Last Exit – TRAFFIC***

Just For You/Shanghai Noodle Factory/Something’s Got A Hold Of My Toe/Withering Tree/Medicated Goo/ Feelin’ Good/Blind Men

Released after the departure of Dave Mason, Last Exit is part live and part left over studio tracks. For serious Traffic fans only since the best three studio tracks can now be found on the CD release of their second album. (US:19)

"This is the type of late-sixties album that reinforces the argument that the Muse was so abundant in that era, that even overlooked stuff sounds better conceived than any pop-rock offering today. The first side is a collection of really excellent three minute pop selections, each of which could have been hits. Stevie Winwood sounds better than ever, the music is psychedelic yet very tight, and the musicianship is first-rate. Every single song represents dynamic, well-crafted pop, with extremely strong melodies that you'll instantly process and always remember."

"Consistently good semi-commercial progressive flavoured pop, with some jazz elements. The live material on side two is comparatively weaker."

"The live portion of this album dragged on a bit too long. Of the studio half, the best bits are Shanghai Noodle Factory, Medicated Goo and Withering Tree. The title is appropriate, as it was Dave Mason's last with the band."

"A lot like Cream's Goodbye from the same year, in that it collects together a few odds and ends along with a fairly disposable live side."

"I cranked up Shanghai in my car and was completely blown away by the perfection of writing, playing, singing and sound of this masterpiece. I wish there was more 'hidden treasure' Traffic in the vault for future release, but the fact that there probably isn't only makes the available jewels that much more precious."

"This was supposed to be the farewell album of Traffic when it was released in 1969. Steve Winwood was on his way to the ill-fated Blind Faith and Dave Mason was already embarking on his solo career. Side one has a Dave Mason song to start it off, then a couple of vintage Steve Winwood - Jim Capaldi numbers that wouldn't have been out of place on the previous Traffic album."