Living the Blues cover

Living the Blues

Canned Heat · 1968

88 min · 10 tracks · blues rock

A vibrant fusion of blues and rock that captures the essence of late '60s counterculture.

Why this album works

'Living the Blues' is notable for featuring the iconic track 'Going Up the Country,' which became an anthem for the Woodstock generation and is often associated with the counterculture movement. The album's experimental approach, especially in extended tracks like 'Parthenogenesis,' influenced future jam bands and solidified Canned Heat's reputation for blending traditional blues with contemporary rock elements.
Best for
extended jams for deep listening vibrant energy for late nights gradual build towards catharsis
Context
By the time 'Living the Blues' was released in November 1968, Canned Heat had established themselves as prominent figures in the blues rock scene following their breakout success with 'On the Road Again' in 1968. This album represented a significant moment for the band as they embraced longer, improvisational tracks, showcasing their musical explorations and cementing their place in the evolving rock landscape of the era.
Stylistic neighbors
The Animals· Steppenwolf· Janis Joplin

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Pony Blues 3:48
  • 2 My Mistake Standout 3:21
  • 3 Sandy's Blues 6:48
  • 4 Going Up the Country Standout 2:52
  • 5 Walkin' by Myself 2:30
  • 6 Boogie Music 3:14
  • 7 One Kind Favor 4:43
  • 8 Parthenogenesis Standout 19:45

Disc 2

  • 1 Refried Boogie, Part I 20:08
  • 2 Refried Boogie, Part II 21:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata