Eric Burdon Declares War - ERIC BURDON & WAR****

The Vision Of Rassan/Tobacco Road/Spill The Wine/Blues For Memphis Slim/You're No Stranger

Eric Burdon Declares War was the first of two collaborations between the former Animals lead singer and the black American soul-jazz group War. Includes the US No. 3 hit single Spill The Wine. (US:18 UK:50)

"A stalwart brew of soul, funk, Latin, blues and jazz with Burdon producing one of his finest vocal performances to enhance the final product. War are absolutely knock out players as well, flexible and robust. As a result the powerful protest of Tobacco Road and the stunning epic Blues For Memphis Slim are both equally effective. Most will know this for the big hit Spill The Wine which in the context of the album is a rather slight, brief groove intermission between the more substantial stuff."

"To say that Eric Burdon was adrift in 1970 would be putting it mildly. He was making absolutely horrible albums, unable to find direction between the psychedelic music of the day, and the blues that were so much a part of his music with The Animals. Then he hooked up with War. Looking back this relationship helped them more than it helped him, but they did put together this excellent album. What War brought to the table was a mix of African, South American, and rock and roll sensibilities that worked. Burdon's soul was always there, and he really jumps to the occasion on every cut. The hit of course is Spill The Wine, a song which to this day stands out as totally fresh and unique."

"1970's Eric Burdon Declares War has always struck me as a mixed success. While the focus was clearly meant to be on Burdon, the real stars were War. Not only did the band pen most of the material, but their enthusiastic and frequently funky performances repeatedly saved the album from complete collapse. To be perfectly fair, Burdon deserved some credit for turning in what may have been his best post Animals performances. His ragged voice actually sounded pretty good on this one and he brought considerable energy to some of the material."

"Leaving The Animals behind Eric Burdon re-creates his blues with a funky spin on this classic album. The similarities between both bands are only in having Burdon as their vocalist. Blues For Memphis Slim is considerably close to what he's known for, but the addition of horns and such put a totally different spin on that sound."

"Excellent album, full of tight grooves, sharp playing, and of course Eric Burdon's excellent vocals. Works as blues, works as funk, works as R & B."