Mr. Fantasy

Overview

Considered by far the strangest and most "art rock" style album that Traffic released, Mr. Fantasy didn't gain much more than a cult following for Traffic at the time. Critics seemed to like the album, though, and most said it was clear that Steve Winwood and Traffic were good at putting together semi-mainstream psychedelic rock, except this album was not quite mainstream enough. By their next release, the eponymous Traffic, the band was said to have worked through that.

The jazz rock style that Traffic would come to be known for was definitely already there, according to most.

This album features even more horns, flutes, and less rock-style instruments than most of Traffic's future releases. Many say its psychedelic style gives the listener the impression of smoking marijuana and getting high, something Traffic was called upon after this about, but never as much as on Mr. Fantasy, which includes titles such as "Berkshire Poppies" and "Dealer", both the work of Winwood. The Mason tracks were clearly influenced by the overseeing style of the album put on by Winwood, which is why many said that this was the smoothest album Traffic ever released, with all the parts working together. Not surprisingly, even the first single to be released, "Heaven Is In Your Mind" was very wacky, and nothing close to the rock and roll type music Traffic would come to release later on.

Certain parts of the album, especially "Heaven Is In Your Mind" are said to be more resembling of later albums like John Barleycorn Must Die than any in between. Wood's instrumentals seem to be perfect in this album.

"Dear Mr. Fantasy", a Capaldi/Winwood/Wood track would be the next single off the album. Forgetting about singles' order, the top track on this album for most will always be "Dear Mr. Fantasy", which is probably the most mainstream and "normal" of all the songs.

Credits

• Jim Capaldi — Drums, Percussion and Vocals
• Dave Mason — Guitar, Mellotron, Sitar, Tambura, Shakkai, Bass Guitar and Vocals
• Steve Winwood — Organ, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Harpsichord, Percussion and Vocals, arrangements
• Chris Wood — Flute, Saxophone, Organ, Percussion and Vocals, sleeve design
• Eddie Kramer — engineer
• John Benton Harris — photography

Versions

A re-release/reissue of the album was released in 2000 again with Island Records. It included 5 additional tracks: three new, two different versions of the normal ten. Maybe one of the most important reissues of all time, the 2000 Mr. Fantasy features song such as "Paper Sun" and "Hole In My Shoe". This was the main remastered edition, although more than a few are out there.