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Runaround Review
07/13/2005 7:41 AM, AMG
Before A&M released their self-titled debut in 1990, Blues Traveler cut a series of demos to shop around town. (Three separate demo tapes were made by the band and were available at shows in New York City.) They were bootlegged and are available on no less than two CDs. The second demo tape was originally called Dropping Some NYC and was bootlegged as a CD called Mulling It Over: Studio Demos. Of the nine songs demoed here, only three made it onto Blues Traveler. The rest were live staples at the band's early concerts. The recording quality is generally poor, with distortion common with well-played tapes. The songs are very listenable, however, if you are a fan. Songs like "Droppin' Some NYC," "100 Years," and "Sweet Talkin' Hippie" are very close to the versions on their debut CD. "Trust and Trust" makes its first appearance here, though it would not be on an official release until the CD single for "Run-Around." "Droppin' Some NYC" includes Spin Doctor Chris Barron on backing vocals. "Out of My Hands" contains a great interplay between John Popper's harp and Roger Fox's flute. Of note is the cover of the Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go," which was always a highlight of early Traveler live shows. The slow, bluesy version is stunning. Chan Kinchla's guitar work on this demo is also striking. "Close the Park Down" and "Weird Chick" are two songs only diehards will know, but they do date back until, virtually, day one. The demo of "Crash Burn" will surprise most the band's fans. It too made an appearance well before you knew about the band. This boot CD also includes "Closing Down the Park" from an unknown studio session circa 1990, and five live songs from the band's 1995 House of Blues performance. The HOB songs are good, but do not belong with the early material. ~ JT Griffith, All Music Guide
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