Canadian rockers The Guess Who hit the big time in early 1970, when American Woman zoomed up the charts, giving them their first U.S. Number One single. Work on the follow up album later that year proved to be more of a challenge than they had imagined, though, with ace guitarist Randy Bachman leaving the band.

It may have taken two guitarists to replace Randy, but Kurt Winter and Greg Leskiw were equal to the task, providing some solid riffs and stellar guitarwork all through their next record, ‘Share the Land’. Both did their bit with songwriting too. While Leskiw’s contributions were relatively lightweight – the jazz waltz Moan For You Joe and the fun but unremarkable folk-blues of Coming Down Off The Money Bag, Winter gave the album its bona fide rockers, the anthemic Hand Me Down World as well as the album opener Bus Rider, plus collaborations with lead singer Burton Cummings on several other tracks.

Cummings is the true star here, though, his vocals in fine form throughout, whether it be the riff-laden hard rock of Hang On To Your Life or the classic RnB of Do You Miss Me Darlin’? and the grand title track, which he delivers with all the soul and fervor of gospel. Of special mention also is the epic Three More Days, which borders on progressive rock, with its multiple sections, flute solos, and Cummings’ impassioned screams of Freedom!. A worthy finish to a classic album.

‘Share The Land’ could not quite match the chart success of its predecessor, but it remains one of The Guess Who’s most memorable records and represents the high point of the band’s creativity and musicianship. A must have for all lovers of classic Rock.

Label: RCA Victor (released in India by The Gramophone Company of India)

Release Date: 1970

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Sughosh Varadarajan

Sughosh is a bonafide music nut, having spent over 25 years collecting audio tapes, vinyl and audio CDs. A super fan of The Beatles, The Who, Jethro Tull and XTC, among many others, his collection includes over 700 LPs, plus a similar count of audio CDs. Given half a chance (or even if not), he is most likely to be found attempting to sell fellow music lovers on his personal passion – British and Celtic folk-rock. He can be reached at sughosh@gmail.com