Town And Country

IMMEDIATE, 1969

Released just months after their debut, the second Humble Pie album was an unexpected departure – and way ahead of the curve that would find everyone from Rod Stewart to Zeppelin coming to embrace the roots music spearheaded suddenly by The Band. Acoustic guitars, tabla, maracas, sitar, even a plastic cup and a brandy bottle are credited as instruments. An approach that suited Frampton, whose Take Me Back sets the sweet good smoke vibe. Marriott matches the mood with The Sad Bag Of Shaky Jake. Should have put the Rizlas away though before deciding on the cover of Buddy Holly’s Heartbeat.