Something I've always found odd is how the first two Quicksilver Messenger Service albums are so highly acclaimed, but no one really gives any recognition to their later albums such as Just For Love. It seems a lot of critics despise these albums. I personally think that while this music is different it is really just as interesting as their first two classic albums. I was wondering if there are any other fans of this music out there or of this underated band in general.

Honestly, I've only heard one song of theirs--ever. That, of course, is the classic "Fresh Air". As good as it is, I should give more of their material a chance sometime...so much good music, so little time and spending money...

While I feel their first two albums are their best I do like bits and pieces of a lot of their later work... What is interesting about their work is that their initial front man Dino Valenti was busted (on drug charges I believe) and wasn't really involved on their first two albums (although they did record some of his songs)... When he got out he went back as the lead singing frontman and it changed their sound... After Cippolina left they pretty much were through (as I felt his guitar playing was the core of the band)...

Bottom line for me is they (along with the Airplane ) were the best psychedelic band coming out of San Francisco in terms of quality, as I feel they were/are superior to the Grateful Dead...


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It was Valenti who formed the band. He found (including Jim Murray) or was friends with a couple others. They didn't record anything until 3 years after they were finally together. Valenti had been in jail before the final two members Duncan and Elmore joined the band. Valenti ended up spending 5 years in prison. The later recordings with Valenti have moments, but they don't compare to the first two records.


If you're interested, Valenti's solo recording was reissued in 1998.


I still don't agree about them being better than The Dead, but we already had that discussion.

If you're looking for a one shot over view of QMS at their prime, I would suggest getting Quicksilver Messenger Service Anthology. Originally a two LP set, it's now a single CD. It covers their music up through 1971. It's a really nice compilation. The more completest, Sons of Mercury, two CD comp has more music than you need (and costs more $) unless you are a huge fan.

Still today, QSM speaks truth to power -

ooohhhh-oh-OH! watchya gonna do about meeeeeeeeeeeeeee .....