Closer to It!

by Jim NewsomThe strongest studio recording by Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, Closer to It! is Auger's classic. Featuring his best-known composition, "Happiness Is Just Around the Bend," this album soars on the strength of Auger's multiple keyboard attack. Auger himself takes the lead vocal slot for the first time here, and though he relies on multi-tracking to fill out his sound, his vocals fit the music better than former (and later to return) vocalist Alex Ligertwood's did. Side two features covers of jazz classic "Compared to What" and Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues," both of which add new depth to the original compositions. Lennox Laington's congas give the music a Santana-type of feel, and the whole album percolates from beginning to end.