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Album Details

• Artist: Jefferson Airplane
• Album: Volunteers
• Label: RCA
• Year of Release: 1969
• ME Rating: Indie Classic
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2006-11-19

That various incarnations of this band could devolve from being one of the most daring and angry pre-punk bands to one of the most insipid examples of corporate schlock is both a mystery and tragedy, like Bob Dylan suddenly in his old age writing for Fox News. The irony is that the conceit behind the rancid “We Built This City” was true, at least in the case of the Airplane. Volunteers shows them at their most angry, drawing a line in the sand and spitting at whoever comes close. Of course, the main target is The Establishment, but also complacency on the part of anyone unwilling to fight for what they believe in. “We Can Be Together” and Volunteers” display an anger that can’t be faked. “Wooden Ships” is utopian while still remaining cynical about achieving it. Other tracks like “Farm” and “Good Shepherd” meander along in line with the country-rock then in vogue, but have an edge that sets them apart. The CD reissue contains live tracks of many of these, plus one of that war-horse “Somebody to Love.” This record shows a fearless band at is peak, during a time when speaking your mind was dangerous. Where are bands like this now, when the times are almost as creepy and timid?

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