VA - ACTION SAMPLER CBS Green Vinyl 12" Vinyl LP Album

Unearthed from the CBS archives and pressed on a fetching emerald disc, the "Action Sampler" compilation offers a compelling glimpse into the label's golden age of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Eschewing the sterile precision of modern retrospectives, this LP presents a refreshingly unvarnished snapshot of a bygone era, capturing the raw energy and unbridled spirit of the era's most formidable acts.

The collection opens with a double-shot of blues-rock electricity. Johnny Winter's electrifying rendition of "I Love Everybody" showcases his blistering guitar work and unbridled vocal delivery, while Janis Joplin's "Kozmic Blues" lays bare her trademark soulful rasp and powerhouse vocals. Steamhammer, a lesser-known but no less potent outfit, injects a dose of psychedelia with the aptly titled "Contemp Chick Can Song," a track that exemplifies the era's willingness to push boundaries, both musical and societal.

Beyond the expected blues-rock giants, the compilation offers intriguing detours. Al Kooper, a pioneer of the "super session" concept, contributes the soulful country burner "One Room Country Shack," a testament to his versatility as a musician and producer. Santana, known for their Latin-infused rock, provides a moment of respite with the mellow and introspective "Waiting." Laura Nyro's "Gibson Street" throws another curveball, injecting a dose of introspective folk into the predominantly rock-driven affair.

The album concludes with Chicago's "It Better End Soon," a track that, given its release date, could be interpreted as a commentary on the ongoing Vietnam War or simply a yearning for peace amidst the musical whirlwind that precedes it.