Jefferson Starship – “Red Octopus”

Jefferson Starship’s 1975 release, Red Octopus, gave the band a massive hit with Marty Balin’s ballad “Miracles,” which was edited for radio play due to its risqué content and length (the album and single version appear here on the remastered reissue, which also features four previously unreleased live tracks). And there’s more to wrap your ears around: The cynical “Fast Buck Freddie” is a right-on rocker, “Al Garimasu (There Is Love)” features a lyrical guitar solo from then 21-year-old Craig Chaquico, Papa John Creach’s fiddle gets front billing on the appropriately titled “Get Fiddler,” and the eclectic capper “There Will Be Love” is part ballad, part rocker and all soul. The ‘Ship even venture into proggy territory on the instrumental “Sandalphon.” For my money, Red Octopus is Jefferson Starship’s best record.