Superlungs

This 2005 issue of Superlungs features an assortment of tracks from Terry Reid’s first two solo albums and two additional songs: the bluesy “I’ve Got News for You” and the long and winding “Penny.” Reid was a shockingly good British blues singer who unfortunately is best known for being the guy who turned down Led Zeppelin. One can hear what Zep’s Jimmy Page heard in the young Reid. He sings with passion and an unrestrained power that few singers possess. His rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” is a highlight, while he reinvents Donovan’s “Superlungs My Supergirl” until it screams. The excellent material and peerless instrumental work match his vocal brilliance. Keyboards bleed, guitars wail, and drums fire with intent. “Loving Time,” “Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace,” “Stay with Me Baby,” and “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” are corrosive hard rock. “July,” “Without Expression,” and “May Fly” illustrate Reid’s immense talents with gentler material. He is worth his legend.