“John Barleycorn Must Die” by Traffic - album review

features in: Album Chart of 1970 ● Album Chart of the Decade: 1970s ● 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die

Having sown his wild oats with Blind Faith, Steve Winwood reconciled with his old mates from Traffic and “John Barleycorn Must Die”, released in July, 1970, heralded the group's rebirth. I'm pretty much fearing the worst as I delve in, but the improvisational and muscular opener “Glad” proves to be rather enjoyable, as 7 minute instrumentals go. A straight version of the folk traditional “John Barleycorn (Must Die)” is a welcome surprise on side two, with some fine flute playing by Chris Woods, a firm feature of the Traffic sound in all its forms.

The Jukebox Rebel
13–Dec–2015

A1	[06:59] Traffic - Glad (Steve Winwood) Blues Rock / Soul Rock
A2	[06:20] Traffic - Freedom Rider (Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi) Blues Rock / Soul Rock
A3	[04:47] Traffic - Empty Pages (Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi) Blues Rock / Soul Rock
B1	[04:02] Traffic - Stranger To Himself (Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi) Rock
B2	[06:20] Traffic - John Barleycorn (Must Die) (Traditional) Folk
B3	[07:05] Traffic - Every Mother‘s Son (Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi) Blues Rock / Soul Rock