Arthur Lee - Vindicator

Time can’t wholly vindicate Lee’s 1972 solo debut

For many Arthur Lee’s first solo album, named after his pet dog, is something of an underrated gem. Really it’s a competent one, refining the blander direction of the late 60s Love line-up. Ironically, for the man who brought The Doors to Elektra, Lee’s return to a blues-rock base was much less engaging than the likes of Morrison Hotel or LA Woman.

Lee hadn’t lost all his inventiveness. You Can Save Up To 50% But You’re Still A Long Way From Home is a bonkers take on A-Tisket A-Tasket, while Hamburger Breath Stinkfinger attempts to challenge Captain Beefheart, but doesn’t quite win. Even Every Time I Look Up I’m Down Or White Dog (I Don’t Know What That Means!) brings up some of the wordplay of old, but who really needs Arthur Lee to musically re-write Jimi Hendrix’s Fire? Indeed, Hendrix’s spectre looms so large over Vindicator, it often sounds just like a tribute album.

After the intricate genius of Forever Changes, and as rocking out became the thing in the early 70s, you can forgive Lee his time as barroom blues singer. That said, He Said She Said is Blues Brothers’ Murph & The Magic Tones lounge guff, so it’s not all endearing either.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

BGO | BGOCD 783

Reviewed by Jason Draper
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