by Al CampbellOriginally released in 1980, this JSP reissue of Mighty Mars features the blues harmonica of Johnny Mars in a rock setting that rarely works. Mars is a ferocious harmonica player full of raw emotion, but unfortunately this material doesn't come close to matching Mars's intensity. Recorded in London with members of the pub rock scene, versions of "Mellow Down Easy," "Rocket 88," "Your Cash Ain't Nothing but Trash," and "I'll Go Crazy" sound forced and unnecessary. It's regrettable Mars didn't give up the idea of mixing rock and blues and create a record that would defy genres.