Consumer Guide Album

Earth, Wind & Fire: Last Days and Time [Columbia, 1972]
New label, damn near a new band, except for drummer-vocalist (-leader) Maurice White and bassist-vocalist Verdine White. Things sound a lot less confused, but EW&F centers around its rhythm section for a reason--rhythm is what they have to offer. Granted, you can hear why they signed up reed man Ronnie Laws on "Power," and you can hear why they signed up Philip Bailey whenever he raises his voice to the highest. Maybe next time we'll figure out why their best tune is called "Mom" and their two covers are "Make It With You" and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone." Only I'm not sure we want to know. C+