Track Listing

1. Something New
2. Dream Gerrard
3. Graveyard People
4. Walking In The Wind
5. Memories Of A Rock 'N' Rolla
6. Love
7. When The Eagle Flies

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32591 in Music
• Released on: 1991-08-20
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds
• Running time: 40 minutes

Customer Reviews

Traffic's Swansong
I feel bad writing this review only after hearing of the tragic death of Jim Capaldi last Friday. He wrote the lyrics and played the drums on this final album of Traffic's of course. Rolling Stone at the time said that this album was fine musically but marred by some over ambitious Capaldi lyrics. What absolute bollocks. This has been my favourite Traffic album for a very long time and Jim's contributions are not an insignificant part of that.
The opening song 'Something New' is a great release, and sets the tone for this album. A great uplifting album as thought-provoking as anything Traffic ever produced and when combined with Winwood's effortless melodies on this set, it is truly a rewarding experience for any listener interested in this band. Or decent music for that matter.
'Dream Gerrard' with its spooky lyric courtesy of Viv Stanshall is a haunting piece if ever there was one. 'Graveyard People' is similarly inspired. If a little depressing! But musically the band is on song here. Big time. Only Winwood can convey as much spirit and moodiness with the keyboards!
Side 2 (of the original vinyl album) begins with 'Walking In The Wind' which is most noteable for its haunting melody (Winwood), lyrics (Capaldi) and bass line (Rosko Gee!). Goes on a tad too long but hey! didn't most songs of this era?
'Memories Of A Rock 'n Rolla' contains a great Capaldi lyric about the pitfalls of a rock 'n roll lifesyle and contains a great tempo change from the beautiful opening verses to the raucous last chorus. Musicianship at some kind of Zenith here. And then there is 'Love' which has to be among the top three Traffic ballads ever, alongside 'No Face No Name No Number' (1967) and 'Evening Blue' (1973). Jim Capaldi's lyric is highly affecting and when combined with a gorgeous Winwood melody, the result is breathtaking.
The final title track is weird and captivating, and these lyrics are not over ambitious, they are wonderful. Can you hear me....Mother Nature?? Now she hears you Jim...and has you in her bosom.
The final title track is weird and captivating, and these lyrics are not over ambitious, they are wonderful. Can you hear me....Mother Nature?? Now she hears you Jim...and has you in her bosom.