Blood, Sweat & Tears

Blood, Sweat & Tears

Blood, Sweat & Tears, Mirror Image, Columbia KC 32929.

Criticizing BS&T is pointless--even though only Bobby Colomby remains from the original group, the feel stays the same. (The first album, under Al Kooper's absolute control, was the only really connected album they ever did.) There is an abdication of direction to Motown producer Henry Cosby, who has worked with Stevie Wonder and the Temptations among others. The result is predictable. There's a lot of really blasé Motown-type numbers on side one, none of which stand out much. Side two features that old BS&T standby, the "Suite"--nothing but some tight "Jamming," every note in place, giving all the boys a chance to show their stuff. It's very sterile. Vocals by Jerry Fisher, and ex-White Trash Jerry LaCroix are bleached-out and almost indistinguishable. One good song here--the single release "Tell Me That I'm Wrong," but that would be a better hit for the Tempts of the Dramatics. --Paul Grant