Willard's Wormholes

Live At Electric Ladyland (1975)
Radio Show From The Troiano Years

Here’s an entire January, 1975 live radio broadcast capturing The Guess Who, with new guitarist Domenic Troiano, promoting the band’s next-to-last 70s album, Flavours. There are only a few songs from The Guess Who’s illustrious catalog in the repertoire, as Burton and the boys were selling a ‘new beginning’ for the group. It didn’t take. The hands down highlight, however, is Burton’s “Long Gone” – at 14 minutes, a lengthy and vindictive reaming of an “ex-employee.” Even in his introduction he calls it “Canadian hatred.” It’s Burton at his surly best and the song’s progression recalls the band’s early experimentation with form, highlighting extended, improvised sections, some killer grooves and underappreciated drummer Garry Peterson. It also displays an interplay between Burton Cummings and Domenic Troiano that could have been intriguing, but wouldn’t make it past two albums. The sound is pretty good, but has some issues. Listen below.

Introduction
Dirty
Diggin‘ Yourself
Hoe Down Time
Dancin‘ Fool
Eye
Straighten Out
Long Gone
Sour Suite
Orly

Comment Bonus: Burt’s 1976 solo debut ended with this lounge version of ex-partner Randy Bachman’s BTO hit, “You Ain’t Seen Nothin‘ Yet.” It could be argued it’s a semi-sincere homage that’s too elaborate for just a Bachman dig. Hard to tell. Regardless, it’s a classic cover. Thx Eric.