Album review: MOUNTAIN – Over The Top
Voiceprint [Release date 04.10.24]
Formed by guitarist/vocalist Leslie West in the late 60s, Mountain took their name from West’s debut solo album and soon became successful and important in the US hard rock/blues rock scene.
Mountain are (or should be) a staple of any 70s rock record collection, and listening to this set it’s easy to see their influence. Originally released in 1995, this compilation mixes album tracks with the odd live and single version, and is updated with new sleevenotes. So whether you have Mountain in your collection or not, it’s well worth the money.
Disc 1 opens with several tracks from that West solo album (oft considered the first Mountain album), which showcases West’s raw vocals and bluesy guitar. There’s a distinct hint of Cream, a nod to Hendrix, and the occasional hint of a Monkeys-esque whimsical feel.
Retaining bassist/keyboard player/producer Felix Pappalardi, and recruiting drummer Corky Laing, Mountain were formed and the classic LP Climbing. So from there on this fine compilation we get a range of tracks, including the classic Mississippi Queen, and further on a 20 minute live version of Stormy Monday. This track is taken from the 1971 V/A 3LP Isle Of Wight. There’s some earthy bluesy rock’n’roll here, lots to love.
Disc 2 features the classic Nantucket Sleighride and takes through some more 70s work, two tracks from the 1985 reformation LP Go For Your Life (I saw them play at Knebworth that year), and a couple of previously unreleased tracks too.
The track listing is excellent as it combines the best known songs with album tracks, live, singles and rarities nicely. Much like the sleevenotes, a good overview, and mastering / sound quality to match.
Sadly Leslie West is no longer with us, and comprehensive reissue campaign of both Mountain and his solos albums would be very welcome. And Timely. Also worth checking out are the albums he made with Cream’s Jack Bruce, as West Bruce & Laing.
Worth anyone’s money. ****
Review by Joe Geesin
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