Genre: rock
Rating: ** (2 stars)
Title: Long John Silver
Company: Grunt
Catalog: FTR-1007
Country/State: San Francisco, California
Year: 1972
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: original die cut gatefold cover
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: not yet listed
Price: $12.00
Given how bad the previous set was, anything
including 1972's "Long John Silver"
had to stand as an improvement. With Kantner sounding increasingly out of
it, the collection shifted the spotlight to Slick's limited voice (she
sounded increasingly screechy) and haphazard compositional skills. Hardly
the highlight of their catalog, but not a complete washout, several efforts
including the title track,"Milk Train" and Kantner's rocking
"Twilight Double Leader" (sounding like a precursor to the
forthcoming Jefferson Starship era), at least bore recognizable melodies.
Backed by an American tour which saw Slick maced, Kantner hurt and Casady
busted (drugs), the collection proved another strong seller, reaching # 20.
The album also served as the Airplane's final studio release; future efforts
credited to the Jefferson Starship. (Originally released with an elaborate
gatefold sleeve which could be folded to served as a stash box - seriously,
the instructions were printed on the inner sleeve !!!, the packaging was
actually more creative than the music.) Following the set's release bassist
Casady and guitarist Kakounen decided to quit in order to pursue a full time
career as Hot Tuna (see separate entry). Casady was replaced by former
Quicksilver Messenger Service bassist David Freiberg.
"Long John Silver" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Long John Silver (Grace Slick - Jack Casady) - 4:22
2.) Aerie (Gang of Eagles) (Grace Slick) - 4:46
3.) Twilight Double Leader (Paul Kantner) - 4:46
4.) Milk Train (Grace Slick - Papa John Creach - Roger Spotts) - 3:22
(side 2)
1.) The Son of Jesus (Paul Kantner) - 5:30
2.) Easter? (Grace Slick) - 4:05
3.) Trial By Fire (Jorma Kaukonen) - 4:38
4.) Alexander the Medium (Paul Kantner) - 6:50
9.) Eat Starch Mom (Grace Slick - Jorma Kaukonen) - 4:38