When I first heard this record in 1969, I was tucked into a cabin in the Sierra Nevada moutians. In the middle of side one, I gazed out the big picture windows from the front room, I became transfixed by a spring snow fall that was dancing in time to the LP being played. No drugs were involved in this process, but lot's of magic was taking place right before my eyes & ears.
I am young enough to remember the sixties!

That said, this first release by The Steve Miller Blues Band, will always remain my favorite recording by this bunch of guys from all parts of The USA who by 1968 were taking San Francisco, by storm. This is one of the best produced pieces of music to come out during one of the greatest times for music. This is one of my Top-Ten picks as best of the Sixties.

Side One of this LP, is a suite entitled: "Children Of The Future". I do hate the: "P" word {created by some Madison Avenue jerk to sell magazines in 67}, but this progressive {better than that other "P" word} work {along with Chad & Jeremy's: "Progress Suite" that appeared on their 1967 LP: "Of Cabbages and Kings"} remain the two best examples of this musicial form. "Children Of The Future" is a broad and sweeping work that has classical and rock tones mixed together in a more mature matter than any other works of it's day. This is an amazing thing to appear on a band's, very first album. It's a fantastic piece of music, that will never age or sound 'dated' ...This is about as perfect as rock music can get....Classic, Classic, Classic.

Side Two, is a more akin to 'Normal' music. But, it is as good as side one, only different. With: "Baby's Callin' Me Home" to start things up, we have my favorite Boz Scaggs tune in all it's splendor, harpsichords & acoustic guitar majesty. "Steppin' Stone" is solid 60's rock music, {this must have been a fantastic live number when played at the Avalon Ballroom in 1968.} "Roll With It" is another rocker all about life on the road with crunchy guitars, swweping organ and Steve singing way high up there.

"Junior Saw It Happen" drops us into urban Chicago {Steve's, hometown} for some blooze, this is ramblin' and shamblin' music, that features some stinging lead guitar breaks, nice real nice. "Fanny Mae" features Steve on harp getting outta the city, and takin' his blues into the country, {Hey, they were called the Steve Miller 'Blues' Band, weren't they?} At the end is: "Key To The Highway" with slides and dorbos, and some low-moanin' this is our send-off from this amazing record. This record entitled: "Children Of The Future" is a marvelous piece of American Music, and one of the best records of the 1960's. Great then, and great now.
FIVE STARS !!!

The title says it all. One of my all time favorite tripping records. The organ work creates a massive endless floating upwards never reaching the ceiling gothic cathedral.

This is Steve Miller's first album (except for a single with Barry Goldberg). He was at a psychedelic stage in his career which over the next two albums (Sailor and Space Cowboy) moved in the direction of a more commercial music. Its good but I would not consider it a "must buy", but demonstrates his musical skills and creativity for fans of his later albums.

I've heard a lot of rock albums from the 60's and 70's, but none of them have ever caught my attention the way this Steve Miller Band album has. The way it blends lush Moody Blues-like orchestration with slow-stomping bluesy songs (such as "Key to the Highway") just FLOORS me. Children of the Future is also the album for people who think Steve Miller is just a pop/rock musician who was meant to pump out hit songs all the time. This is truly a special album. Most people will be caught my total surprise when they hear how it sounds that it's actually something by the Steve Miller Band. It's almost impossible to believe, but true. What a great listen!

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve but, it's NOT REMASTERED! This has the same sonic quality as the (much lower cost) domestic release that has been available for ages.