ARTIST: Delaney & Bonnie
TITLE: The Original Delaney & Bonnie & Friends a/k/a Accept No Substitute
YEAR RELEASED: 1969
CHART ACTION: #175
SINGLES: When the Battle Is Over,
OTHER SONGS YOU MAY KNOW: They cover Do Right Woman – Do Right Man
LINEUP: Bonnie Bramlett, Delaney Bramlett, Leon Russell, Jerry McGee, Carl Radle, Bobby Whitlock, Bobby Keys, Jim Price, Rita Coolidge, Jim Keltner, Jim Gordon
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: Second release from the blues rock duo finds their sweet spot – mixing blues, soul, rock, gospel, and country together for a unique sound.
SOME WORDS, PHRASES AND CLAUSES ABOUT THIS RECORD: Signed to Elektra after their first album didn’t work out for Stax, Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett gathered their touring band, which had some heavyweights (though they were unknown at the time for the most part) and recorded this record.
The Memphis-based backing band fit right in with the duo’s sense of soul and blues, and the songs and the backing melded perfectly. Soon after, they opened for Blind Faith playing a lot of this material, and Eric Clapton became enamored with their sound and style, and they were instantly propelled into the upper echelon of rock.
Yet, this record didn’t sell much (thanks to a dispute between Elektra and Delaney), but those who heard it instantly loved it. Hearing it today, it fits right in with the best efforts from Clapton and Joe Cocker, among others.
NOTES & MINUTIAE: George Harrison offered them an Apple Records contract based on hearing this album, but the contract was voided soon after.
IS THERE A DELUXE VERSION: No.
GRADE: A: The band is tight, and make the songs shine and work well with the Bramlett’s voices.