Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
In the end is it all that we really ask for when we feel Time’s arrow hurtling towards us, just One Last Boogie, a swan song for those who spent their own time listening to us, a final dance to the cool wind and sound of the majestic parade revealed as our favourite tunes. We pack so much into life that it is perhaps no wonder when we think of the right time to leave the stage, we place greater emphasis on the title we wish to give our lasting bow to.
There are some bands to whom Time has been extraordinary to, their name frankly will be one to whom history will always proclaim with a sizeable sense of glory as the generations go on and discover new routes to music inspiration; and amongst them must surely must the behemoth and captivating Canned Heat; and whilst the situation is extremely different from the group that took America by storm in the late 60s and 70s, that quality remains.
It is almost 60 years since the group forced themselves onto the consciousness of America and beyond, and triumph and disaster, grief, and fortitude have been met equally and as with any bargain with Time, achieved with passion and spirit, and Finyl Vinyl is arguably the embodiment of a hurrah well deserved, and one that all the original members would arguably be immensely proud to have their name attached to.
Recorded in Burbank, California, and with long serving drummer Fito de la Parra very much at the helm of the direction, the current line-up of the legendary group strut, swagger with good reason to the listener’s ears, and the result is massive.
Across tracks such as the absolute stunning opener of One Last Boogie, Goin’ To Heaven (In A Pontiac), So Sad (The World’s In A Tangle), which adds the gigantic form of modern Blues Godfather Joe Bonamassa, When You’re 69, and Independence Day, the sense of honouring the past, of reflecting the drama and feel good attitude of the time is one that does the album justice, and is a storming listen for the listener.
If the end is in sight, then the band are going out on absolute high, but never say anything is in the final outing, for Canned Heat’s presence is one that has remained hot even when the studio has been a missing piece in the puzzle.
Finyl Vinyl…? Just enjoy the moment, for it is a cracker of music that raises the joy of the day.
Ian D. Hall