CROWN OF CREATION

Jefferson Airplane

Proto-Prog

3.87 | 146 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

To me, this is the 1st in a series of 3 albums ( the others being "Pointed Little Head" and "Volunteers") that are the Airplane's creative peak.

Unfortunately, the seeds of their disintegration are also more evident here as Balin's grip on the band he founded loosens even further. This album begins the period when every album MUST have songs written and sung by 4 different people featured.

It starts well with Slick's "Lather" a tribute to Spencer Dryden's (her then fella) 30th birthday before the subtle grower "In Time" is sung by Kantner with help from Slick and Balin.

"Triad", the Crosby song is then sung beautifully by Grace, a real highlight of the album before Kaukonen's first song "Star Track" appears. I rate Jorma very highly as a guitarist but not as a singer or songwriter. This song is NOT one of his best.

"Share a Little Joke" is Balin's 1st lead vocal and is a bit syrupy for my ears and the brief instrumental "Chushingura" completes the first side. A great start to the side but it fizzles out a bit.

Side2, however, is much more evenly good. "If you feel like china breaking" is Balin's next vocal lead and features a great bass line by Casady (who was brilliantly effective on the better tracks of side 1). "Crown of Creation" is a classic Kantner song before Kaukonen's 2nd contribution "Ice Cream Phoenix" shows us he can write a decent song.

Slick's "Greasy Heart" and the ensemble on "House at Pooneil Corners" give the album a storming finish.

A very good album just worth 5 stars as its strengths compensate for some weak material on side 1.

This is Slick's album methinks but Balin is already being overshadowed by her and Kaukonen is beginnnig to make his presence felt as their 4th lead singer/writer. Too many creative forces within the band are starting to rub against each other.

Balin will only last 1 more studio album until their 1989 reunion and the future Hot Tuna are already showing themselves. Enjoy it for what it is - a great but slightly flawed work.

Progexile | 5/5 | 2024-7-27

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