Ten Years After - Stonedhenge

180-gram audiophile vinyl, gatefold sleeve

On August 17, 1969, Ten Years After performed a breakthrough American appearance at Woodstock; their rendition of "I'm Going Home" was featured in both the subsequent film and soundtrack album and catapulted them to star status.

Earlier in 1969 they had released their 3rd LP, Stonedhenge. Stonedhenge shows Ten Years After was already expanding their basic boogie-rock template. Producer Mike Vernon helped steer the band into a more jazz- and blues-oriented direction.

It's especially evident in the swinging "Woman Trouble". On the Canned Heat-sounding "Hear Me Calling," Alvin Lee keeps his fleet fingers in check, preferring to work his style into a more organic fusion. "A Sad Song" successfully builds tension without the need for speedy guitar solos. The eight-minute "No Title" slowly creates a moody atmosphere for three minutes until Lee cranks out a loud extension on its main riff that sets the stage for Chick Churchill's eerie organ solo. On the closing "Speed Kills" Ten Years After returns to the basics, as a way to let the fans know they can still churn out the rocking when needed!
Going to Try
I Can't Live Without Lydia
Woman Trouble
Skoobly-Oobly-Doobob
Hear Me Calling
A Sad Song
Three Blind Mice
No Title
Faro
Speed Kills