Briefly Noted

The best of the Steve Miller Band (Capitol ST 23014), eh? Well, whatever happened to "My Friend" and "Dime a dance romance" from Sailor, or "Kow Kow" from Brave New World? At its real best, the Steve Miller Band created some of the most exciting and listenable music from the 1967—69 era. At its worst it degenerated into psychedelic schlock, most of which has found its way on to this album.

Peter Kaukonen's "Black Kangaroo" (Grunt FTR 1006) has struck a nice balance between Hendrix-influenced ravers and gentle lilting numbers. Resisting the temptation to call for assistance from members of big brother's group (apart from the use of Joey Covington on four tracks), and their coterie, who would have probably turned the session into yet another musical gang bang, he's turned up trumps even though his vocals are frequently buried in the final mix.