What makes First Pull Up, Then Pull Down by Hot Tuna notable?

The album received positive critical acclaim upon release and has since been recognized as an important contribution to the American blues-rock genre. It helped establish Hot Tuna as a significant act in the early '70s, setting the stage for their subsequent albums and live performances. Released on June 1, 1971, 'First Pull Up, Then Pull Down' is Hot Tuna's debut studio album, following their initial success as a Jefferson Airplane side project. At this point, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady were solidifying their identities beyond the psychedelic rock scene, focusing on acoustic and electric blues influences.

Who is First Pull Up, Then Pull Down for?

First Pull Up, Then Pull Down works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and wave-like pacing and flow.

How many songs are on First Pull Up, Then Pull Down?

First Pull Up, Then Pull Down has 7 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

First Pull Up, Then Pull Down

Hot Tuna · 1971

44 min · 7 tracks · blues

A raw blend of blues-infused rock that captures the spirit of improvisation with soulful guitar work and heartfelt vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Candy Man — This track stands out for its infectious groove and showcases Kaukonen's deft fingerpicking, which perfectly complements the laid-back feel of the song.
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Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning — The haunting arrangement emphasizes a traditional spiritual quality while allowing for extended instrumental exploration, highlighting the duo's musical chemistry.
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Come Back Baby — With its emotive vocal delivery and intricate guitar work, this track encapsulates the band's blues roots while showcasing their improvisational prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation and a blend of blues and rock, establishing its distinct sound within the genre.

What we noticed

The album features extended instrumental sections, particularly in tracks like 'John's Other' and 'Candy Man', allowing for improvisational guitar solos.
Vocals are often layered with harmonies, but the focus shifts frequently to the interplay between guitar and bass, creating a dynamic conversation.
Several tracks incorporate traditional blues structures while infusing them with a rock sensibility, evident in the rhythmic variations and tempo changes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
wave-like pacing and flow
contemplative evening reflections

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on June 1, 1971, 'First Pull Up, Then Pull Down' is Hot Tuna's debut studio album, following their initial success as a Jefferson Airplane side project. At this point, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady were solidifying their identities beyond the psychedelic rock scene, focusing on acoustic and electric blues influences.
Stylistic neighbors: The Allman Brothers Band· Jorma Kaukonen· Gov't Mule