Five stars is pretty bold, but let me justify my love.....Firstly, we Climax Blues Band fans have waited a long time for this album (& the previous 4) To be remastered and issued on CD. Secondly, as a big fan of their 70's output (Stamp Album & Gold Plated in particular) I never really heard this with open ears and heart when it first came out. Cuffley & Holt gone, session men on board, glossy production - it seemed like the times had passed them by, and they were playing catch-up. Well 30 years gives a much fairer perspective, and it's plain to see the passion, craft & artistry in this fine album. True, Haycock left after this, and things were never quite the same for any of the Climax-ers, but this takes nothing away from 'Sample and Hold'- it's a great collection of songs. Great playing, plenty of rootsy touches and the production stops well short of 80's overload. The remastering on this reissue is cracking, not to mention the neat packaging and informative booklet. The bonus track ('Church', originally the B-Side of 'Listen to the Night') is most welcome, and more than deserves it's inclusion. Alright, there's no 'Amerita' or 'Running out of Time' on this album, but by 1982 the band had been there and done that. 'Heaven and Hell', 'Doin' Alright' & 'The end of the Seven Seas' are all worthy members of the Climax catalogue, and nothing on this album feels like filler. One to buy and enjoy. Now I'm off to get 'Shine On', Real to Reel', 'Flying the Flag' and 'Lucky for Some'!Read full review
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