Search - Hot Tuna :: Trimmed & Burning

An odd assortment

The Lyricologist | 07/17/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This isn't really what I'd call a "best of" release, it is more of an oddball overview of Hot Tuna's original vinyl releases. It includes tracks from most of the original albums up through "Double Dose", with the notable exception of their first one - and how could they ignore that one?! Plus, it only includes the two instruemental cuts (Sunny Day Strut & Water Song) from their best/classic album, "Burgers". Every cut here was previously available on vinyl.



Overall, the cuts selected here are mostly from their more metal oriented albums and are not what I'd necessarily call their more upbeat songs. More like stoner sludge lite. Again, I'm not sure what motivated the person who selected this track list. But hey, we're talking about Hot Tuna and I'd rather listen to Tuna than Gov't Mule anyday.



Those looking for a general introduction to Hot Tuna would be much better served by the more recent two disc "Best Of".



Completists may want to consider this only due to the inclusion of two of the acoustic tracks from the criminally unavailable "Double Dose" - both "Embryonic Journey" and "Killing Time In The Crystal City" are presented here. Completists may also want to look at the "Extended Versions" release for more cuts from "Double Dose".



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