JOHN BARLEYCORN MUST DIE

Traffic are more of an eclectic group than you think. Maybe amidst their eclectic blending of genres, prog (speaking in the traditional sense of the term) isn't among them. It's just the way the music is exerted makes Traffic progressive in essence. Start with a blues-rock foundation, throw in some jazz fusion and cover a folk tune for pleasure and you've got yourself JOHN BARLEYCORN MUST DIE.

I have the CD version which inserts a track (''I Just Want You to Know'') in between ''Empty Pages'' and ''Stranger to Himself'', and puts another track (''Sitting Here Thinking of My Love'') at the end with both being rather unnecessary. Of the original tunes, the pseudo-title track is a very well adaped folk song that kind of builds to a climax without needing electric instruments. Also of interest is the piano-fusion-y instrumental opener ''Glad'' with sax lines to die for. All others are of the jazz/blues/rock variety where the appeal depends on the listener.

Not prog in the traditional sense but very rewarding if you can get your grubby little hands on it.