BS&T - Child is Father to the Man

1968

Track Listing                                                      

1. Overture                                                       7. I can't quit her                    

2. I love you more than you'll ever know          8. Meagan's gypsy eyes          

3. Morning glory                                               9. Somethin' goin' on                                                       

4. My days are numbered                                10. House in the country                                  

5. Without her                                                  11. The modern adventures of Plato, Diogenes and Freud                

6. Just one smile                                             12. So much love/underture   

Band Members:

Al Kooper - Organ, Piano, Keyboard, Vocals        Steve Katz - Guitar, Vocals

Jim Fielder - Bass        Bobby Colomby - Drums      Randy Brecker - Trumpet

Dick Halligan- Trombone            Fred Lipsius - Alto Saxophone

Piano  Jerry Weiss - Trumpet, Vocals      Produced By: Bob Irwin & John Simon

Notes

Child is father to the man is Blood Sweat & Tears Debut album.  Most of the songs found here were not hits.  In fact, not a single one was a top 40 hit.  It's Billboard chart position was 47.  I find the album cover to be most interesting.  All The members of the band are found holding dolls of themselves... very cool I think.  Though not their most popular, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Child is father to the man number 261 on the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Recommendations

Before owning this album I would have told anyone that I've met that when it comes to Blood Sweat & Tears just stick with the greatest hits album.  Then the Greatest Hits CD was remastered and they cut the full versions of their best hits off the album.  So Then I would have told anyone I met that you need their self titled and Greatest Hits.  Now I must change that.  There are some great tracks here that I never would have heard such as Morning Glory, My days are numbered, the Harry Nilsson cover Without her, and several other tracks.  You may not get it your first or fifth listen, but believe me, eventually you will.

If you plan on purchasing Child is Father to the Man

You must purchase the 2000 remastered version.  Band leader Al Kooper has remastered these tracks and added a few bonus demo tracks.  I never heard the original release, but I know that this remastered version is the best version out there. I typically do not see this album available in local record stores, but it is always in stock at CDnow.com at a reasonable price.  

If you don't plan on purchasing Child is Father to the Man but want to hear some tracks from it

If you don't enjoy BS&T big hits there is still hope for you.  Totally different singer with a little blues and psychedelic.  If you're into the blues check out I love you more than you'll ever know. If you just like good music check out my top 5, they're all good tracks. You can download any tracks off this album at Itunes or Napster  If you need more suggestions, I have my ideal compilation for the band at my Blood Sweat & Tears homepage.

My Top 5