This fourth album from the New York's Blues Traveler finally brought their harmonica-based blues riffs into the public eye. Indeed, "Run-Around" spent nearly a year on theBillboardsingles chart. Harpman/vocalist John Popper moves easily between uptempo, rock-based tracks like "Stand" and "Crash Burn." The hidden gem here, however, is the love-struck ballad "Just Wait." Often categorized with post-Dead jam acts such as Phish, BT isn't immune from performance excesses. But when it comes to recording, they keep it (mostly) concise and always interesting. If you've heard the name and want to know what all the hoopla is about,Fouris a great starting point.--Alexandra Russell
If I was to name quality bands that started making music in the 1990's, I would most likely have fingers left on at least one hand. Blues Traveler is one of the those bands that makes the grade. Four definitely got them in the public eye and deservedly so. The energy is very high and Johnny Popper's Harmonica playing is excellent and as a rule I don't like harmonicas in music. The sounds like that come out of that Harp are incredible. Although the songs stick to a somewhat repetitive pattern, overall … more