crazy sound near the end is actually the saxophone being played through a fuzz pedal. As far as the meaning, it is more like Pink Floyds "Have a Cigar" where they are feeling exploited by the music industry i.e. And the man in the suit has just bought a new car From the profit he's made on your dreams But today you just read that the man was shot dead By a gun that didn't make any noise Steve Winwood is the vocalist and he was later in a band called Blind Faith and I love their song "Can't Find My Way Home" definitely worth a listen.
The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys = Back in the day,, High spirited rebellious youths on the street corners wearing their leather jackets & cowboy boots.
Great reaction, guys! Would love to see Hollywood try to get Smokey to guess the name of Floyd's SSOSFAGTIACAGWAP (only used first letters to avoid spoilers!!)
We used to put together a mound of “one hitters” and a pass a bottle of Wild Turkey while we played backgammon or euchre and just chill to this in the early 70’s! Steve Winwood is one of the greatest artists of all times! Not many can play a piano(keys), guitar, and sing at the high level that he does at all three!!
Back in the day,, At times you would almost swear that there was a contest to see who could come up with the craziest title of a song,, album or group..This being one of them.
Pink Floyd released a track called “Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict” on UmmaGumma. Great song title for charades
Fairport Convention had a pretty good go at this, with * takes deep breath * "Sir B. McKenzie's Daughter's Lament For The 77th Mounted Lancers Retreat From The Straits Of Loch Knombe, In The Year Of Our Lord 1727, On The Occasion Of The Announcement Of Her Marriage To The Laird Of Kinleakie." It was an instrumental...
The title refers to an inscription written by American actor Michael J. Pollard in Jim Capaldi's notebook while they were both in Morocco. Capaldi and Pollard were planning to work on a movie that was never filmed. Capaldi said: Pollard and I would sit around writing lyrics all day, talking about Bob Dylan and The Band, thinking up ridiculous plots for the movie. Before I left Morocco, Pollard wrote in my book 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys'. For me, it summed him up. He had this tremendous rebel attitude. He walked around in his cowboy boots, his leather jacket. At the time he was a heavy little dude. It seemed to sum up all the people of that generation who were just rebels. The 'Low Spark', for me, was the spirit, high-spirited. You know, standing on a street corner. The low rider. The 'Low Spark' meaning that strong undercurrent at the street level. (Jim Capaldi was Traffic's drummer.)
The high heels in question are cowboy boots. Michael J Pollard, who came up with the title, used to wear them all the time. According to Jim Capaldi, who wrote the song, he pictured him standing on a street corner watching the low riders go by.
Put this on repeat for 10 times. Work with a group of friends on a project that is taking way to much time and you haven't slept in 30 hours. Coffee is all you have and you still get to be tripping to the music. Yes, the 70's were the best time to be 20 something.
WKRP In Cincinnati (‘70s sitcom) depicts the idea behind this song as “Jeans” vs “Suits” Andy Travis( new station manager- Jeans) takes over a failing easy listening radio station(Suits) and converts it to Rock and butts heads with station owner. D.J.’s Venus Flytrap and Johnny Fever wear platform shoes
THAT my boys is Ste e Winwood. Cant touch him. Started at age 16!! Too much talent im blessed I saw him 5X. Ethereal!!!! Arc of the Diver Then the band Blind Faith with Clapton Spencer Davis Group!! One of the nicest guys in the world too.
Hey my GA bros! Everyone else has explained well. Yeah. About musicians being exploited. I enjoyed that you guys enjoyed it, to the point of closing your eyes and just mind-cruising to the whole vibe. It’s what music ought be for anyway. Heheh I dig Traffic but not a huge fan. However, listening to their material will never disappoint. Indeed, every track on this album is awesome. Cheers, guys!
I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to see/hear both your reactions/reviews with this performance being as unique as the track,, Steam Powered Giraffe "Honeybee" (Official Music Video A MUST!!)..Be Prepared,, This hits incredibly different..TRUTH!!!
Hendrix complimented many musicians, when asked… However, his fondness for two, always stand out to me… Steve Winwood, and Terry Kath… If you don’t know, look it up.
Winwood is a genius. Absolutely love this song.
You said it brother what a talent.And was around for most of it the best of times and tunes .
AMEN: & AMEN!!! ❤ SO GOOD!!
True Winwood is a genius, but this song is written by Jim Capaldi
@@smffeb58 - I just meant as a singer and pianist, but thanks for the info.
Traffic was incredibly diverse in their catalog, hope you guys will check out more.
For one that rocks harder, check out, "Light Up or Leave Me Alone".
Steve Winwood (vocals/multi-instrumentalist) would start his professional career at only 15 years old in,, The Spencer Davis Group "Gimme Some Lovin'",, "Keep On Running",, "I'm A Man" & "Every Little Bit Hurts" ALL MUST HEAR Classics🔥..TRUTH!!
It's one of my FAVORITE all-time songs. This is a gem, and I'm so stoked that you guys reacted to this. This song came out in 1971. Yes, Dear Mr. Fantasy is another classic Traffic tune. ❤❤❤
Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi started writing this song in Morocco, where he was getting ready to make a movie called Nevertheless with actor Michael J. Pollard. The film project fell through, but did lead to one of Traffic's best-known songs. Said Capaldi: "Pollard and I would sit around writing lyrics all day, talking about Bob Dylan and the Band, thinking up ridiculous plots for the movie. Before I left Morocco, Pollard wrote in my book 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys.' For me, it summed him up. He had this tremendous rebel attitude. He walked around in his cowboy boots, his leather jacket. At the time he was a heavy little dude. It seemed to sum up all the people of that generation who were just rebels. The 'Low Spark,' for me, was the spirit, high-spirited. You know, standing on a street corner. The low rider. The 'Low Spark' meaning that strong undercurrent at the street level." >>
Nope. Not about drugs. In the 70s "platform shoes" were fashionable for men, and musicians and artists began wearing them before others did. So, in this song, the "high-heeled boys" are the musicians that make the music (low spark) that the "man in the suit" is the music executives and record label operators that "bought a new car (got rich) from the profit he's made on your dreams" - "the low spark(music) of high-heeled boys(musicians). You can take it from there, I think.
Bs
I've heard that the HHB's are the record executives; either is fine with me.
It's about drugs
Heroin speedballs in general
The little spark is when you inject
The high heeled Boys is the rush
The second part of the song deals with the drug dealer who died
Basically Steve and Jim capaldi decided to interject a few things and jabs towards the record company without coming right out and saying it
The high heels they are talking about are platform shoes that we all of us used to wear back in the 70's.
That is the great Steve Winwood on vocals. He also played the sax, the piano and the organ on this song which is about rock bands being ripped off by their managers.
Smooth classic song!
Cheers from the great white north.
I was wondering if that was Steve winwood! I'd never heard of this band but his voice sounded familiar:)
Actually, that was Chris Wood on saxophone.
Winwood is definitely a genuis on keys & occasionally guitar.
spot on
If you looked at the album cover notes back in the day you couldn't help but notice that each one of these guys sings and plays like, a dozen different instruments. Musicians of the highest caliber, these guys. Another band on that level is "The Band"
That's Chris Wood on the Sax my friend, Traffic's secret weapon.
The very same vocalist (Steve Winwood) = Blind Faith "Can't Find My Way Home"..Also a MUST HEAR Classic track. 🔥
MUST READ:: Lead vocals/keyboard/guitar/mandolin/bass/drums/saxophone Steve Winwood is a legendary music icon who not only had a great solo career,, But was also in several iconic groups,, Like "The Spencer Davis Group" as well as "Blind Faith" (Including music icon Eric Clapton)..Steve started playing/singing professionally at only 15 years old with "The Spencer Davis Group".
Winwood was 21 years old singing and playing piano here. This is after already playing with Hendrix a year before. He had been gigging out at clubs since 16.
ALL MUST HEAR Classics,, Traffic "Dear Mr. Fantasy",, "Light Up Or Leave Me Alone",, "Feelin' Alright",, "Freedom Rider" & "Empty Pages"🔥
I envy you guys that you get to hear this for the first time. It’s quite the full throttle out of body experience.
I am lucky I got to see Steve Winwood 3 times in concert and I got to see him perform this song.
ENVIOUS!!
I'm a metal head and I love this song.
Driving cross country, I think I drove a stretch of 400 miles and through about 3 rainstorms. Started at about 4pm with this song and the rewind button... and a joint.
The talent behind “The Spencer Davies Group” and the song “Give me some lovin’”
I think you've reacted to almost all my favorites from the 70s at this point, this one since I was like 8 - you might actually know their song Dear Mr Fantasy
High heeled boys were Rock Stars , Rock stars had the best clothing, turned us all loose to go wild . Exceptional musicians. Dear Mr Fantasy or Light up but mostly sit with the album and experience it how it was designed
GREAT suggestions!!
Greetings from the Great White North ... another great reaction guys. Traffic was of the first super groups in my opinion.
My thought is that the title means the inspiration of young musicians. As the song is an attack on the music business. "The man in the suit has just bought a new car by the profit that he made from your dreams."
I found thus:
“The Low Spark of High- Heeled Boys” is something actor Michael J. Pollard wrote to Jim Capaldi while both were traveling in Morocco. Traffic interpreted it to refer to the grassroots power of the counterculture, and the song’s anthemic jam resounds as a mysterious tribute to the Woodstock generation." Jim Capaldi was the original drummer and one of three percussionists on this song. He was the lyricist who, also accordingbthe same site. Wrote the third verse immediately begore Steve Winwood sang it. Steve wrote the music and plays the piiano and organ along with vocals.
Great description and comments!
@@marymargaretmoore9034 Thank you.
Traffic is a classic jam band from the late 60s. All very talented from England. Check out Glad or Dear Mr. Fantasy (opening credit of End Game)
Stevie Winwood a master of his art ....even at 14yrs old when he was in The Spencer Davis Group! You gotta hear him do 'I'm a Man', awesome.... Jazz/Rock/Psychedelica fusion at a high ass level!!
Back in the mid 1970's when disco started, there was a fad of guys wearing platform shoes with high heels.
The first time I heard this song, back in the mid-70's in college, I knew I was onto something new and different. Then i found out the lead singer was Steve Winwood, from Blind Faith, Spencer Davis Group, and his own band, and I knew it was gonna be great. Repeated listenings have proved that to be true. Went right out and bought the album, still have it, still play it.
"Dear Mr. Fantasy" is my fave Traffic song!!
Based on the recording industry during the glam punk era
Many have thought this was a drug song: "At its core, the song expresses a yearning for escape from the mundane, rigid structures that confine our lives". The pursuit of happiness through materialistic means. There's a bit more to it if you care to research and read more. Regardless, whatever it make you feel is all that matters.
I about fell out when I saw ya'll were going to react to this! Traffic is so underrated. Thank you!
One of the best songs ever. Steve Winwood = genius.
LOW SPARK = marijuana joint. HIGH HEELED BOYS = rock stars!
This is Winwood's story of him and his band being put through it by their record label because they were basically not paying attention to business because they were... otherwise occupied
GREAT COMMENT!!! LOVED IT! ❤❤
Love this song ❤
Steve Winwood left The Spencer Davis Group and was going to make an album where he played all the instruments. After some difficulty, he ended up calling his old group members for help. Winwood said in an interview I heard that the song was about the young men hanging out on the street corners of NYC in the platform shoes of the day. I had always thought of spike heels and more of a gay thing. I was wrong. One of the nastiest saxophones I have ever heard.
Winwood eventually did make that album where he played all the instruments but it came out a long time after Spencer Davis Group, after Blind Faith, and after Traffic.
The album is Arc Of A Diver.
This is a good song but their song Dear Mr Fantasy is a classic. Please listen to it. I know you’ll like it. ✌️❤️
Love Dear Mr Fantasy, but to damn Low Spark as “good” is a total miss. Low Spark ranks with DMF as their best. This song live is a revelation.
I heard this song for the first time about 20 years after it was released.
I was listening to my favorite DJ on WXRT in Chicago. I was driving from one suburb to another and as the fade out(s) at the end Richard Milne came over the air and said....'....that was Traffic with The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys and if you were around for the beginning of this you have put at least 15 to 20 miles behind you.....'
He was right but it didn't seem like 11 minutes and it sure didn't seem like 20 miles!
🤣
Stevie Winwood is the genius alright. But props to the drummer Jim Capaldi. Check out his resume. But good reaction.
Jim Gordon on drums here.
Absolutely love this song with its incredible vibe.
Before disco everybody was pretty much talented devoted to being unique, Steve Windwood started out as lead singer he was 16. He sang in Blind Faith. ✌🏻
Oh Yeah! This was unexpected...very glad you did this one though! Great stuff! 👏🏽
The band stuff would be good stuff 😊
This is one of my all-time favorite songs. The album is in my top ten. The best way to listen to this is in a dark, smoky room with some friends, candles, and incense. Leaning back with eyes closed and letting this beautiful music wash over you. Ahhh, the good old days! 🤭🤯. ☮️❤️😎
Platform shoes all the guys use to wear them with their bell bottom jeans.
I wore Cuban heels. They were stylish and cool.
That's just some beautiful music right there. Gave me the same Vibe as it did you Smokey...sitting in your favorite Club chilling letting the live music take you away, whatever you like to smoke and whatever you like to drink...with ice! I don't know if I've ever heard this but it felt familiar, might just be the Steve Winwood Vibe, love him ✌💚😎
Definitely that Winwood vibe.
Morning guys! That was very kool! I've never heard of this one! Enjoyed watching y'all get into it!❤️🙂🤓
Thanks, guys! When you said you'd never heard of the band or album, I thought "they don't know what's about to happen." 😁
Seeing your stunned joy and awe was so uplifting! Absolutely classic song.
If I didn't know better, I would think Smokey is on a trip. 😂
I saw this band live in New Haven Connecticut. We were all floating mid-air. Never felt anything like it before or since.
THAT is one of my FAVORITES by TRAFFIC - LOVE YA'LL'S REACTION!!! Such a GREAT, SLOW JAMMMMM!!!!! Great, late-night party tune: when everyone's feelin' GREAT! HUGS, YOU-GUYS!!!
Feels like a humid summer morning, 6AM & 80°, getting started out on your day.
One of the best songs ever. ❤😊
One of my favorites Awsome!
If you liked that, I always find their song, “Light Up or Leave Me Alone” is the perfect companion song.
Smooth Jazz, brothers. All of this greatest of music comes from the same time period. Steve Winwood is insanely talented. Even as a young boy. My favorite all time lyric. "And strip me of everything including my pride, but spirit is something that no one destroys." This is reality. Also trance like and semi-psychedelic.
Traffic catalog is deep. Won't disappoint.
This was the essence of "dropping the needle" laying back and get lost in the groove...
This song has many time signatures and they all work together.
SW is one of my favorite musicians of all time. He plays multiple instruments and his vocals are perfect for the style of music he delivers. He’s got one of the most soulful voices I’ve ever heard from a white guy! Gotta check out the song Empty Pages, the tempo is infectious, his electric piano playing is stellar, the song has a nice jazzy groove to it that I highly recommend listening to. ✌️
He was on stage playing key boards during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance of While my guitar gently weeps along with Prince and everyone else that was up there.
Billy Preston was also playing keyboards.
RIP Billy Preston
THIS!!!. Was just listening to this song out of the blue the other day. I am a metal guy but appreciate all kinds of music and this song/band/Steve windwood.
Chris Wood KILLIN it on sax!
Steve Wimwood does an exquisite version of this where he plays only the piano. Very stripped down but amazing.
Traffic one of my favorites, diverse sound and instruments. Of course any band with Steve Winwood was great including his solo albums. Rock and Roll Stew and Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave (with Dave Mason on lead vocals) are great. 👍👍👍
Great mellow song, I’ve loved it for decades.
The song is about drug culture and the relationships between users and suppliers. Low spark is injection, and high heeled boy is speedball, a mixture of cocaine and heroin. The first verse is about shooting up. The second verse is about a dealer that got overdosed.
lol what?
Nope. Record executives taking advantage of musicians.
Winwood is a legend 🤘
The sax on this tune is just NASTY it always gives me the chills when i hear it.
Great Band, I will add another vote for "Light Up of Leave Me Alone" it should be right up your alley. The crazy sound near the end is actually the saxophone being played through a fuzz pedal. As far as the meaning, it is more like Pink Floyds "Have a Cigar" where they are feeling exploited by the music industry i.e.
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
But today you just read that the man was shot dead
By a gun that didn't make any noise
Steve Winwood is the vocalist and he was later in a band called Blind Faith and I love their song "Can't Find My Way Home" definitely worth a listen.
Blind Faith with the great Eric Clapton
🎼Dear Mr. Fantasy🎼
"It wasn't the bullet that laid him to rest, it's was the low spark of high heeled boys" = the Suits done the Artist dirty.
Steve Winwood is hands down a musical genius. His catalog is mind blowing 🖤
AW YEAH, Steve Winwood and company! This is a smooth ass Urban jam!
Smokey was right into it! Jus close your eyes and listen.
The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys = Back in the day,, High spirited rebellious youths on the street corners wearing their leather jackets & cowboy boots.
One of the greatest bands form that wonderful era of the 60s an 70s
Great reaction, guys! Would love to see Hollywood try to get Smokey to guess the name of Floyd's SSOSFAGTIACAGWAP (only used first letters to avoid spoilers!!)
🙌🏼
The live video version is just as good ❤
My first song of the day ty
We used to put together a mound of “one hitters” and a pass a bottle of Wild Turkey while we played backgammon or euchre and just chill to this in the early 70’s!
Steve Winwood is one of the greatest artists of all times! Not many can play a piano(keys), guitar, and sing at the high level that he does at all three!!
Medicated Goo.... The whole "Welcome to the Canteen" live LP is so so sweet...
Back in the day,, At times you would almost swear that there was a contest to see who could come up with the craziest title of a song,, album or group..This being one of them.
Pink Floyd released a track called “Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict” on UmmaGumma. Great song title for charades
Fairport Convention had a pretty good go at this, with * takes deep breath * "Sir B. McKenzie's Daughter's Lament For The 77th Mounted Lancers Retreat From The Straits Of Loch Knombe, In The Year Of Our Lord 1727, On The Occasion Of The Announcement Of Her Marriage To The Laird Of Kinleakie." It was an instrumental...
I'll tell anyone that will listen that this song is the reason I'm a Musician.
One hasn't enjoyed their THC fully until this song is heard
Ah, Steve Winwood...Classic.
Take a listen to him with The Spencer Davis Group. Fabulous stuff. And he was a TEENAGER at the time, too.
Love me some Steve Winwood. More please!
The title refers to an inscription written by American actor Michael J. Pollard in Jim Capaldi's notebook while they were both in Morocco. Capaldi and Pollard were planning to work on a movie that was never filmed. Capaldi said:
Pollard and I would sit around writing lyrics all day, talking about Bob Dylan and The Band, thinking up ridiculous plots for the movie. Before I left Morocco, Pollard wrote in my book 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys'. For me, it summed him up. He had this tremendous rebel attitude. He walked around in his cowboy boots, his leather jacket. At the time he was a heavy little dude. It seemed to sum up all the people of that generation who were just rebels. The 'Low Spark', for me, was the spirit, high-spirited. You know, standing on a street corner. The low rider. The 'Low Spark' meaning that strong undercurrent at the street level.
(Jim Capaldi was Traffic's drummer.)
All these references to drug dealers was never my understanding of the song. It was about record executives taking advantage of musicians.
The high heels in question are cowboy boots. Michael J Pollard, who came up with the title, used to wear them all the time. According to Jim Capaldi, who wrote the song, he pictured him standing on a street corner watching the low riders go by.
Put this on repeat for 10 times. Work with a group of friends on a project that is taking way to much time and you haven't slept in 30 hours. Coffee is all you have and you still get to be tripping to the music. Yes, the 70's were the best time to be 20 something.
🔥🌳🌬💨
Let’s go!
🙃🙂😎
"Barroom Blitz" has the word, "blitz" in it.
WKRP In Cincinnati (‘70s sitcom) depicts the idea behind this song as “Jeans” vs “Suits” Andy Travis( new station manager- Jeans) takes over a failing easy listening radio station(Suits) and converts it to Rock and butts heads with station owner. D.J.’s Venus Flytrap and Johnny Fever wear platform shoes
THAT my boys is Ste e Winwood. Cant touch him. Started at age 16!! Too much talent im blessed I saw him 5X. Ethereal!!!!
Arc of the Diver
Then the band Blind Faith with Clapton
Spencer Davis Group!!
One of the nicest guys in the world too.
Steve Winwood voice is incredible. This song hits hard. They come and take away everything from you that you had ever dreamed of. Selfish people.
Brings back to mind a certain fine lady who shared this with me one night many, many years ago. Wonderful background for love, extended cut.
I love this song ❤
Great reaction guy’s 😊
Best album to smoke hash to. God I loved the 70's!!!
Smokey is feelin' good!
high heeled boy = dope girl = coke a shot of both - high heeled boy
Hey my GA bros!
Everyone else has explained well. Yeah. About musicians being exploited.
I enjoyed that you guys enjoyed it, to the point of closing your eyes and just mind-cruising to the whole vibe. It’s what music ought be for anyway. Heheh
I dig Traffic but not a huge fan. However, listening to their material will never disappoint.
Indeed, every track on this album is awesome.
Cheers, guys!
I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to see/hear both your reactions/reviews with this performance being as unique as the track,, Steam Powered Giraffe "Honeybee" (Official Music Video A MUST!!)..Be Prepared,, This hits incredibly different..TRUTH!!!
Hendrix complimented many musicians, when asked… However, his fondness for two, always stand out to me… Steve Winwood, and Terry Kath… If you don’t know, look it up.
Everybody owned this album. If you didn't, you were square
This song was so unique for its time, Winwood is a genius.