Hot Tuna – Burgers

Burgers finds Hot Tuna at a creative crossroads, blending their deep blues roots with the easygoing spirit of early ’70s West Coast rock. This third studio album, released in 1972, marks the moment when Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady truly stepped out from the shadow of Jefferson Airplane, crafting their own earthy, communal sound. What sets Burgers apart is its effortless interplay—Kaukonen’s intricate fingerpicking and Casady’s melodic bass lines are in perfect dialogue, giving each track a warm, lived-in quality. The album’s highlights—like the spirited opener “True Religion” and the instrumental gem “Water Song”—showcase the band’s gift for turning simple structures into expressive, exploratory journeys. There’s a sense of camaraderie and unforced musicianship here that’s rare and deeply inviting. For collectors and fans of rootsy American rock, Burgers is a snapshot of a band unafraid to linger in a groove, savoring the joys of pure musical conversation. This is a record to spin on a Sunday afternoon, letting the analog warmth fill the room—a testament to Hot Tuna’s enduring appeal and a must-have for any vinyl lover who treasures authenticity over polish.