This is a newly remastered re-release on CD of Bob Seger's 1972 classic, Smokin' O.P.'s . The title is Seger-speak for smokin' other people's songs. And smokin' they are. From the first track, "Bo Diddley" to the closer --- his own "Heavy Music" (will explain later), the cuts blaze with a vibrancy that was not lost on the record-buying public. The success of the record helped jump start his commercial run of hits.The record was recorded in the basement of a bowling alley and the band sometimes had to wait until the place had closed up for the evening before continuing. In other cases it is said that the thundering of the lanes helped augment the bass. Truth or fiction, I guess you'll have to decide.
The remastering process has given a great sound to the project. It is bottom heavy, with a firm bass/drum foundation which is the bedrock to the Seger sound. However, the vocals are all bright and clear, and the guitars and keyboards knife along like they're racing across the top of a stone wall.
"Bo Diddley", which later became a staple of Seger's live shows, kicks off the set and is funk-rock personified. This is a 6:18 jam that doesn't get mired in the mud but rather gets stronger the longer it travels.
The Stephen Stills-penned "Love the One You're With" rolls with a lot more sense of joy and fun than the original. Seger hauls out his always impassioned vocals for the Tim Hardin classic "If I Were a Carpenter", which culminates in a more uplifting ending. Great sounding organ by Skip "Van Winkle" Knape on this one.
"Let It Rock" is another song that became a live standard for the Detroit rocker. This is pretty comparable to his later renditions. "Turn On Your Love Light", swings like a metronome and "Jesse James" is a rollicking ride.
Seger also decided to cover himself on this record, retracking two of his songs, "Heavy Music" and "Someday" (which is emotive-ly excellent).
This is a definite must for any fan of Seger-style rock and roll. Great songs, great performance and great sound.
