Canned Heat
Show biz freak Tiny Tim made a career of resurrecting '20s songs and interpreting them in his own unique style. Like a joke that was all punch line and no set up you'd think Tiny Tim would be alone. Wrong.
Formed in LA in '66 around Bob "The Bear" Hite (harmonica/vocals) and Al "Blind Owl" Wilson (guitar/harmonica/vocals), Canned Heat took its name from a 1928 Tommy Johnson song. That wasn't the end of the Roaring '20s connection. Their two best-known songs were also from that era. "On The Road Again" was originally recorded by the Memphis Jug Band while "Going Up The Country" was a reworking of a Henry Thomas number about traveling South. The band's other major influence was the boogie style of John Lee Hooker. The combination proved effective, in the short term. Soon, they didn't have anywhere to go.
Wilson fatally OD'd in '70 after battling depression. Hite suffered a fatal heart attack in '81 between Canned Heat sets at a North Hollywood club.
Canned Heat is first, last and always a Blues Boogie Band. That's it. Between 1967 and 1972 they released several albums. Their most memorable songs (Going Up The Country," "On The Road Again" and "Let's Work Together") are spread throughout this period. In between there are great performances, inconsistent ones or re-interpreted Blues numbers that have been worked to death. "Best of Canned Heat" is a good way to pick up the essential songs, but the two CD set "Uncanned! The Best of Canned Heat" is another option.