Album Essentials: Steve Miller Band - "The Joker"

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

When the Steve Miller Band hit the music scene in 1968 with their debut album, 'Children Of The Future,' they were one of many bands from the San Fransisco Bay area vying for people's attention. Their mixture of blues, soul and rock and roll would prove a winning combination with just the right amount of psychedelic coloring added in, though the eternal 'freakout' was never really their stong suit, it did add plenty to those early albums. 

Five strong albums released from '68 through 1970, found the band gainind an audience with songs like 'Living In The USA' and 'Space Cowboy' as well as a reputation as a live act. By 1970, with the haze of psychedelia fading, the band settled in for a less encumbered approach, highlighting the blues and adding in a good pop sense to the mix. 

Released in 1970, 'Rook Love' was a slight misstep with Miller and Company not yet finding their zone. That would come with the next proper album, 'The Joker.' The band's eighth album signaled a new start for the Miller Band both artistically and commercially. From the first notes of 'Sugar Babe' through the ending of 'Something To Believe In,' it was clear Miller had condensed all he'd learned over the years into a potent brew, ripe for the charts. 

The album's first single, 'The Joker,' would seal the deal, hitting the Top spot on the Billboard US singles charts after being released in October of 1973. The single would not only become Miller's first major hit, but his signature song. "Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma" would also play heavily on FM radio. In addition to the new found popularity, Miller pulled a twofold cae of mystery and intrigue by having people questioning why some people called him 'Maurice,' and the most significant question of all, what the hell was "the pompatus of love"?? 

These are questions mere mortals like us fail to have a concrete answer for, so instead, we shall just call 'The Joker' this week's Essential Album here at The Summit. You, the midnight toker, and Maurice just enjoy the tunes as you ponder the pompatus of love while someone shakes your tree. 

"The Joker" celebrates its 50th Anniversary this October!