Steve Miller Band Brave New World

The Steve Miller band underwent a shake-up in 1968, losing singer/guitarist Boz Scaggs and gaining keyboard player Ben Sidran. Released the following year, Brave New World reflects Sidran’s brainy approach to blues-pop as well as Miller’s versatile talents as a guitarist and songwriter. As with their two previous releases, the band manages to combine a feel for no-nonsense blues with an expansive psychedelic vision while displaying a knack for ear-snagging hooks and sly humor. “Can’t You Hear Your Daddy’s Heartbeat” and “Got Love ‘Cause You Need It” are deceptively down ‘n’ dirty numbers executed with Hendrix-like instrumental finesse. Miller exposes his gently romantic side on the patchouli-dipped “Seasons” before taking off into the pop stratosphere with “Space Cowboy.” From the electronic folderol of the title song to the nursery rhyme dreaminess of “Kow Kow,” the album explores a host of textures and strategies. Paul McCartney (under the nom de plume Paul Ramon) sits in for “My Dark Hour,” a careening jazz/rock excursion. By keeping the tone light and playful, Miller and his group manage to roam freely without descending into pretentiousness. Brave New World rewards thorough exploration.