While getting less attention and airplay today than their contemporaries Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead & Big Brother and the Holding Company, Quicksilver Messenger Service remains an important element of the late ‘60’s San Francisco sound.
The twin guitar work of John Cipollina and Gary Duncan stand out with their unique style & tone which is hallmark Quicksilver. I believe that Quicksilver is at their best when they can jam out, improvising & playing off each other.
This is their first album, released in 1968. While quite short by today’s standards, this showcases their talents and is representative of who they were. There are solid tunes and playing, and opportunities for jamming. “Pride of Man” opens the album. While a cover, Quicksilver owns it. Great jamming in “Gold and Silver” and “The Fool”, which closes the album with a true ’60’s psychedelic journey.
This is a very fine listen.