In the days since the music world learned of the death of the guitarist Alvin Lee of the legendary British blues-rock band Ten Years After, it’s not surprising to discover his music igniting a spark of renewed interest on You Tube, iTunes, Google Play Music and Amazon.com.
While most of this renewed interest seems to be focusing on just a few songs from Alvin Lee and Ten Years, their faithful fans can recommend a more comprehensive playlist of the British band’s best songs. The following is a recommended playlist of 10 of the band’s best songs, all available online
1. I’d Love to Change the World (A Space in Time 1971) – This is Ten Years After’s magnum opus and their best seller. By viewing iTunes and Google Play, the song it's evident it's now gaining even more recognition.
2. I’m Going Home (Woodstock: Music from the Original Soundtrack and More 1970) – The band’s performance at Woodstock rocketed them to worldwide stardom and Alvin Lee’s energetic performance was the primary reason. The original version appeared in the band’s second album, "Undead", released in 1968.
3. Love Like a Man – (Cricklewood Green 1970) – Many fans of Ten Years After will argue that "Cricklewood Green" was the band’s finest, most complete recording. This song was their only hit on the UK Singles Chart, making it to #10 by summer but every song from this album is well worth a listen.
4. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl (Ssssh 1969) – Although this blues standard has been covered by several bands since its intial release in 1937, easily the most recognizable amongst rock music fans is the Ten Years After version, particularly for Lee's lead in guitar. It’s also likely to be the most controversial version, with a noticeable change in the lyrics.
5. One of These Days (A Space in Time 1971) – The opening cut from the band’s best selling album was frequently performed as the opening song for many of their live concerts. For new listeners of Ten Years After, this is a definite must.
6. Working on the Road (Cricklewood Green 1970) – Another gem from arguably their best album. It features an excellent solo guitar performance by Lee, lending further evidence of his immense talent, leading many critics to question Rolling Stone Magazine for his absence on its Top 100 Guitarists list.
7. Choo Choo Mama (Rock and Roll Music to the World 1972) – Aging fans of the band might say that album was their last noteworthy work. This energetic blues song was a staple of their live concerts until the band broke up two years later.
8. Stoned Woman (Ssssh 1969) – Singing about a woman who was stoned all the time, the lyrics reflected the era’s prevailing drug culture. Regardless of how its interpreted, it’s definitely one of the album’s highlights. The album is among their top three best recordings, along with "A Space in Time" and "Cricklewood Green".
9. Rock and World Music to the World (Rock and Roll Music to the World 1972) – The title cut is one of just two notable songs from their 1972 album, but it clearly emphasizes Alvin Lee’s love for the blues. Interestingly enough, it's the last song from this album, as well as the last significant song from the band.
10. Baby Won’t You Let Me Rock ‘N’ Roll You – (A Space in Time 1971) A rousing rock song, it opens with someone trying to locate a good radio station to tune into and, after hearing it briefly, quickly tunes back in. After just one listen, some newcomers might say this should rank at the top.
On the honorable mention list but not making the top 10 list include, "I Woke up this Morning", "Help Me", "Sugar the Road", "As the Sun Burns Away" and "Bad Scene".
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