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Canned Heat – Down Under ’85 (12-Inch Album on 180g Vinyl)
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CANNED HEAT History
Canned Heat were formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1965 by blues enthusiasts Bob Hite and Alan Wilson. Named after Tommy Johnson’s 1928 blues song Canned Heat Blues, the band became one of the leading figures of the American blues rock revival, introducing a new generation of listeners to traditional Delta and Chicago blues while creating their own unmistakable sound.
From the beginning, Canned Heat were passionate students of blues history. Bob Hite amassed one of the largest collections of blues records in America, while guitarist, harmonica player and songwriter Alan Wilson possessed an encyclopaedic knowledge of early blues music. Their respect for the genre earned them admiration from legendary blues artists including John Lee Hooker and Lightnin’ Hopkins.
On the Road Again, released in 1968, combines Alan Wilson’s high vocal delivery and harmonica with a repeating boogie rhythm. It brought the band’s approach to older blues material to an international singles audience.
Later the same year, the band released another enduring classic, Going Up the Country. Although often associated with the Woodstock era, the song is actually an adaptation of Henry Thomas’s 1928 recording Bull Doze Blues. Its uplifting melody and memorable flute part made it one of the band’s biggest hits and an anthem of the counterculture movement after appearing prominently in the Woodstock documentary.
Canned Heat performed at Monterey Pop in 1967 and Woodstock in 1969, bringing their blues and boogie repertoire to festival audiences. Their energetic live performances and extended boogie jams made them festival favourites and helped establish blues rock as a major force in late-1960s popular music.
Alan Wilson died on 3 September 1970 at the age of 27. His guitar, harmonica and vocals remain central to the recordings he made with Canned Heat, including the material heard on their early albums.
Canned Heat continued after Wilson’s death, although co-founder Bob Hite also died on 5 April 1981. Later line-ups carried on recording and performing. Although commercial success became more limited, Canned Heat maintained a loyal international fanbase and remained committed to preserving and celebrating traditional blues music.
Hooker ’n Heat, released in 1971, brought John Lee Hooker together with Canned Heat. The collaboration connected the band directly with a blues musician whose rhythmic approach had influenced their own work.
Throughout their career, Canned Heat released acclaimed albums including Boogie with Canned Heat, Living the Blues, Hallelujah, Future Blues and Historical Figures and Ancient Heads. Their signature blend of electric blues, boogie rock and extended improvisation influenced countless blues and southern rock artists that followed.
Today, Canned Heat are recognised as one of the key bands responsible for introducing traditional American blues to rock audiences around the world. Their music continues to inspire blues rock musicians, while songs such as On the Road Again, Going Up the Country and Let’s Work Together remain staples of classic rock radio and blues playlists.
Boogie with Canned Heat, Living the Blues and Future Blues place the familiar singles alongside longer performances. Hooker ’n Heat documents the collaboration with John Lee Hooker. When browsing live releases, check the date and line-up, since the Canned Heat name covers several different groups of musicians across its history.
From the beginning, Canned Heat were passionate students of blues history. Bob Hite amassed one of the largest collections of blues records in America, while guitarist, harmonica player and songwriter Alan Wilson possessed an encyclopaedic knowledge of early blues music. Their respect for the genre earned them admiration from legendary blues artists including John Lee Hooker and Lightnin’ Hopkins.
On the Road Again, released in 1968, combines Alan Wilson’s high vocal delivery and harmonica with a repeating boogie rhythm. It brought the band’s approach to older blues material to an international singles audience.
Later the same year, the band released another enduring classic, Going Up the Country. Although often associated with the Woodstock era, the song is actually an adaptation of Henry Thomas’s 1928 recording Bull Doze Blues. Its uplifting melody and memorable flute part made it one of the band’s biggest hits and an anthem of the counterculture movement after appearing prominently in the Woodstock documentary.
Canned Heat performed at Monterey Pop in 1967 and Woodstock in 1969, bringing their blues and boogie repertoire to festival audiences. Their energetic live performances and extended boogie jams made them festival favourites and helped establish blues rock as a major force in late-1960s popular music.
Alan Wilson died on 3 September 1970 at the age of 27. His guitar, harmonica and vocals remain central to the recordings he made with Canned Heat, including the material heard on their early albums.
Canned Heat continued after Wilson’s death, although co-founder Bob Hite also died on 5 April 1981. Later line-ups carried on recording and performing. Although commercial success became more limited, Canned Heat maintained a loyal international fanbase and remained committed to preserving and celebrating traditional blues music.
Hooker ’n Heat, released in 1971, brought John Lee Hooker together with Canned Heat. The collaboration connected the band directly with a blues musician whose rhythmic approach had influenced their own work.
Throughout their career, Canned Heat released acclaimed albums including Boogie with Canned Heat, Living the Blues, Hallelujah, Future Blues and Historical Figures and Ancient Heads. Their signature blend of electric blues, boogie rock and extended improvisation influenced countless blues and southern rock artists that followed.
Today, Canned Heat are recognised as one of the key bands responsible for introducing traditional American blues to rock audiences around the world. Their music continues to inspire blues rock musicians, while songs such as On the Road Again, Going Up the Country and Let’s Work Together remain staples of classic rock radio and blues playlists.
Boogie with Canned Heat, Living the Blues and Future Blues place the familiar singles alongside longer performances. Hooker ’n Heat documents the collaboration with John Lee Hooker. When browsing live releases, check the date and line-up, since the Canned Heat name covers several different groups of musicians across its history.
