This is a grab-bag of songs
California has played for some time, though they are presented here in new recordings. There is "Downer," which first appeared on
California's debut solo album,
Kapt. Kopter and the (Fabulous) Twirly Birds; "Shattered Dreams" and "Hand Guns" were on his second solo album, Euro-American; and "Hey Joe" and "All Along the Watchtower" are covers closely associated with
California's mentor,
Jimi Hendrix.
California hews to a guitar-drenched rock sound, and the only distinction between his solo work and the music he credits to
Spirit is the backup personnel. Even that is violated here, as original
Spirit drummer Ed Cassidy appears on the first two tracks, and original
Spirit keyboard man John Locke and replacement
Spirit bassist Larry Knight are on the second. By whatever name,
California remains a talented
Hendrix-steeped guitarist who has never quite succeeded as a frontman. ~ William Ruhlmann