The Youngbloods' second long-player built on the strength of their self-titled debut by once again creating a blend of captivating songwriting with an infectiously fun delivery. Although the album failed to produce a definitive single -- as "Get Together" had done on their previous effort -- there are a handful of equally definitive sides scattered throughout Earth Music (1967). Featuring
Jesse Colin Young (guitar/bass/vocals),
Jerry Corbitt (lead guitar),
Joe Bauer (drums), and
Lowell "Banana" Levinger III (piano/guitar),
The Youngbloods recall the uptempo good-time sound of their East Coast contemporaries,
the Lovin' Spoonful, on the opening cover of
the Holy Modal Rounders' "Euphoria." The first of several stellar compositions from
Young follows with the laid-back "All My Dreams Blue." In addition to the affective songcrafting,
Banana's upfront piano fills provide a jazzy counterpoint to the interlocking
Bauer/
Young rhythm section. This refined power trio would become the mainstay of their later post-
Corbitt recordings. "Dreamer's Dream" highlights
Corbitt's inimitable contributions to the band with a highly affective melody as well as his unencumbered vocals, which effortlessly intertwine with
Young. The countrified interpretation of the traditional "Sugar Babe" is a precursor to the direction that the band's sound would take after their relocation to the West Coast. The track became an international hit no doubt due to its inclusion in the
Michelangelo Antonioni film Zabriskie Point (1970). Other standout tracks include the high-steppin' "Wine Song" and one of the better revisitations of
Tim Hardin's "Reason to Believe." ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
