The Steve Miller Band - Brave New World mp3 album

Brave New World was rather a prophetic title for this album, as it not only reflected the changing musical and political attitudes of the 60’s, but ushered in a new musical structure for the band, as both guitarist Boz Scaggs along with keyboardist Jim Peterman had ventured out on their own. Again, The Steve Miller Band turned out not to be all about Steve Miller, as Ben Sidran was credited with co-writing four of the nine tracks … and if that weren’t enough, there were guest slots by both Paul McCartney and Nicky Hopkins.Putting these changes aside, Brave New World was very much in step with the times, reflecting the Summer of Love, along with the growing counter culture, where Steve floated in some masterful and timeless numbers lightly laced with bit of psychedelia and floating melodies where he introduced “Space Cowboy” to the world, along with “Kow Kow” [featuring Nicky Hopkins] also written as “Kow Kow Calqulator” on early pressings … which had something to do with a guy who was a smooth operator, who kept himself a pet alligator, with either one or both of them living in a chrome elevator. Though it wouldn’t be until the final track “My Dark Hour,” that we find Paul McCartney, credited as Paul Ramon, on bass, drums and backing vocals here and on the track “Celebration Song.”Miller finds his blues rockin’ footing here, his vocals are more defined and refined, and he seems to have developed a blazing love affair with his guitar, while delighting fans with some alternative country flavors that simmer and shine, all tied cohesively together with nice multi tracked harmonies, and haunting melodies that come across effortlessly, sometimes mischievous, often atmospheric, as on “Seasons,” but always celebratory. *** The Fun Facts: "My Dark Hour" was recorded in a late-night session on 9th May 1969 after an acrimonious argument between McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr over signing a contract appointing Allen Klein as The Beatles' financial manager. Lennon, Harrison and Starr walked out, while McCartney remained at Olympic Studios. Miller was the only member of the band to attend the session, and the song emerged from him and McCartney jamming.Review by Jenell Kesler