Alvin Lee's 'In Flight' kicks off with the kind of energy that would make any rock enthusiast's heart skip a beat. Released back in 1974, this double album live recording was put out by Chrysalis Records, undeniably capturing Alvin Lee and his band's musical prowess during their performance at London’s infamous Rainbow Theatre. Alvin Lee, known for his dazzling guitar skills and as former lead guitarist of Ten Years After, absolutely tears it up. This album isn't just a collection of songs; it's a powerful statement against the noise of mediocrity that flooded the airwaves back in the day. 'In Flight' is staggeringly electric, serving as a perfect reminder of the times when artists still cared more about getting down and dirty on their guitars than uploading 'woke' tweets.
Let's talk about Lee himself. Alvin Lee and Ten Years After made headlines after their mind-blowing performance at Woodstock in 1969. 'In Flight' finds Alvin breaking away, spreading his wings to showcase what he does best - ignite the stage with his presence. If there’s anything about Lee that the world of rock 'n' roll knew, it was that he brought the house down without fail, every time.
'In Flight' showcases a thrilling lineup of tracks. Lee must have known people wanted rock tracks that spoke to them without the sugarcoating. Songs like 'Got to Keep Moving' and 'Let the Sea Burn Down' hit you like a freight train of raw energy. It’s music that speaks to you if you yearn for the spirit of rebellion, the kind where your guitar flares up like a dragon breathing fire. It's an ultimate call for freedom, not just from the monotony of everyday life, but from a society that seems bent on shackling creativity with political correctness.
The album boasts performances from some key musicians, including Mel Collins on sax and Tim Hinkley on keyboards – a collaboration that injected fresh blood into the rock scene of the 70s. There's no pandering here, just unabashed musical interplay that refuses to adhere to mediocrity.
Listening to 'In Flight' today is like stepping back into an era when musicians pushed the boundaries without fear. Perhaps listening to artists like Alvin Lee makes one long for a time when art wasn't wrapped in layers of unnecessary pretense. Could you imagine this kind of album being made today without being drowned in auto-tune or political overtones?
The live nature of the album really cuts through any doubt about Alvin Lee's musical dexterity. Recorded in a time notorious for capturing genuine live performances, 'In Flight' stands out. Remember folks, this was no studio overdub magic. What you hear is what the audience got that night - raw, raucous, and unfiltered.
Sometimes, you have to wonder if the same passion exists today in the music industry. The industry has shifted so much, and in a way, 'In Flight' serves as a moment captured in time, one where the music did the talking, not contrived and endless social media rants.
Isn't it refreshing to think of a time before auto-tuned studio dominance? When artistry was gritty and musicians showcased their flawed brilliance instead of perfecting performances digitally? Listening to 'In Flight' allows you to take a break from the trite cacophony of synthetic pop and experience history brewed with spirit.
Those who yearn for the days when rock was unapologetic will find solace in 'In Flight'. If you haven't taken the time to experience this album, give it a spin and hear what authentic rock sounds like. Alvin Lee on 'In Flight' made music how it was supposed to be made - unapologetically fierce, detailed with dexterous guitar solos that make you question why we settled for less.
So here's a proposition for you: Take some time out of your day to sit back, relax, and let Alvin Lee remind you what true music sounds like. 'In Flight' doesn't just rock, it soars above the clouds. This kind of energy is infectious; it's the kind that doesn’t worry about stepping on snowflakes but is rather concerned about setting the world alight with undiluted creativity. Now that's something worth listening to.