John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic's third studio album is also its third best, ranking below the band's superb second record (1968'sTraffic) and its psychedelic debut (1968'sMr. Fantasy). The depth of those albums came from having two superior songwriters, Steve Winwood and Dave Mason; byJohn Barleycorn, Winwood was leading a trio that included Chris Wood on horns and Jim Capaldi on drums. Winwood now supplied guitar as well as keyboards, and songs like "Glad" and "Freedom Rider" reflected the trio's fondness for instrumental jams. But the 1970 album is remembered most for the title tune, a traditional folk tune blessed with one of the finest vocals of Winwood's long career.--John Milward