John Kay: Heretics & Privateers

Steppenwolf, famous for such hits as "Born to be Wild" and "Magic Carpet Ride," hit it big in the late '60s and into the '70s. But even as the band continues to exist in various incarnations, leadman John Kay has found time to do some solo work.\nHeretics & Privateers is a clear departure from the psychedelic rock of Steppenwolf. Instead, Heretics & Privateers is a blues-based album with a clever mixture between electric and acoustic guitars. In place of Steppenwolf's "wild" attitude and adventurous music, Kay lays low and plays mellow.\nThe album is a strong social commentary on the "working man." It's great how artists who have made millions during their careers try to equate themselves with the average worker. Hardly the same.\nWith a strong supporting staff, Kay flows gracefully through 12 blues tracks that would make B.B. King smile. The first and title track, while a tad repetitive, eventually moves into a varied and catchy melody that tells the story of a man and woman united in hardship. The album then moves on to "Don't Waste My Time." While it's a slightly absurd song about wasting time, it gets help from a background harmonica.\nThe next track, "Ain't that a Shame," is much more upbeat musically when Kay puts away the acoustic guitar for an electric. But lyrically, the song deals with the unfortunate changes in society and the working class. The most uplifting track is "For the Women in My Life." The title about says it all here, as Kay thanks his wife, mother and daughter. The song also strays from the standard blues style and plays around with folk stylings.\nWhile Heretics & Privateers is no Steppenwolf album, Kay holds his own on his own and manages to put together an album on the opposite side of the musical spectrum with just as much grace.