Taste

Taste, is the debut album from the band of the same name. Led by the soon to be legendary Rory Gallagher, the band put out a good selection of blues based music that will please fans of the late '60s time period.Much like a lot of their predecessors, Taste knew a little about how to utilise the blues sound in the rock genre. The album has a lot of melodies and rhythms similar to a lot of the rock bands going around at the time. The lead guitar playing from Gallagher is to a very good standard. Maybe not quite to the quality of his later days, but it is consistent and highly enjoyable. He also whips out some good riffs, that of which is held together by superb rhythm section. A basic bass and drum trio, the playing of which is respectable but nothing amazing.The overall sound of the album is extremely dated by today's standards. Where groups like Faces and The Rolling Stones aged gracefully, this album sounds low budget and quite out of place. This is partially due to the traces of psychedelia through out the record. The clearly dated '60s style really holds the band back, especially in the rhythm guitar and vocal sound. Funnily enough, where the psychedelia isn't prominent is exactly where the band shines. Usually in the more down to Earth blues moments or songs wrapped in a subtle sheet of jazz.Taste, is a pretty good album as far as debut albums go. It might be a bit pulverising for younger fans, the psychedelic style really hasn't aged well and is does not lend itself well to blues rock. Together with that and the cheap production, this record has dated pretty badly. However, it is consistently solid through out and is definitely an enjoyable purchase for fans of late '60s blues rock music.Published by Steven Lornie of Demonszone

This is a good album but there are a couple of weak tracks. Some of the tracks, particularly the weaker ones, feel 'of their time'. However, they are only weak not rubbish and when the tracks are good they are often very good.If I was introducing someone to Rory this would be quite a way down the list but that is only because he has so many great solo albums (especially now the estate are releasing more live albums).So if, like me, you have run out of Rory albums and are thinking of buying the Taste albums now then I would certainly recommend. If you are looking for an album to introduce you to Rory's playing then go for his solo albums first (especially the live ones).

Had to buy this for my collection

Rory and the boys magnificent. Better than Clapton and cream

To be honest not his strongest album but it fascination collection of his early work with his first blues band.

It took 40 years for me to finally get around to buying this. While its not in the same class as the following 'On the Boards' album, there are still some worthwhile tracks here. 'Catfish' is great.

This is where Rory started his recording career. A career that only got bigger and better. If you want real, grown up music start with this and bit by bit go through Rory Gallagher's catalogue. Your only regret would not doing it earlier.

Good quality replaced lp