A Fleeting Glimmer: Chasing Illusions on Hard Rock’s Horizon
The dawn of the 1970s was a momentous period for rock music, a time when the blues-infused power of nascent hard rock was beginning to truly assert itself. While many bands aimed for raw aggression, some, like Mountain, managed to imbue their formidable sound with a surprising depth and a touch of the ethereal. Their music often evoked vast landscapes and introspective journeys, even amidst the thunderous riffs. Among their early declarations, a track that offers a momentary pause for reflection, a glimpse of something beautiful and perhaps just out of reach, is “Sittin’ On A Rainbow.”
Released on March 7, 1970, on their groundbreaking debut studio album, “Climbing!” (also known as “Mountain Climbing!”), “Sittin’ On A Rainbow” contributed to the album’s rich tapestry of sounds. “Climbing!” was far more than just an introductory effort; it was a powerful statement that immediately established Mountain as a force to be reckoned with. The album itself was a significant commercial success, climbing to an impressive No. 17 on the Billboard 200 chart and enjoying a remarkable 39-week run on the chart. This success was largely fueled by the group’s best-known song, the undeniable hit “Mississippi Queen,” and the regularly aired FM radio favorite, “Never in My Life.” While those tracks showcased the raw vocal power of Leslie West, and Felix Pappalardi supplied the distinct vocal on another radio favorite, “Theme for an Imaginary Western,” “Sittin’ On A Rainbow” offered a more nuanced, almost whimsical, melodic interlude within the album’s heavy framework.
For those of us who recall the expansive sounds of early 70s rock, or who have immersed ourselves in the foundational albums of hard rock, “Sittin’ On A Rainbow” evokes a sense of transient beauty and a longing for the intangible. It conjures images of fleeting moments of hope, of chasing elusive dreams, and the quiet contemplation that sometimes follows a storm. The story behind this particular track is a testament to the collaborative spirit within Mountain. It was written by Leslie West, the band’s iconic guitarist and vocalist, alongside Jack Bruce‘s former lyricist, Pete Brown (credited here as Collins), and drummer Corky Laing. This writing credit (West, Collins, Laing) highlights the diverse influences converging within the band. Recorded at the legendary Record Plant in New York City, the album was produced by Felix Pappalardi, who also played bass and provided vocals on other tracks, and engineered by Bob d’Orleans. This combination of talent ensured that even the album’s quieter moments were imbued with a distinct sonic quality and emotional resonance.
The meaning of “Sittin’ On A Rainbow” is one of hopeful idealism and the pursuit of something beautiful yet ephemeral. The imagery of “sitting on a rainbow” itself speaks to a magical, almost dreamlike state, a moment of perfect, yet ultimately fleeting, alignment. It suggests finding a brief period of peace or joy amidst the complexities of life, acknowledging its temporary nature but savoring it nonetheless. Unlike some of Mountain’s more straightforward rock anthems, this track leans into a more melodic, almost contemplative style, allowing the listener to bask in its warm, inviting sound. While the lyrics are sparse, they create a vivid impression of a yearning for serenity and a simple contentment that might only exist in moments of pure wonder. The interplay of Leslie West’s soulful guitar, which speaks volumes in its restrained moments, and the gentle rhythm creates a mood that is both reflective and quietly optimistic.
For older listeners, “Sittin’ On A Rainbow” is more than just an album track; it’s a delicate thread in the robust tapestry of “Climbing!”, a reminder of a band capable of both thunderous might and introspective beauty. It evokes memories of a time when hard rock bands weren’t afraid to explore gentler melodies, and when the promise of something beautiful, however fleeting, was always just over the horizon. It stands as a testament to Mountain’s versatility, proving that even within their signature heavy sound, there was always room for moments of tender reflection, leaving a lingering sense of wistful beauty that continues to resonate.