"Undead" is a live album by Ten Years After, a popular British blues-rock band. Released in August 1968, the album was recorded at a small jazz club, Klooks Kleek in London, in May that year. The title is a play on the band's habit of performing extensive, intensive jams which were said to be 'undead', or endless.
The band consisted of four members: Alvin Lee on guitar and vocals, Leo Lyons on bass, Ric Lee on drums, and Chick Churchill on keyboard. While all were skilled musicians, it was Alvin Lee's striking, high-speed guitar solos that often stole the show, and this is particularly evident in "Undead".
Despite its relatively low budget production, and being recorded in a modest setting, "Undead" is considered a milestone in Ten Years After's career. With only seven tracks, the band masterfully delivers a fusion of blues, jazz, and rock, featuring well-known pieces such as "I May Be Wrong, But I Won't Be Wrong Always," "Spider in My Web," and "Woodchopper's Ball."
The album gave the band its first chart success reaching number #26 in their native UK and breaking into the US Top 100 at #115 on the Billboard 200. The album’s reception helped Ten Years After to successfully break into the American market, transforming them from an unknown band into a well-recognized rock group. This record set the stage for the band’s further accomplishments, particularly their memorable performance at Woodstock in 1969.
Overall, "Undead" provided listeners with a great snapshot of the raw and powerful live performance of Ten Years After, showcasing their command over their notable blend of blues and rock music.
