Consumer Guide Album

Love: Reel to Real [RSO, 1974]
On side one the Jimi Hendrix tribute of (Arthur Lee's) Vindicator gives way to an Otis Redding, from simple songs to rhythmic gutturals, although Lee the ironic popmeister sticks his head in twice, which makes the naive optimism of "With a Little Energy" seem a little less one-dimensional. Different Lees contend for side two--Otis, Jimi, Arthur, the weirdo who thought of "Singing Cowboy," and sewer designer William DeVaughn, whose top-five hit from earlier this year Lee has the audacity to cover. Be thankful for what you've got indeed. B+