Beleive it or not, but Cactus were an inspiration for young brothers Edward and Alex Van Halen.
This chunk of raw heavy blues was recorded way back in ’71 and contains six originals and two covers. The version of Long Tall Sally is almost unrecognizable, as it’s a drawn out killer blues jam. Jeff Beck saw the potential in these guys. He stole Tim Bogert and Vinnie Appice for the supergroup Beck Bogert & Appice.
Now, Jim McCarty is no Jeff Beck but he is a fine heavy blues player, and he lets fly on Rock N’ Roll Children which has a killer instrumental section. Favourite track is One Way Or Another, which I believe the Van Halen boys covered. I can see why, as the main riff is super cool and it has a very busy beat and groove. Plus, there is plenty of room to let loose as Jim McCarty does here.
I’m a big fan of old school heavy blues and this is a great advert for it.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
