Released in 1968,
this was Blood, Sweat & Tears' second LP.
I believe the primary reason it was self-titled
is because the line-up was almost
entirely different from their first album.
In particular,
they boasted a new front man,
David Clayton-Thomas,
who replaced Al Kooper.
This album was hugely successful,
with major hits
"Spinning Wheel,"
"You've Made Me So Very Happy,"
and
"And When I Die."
It even won the Grammy
for Album of the Year,
beating out the Beatles'
"Abbey Road,"
Crosby, Stills, & Nash's debut LP,
Johnny Cash's "At San Quentin,"
and
The Fifth Dimension's "The Age of Aquarius."
This was an influential recording
for the world
and for me personally.
The stunning musical complexity,
the songwriting, and the vocals
had a lasting impact on my approach
to music composition and appreciation.
Cover Art: Timothy Quay
Back Cover Photo: Harrie George
Inside Art: Bob Cato
Design: John Berg
