I've had this album for several years and its appeal (particularly that of the title track) is mostly lost on me. I have nothing against this type of music -- I love "Sombrero Sam", "The Turnaround", "Adam's Apple", "Right Now", "Una Mas", "Common Mama", etc. But "The Sidewinder" has a lackluster theme, a mediocre groove, and unremarkable playing from the musicians involved. At best it could probably be interchanged with other BN albums of that era.
I've been so disappointed by the title track that I probably haven't paid enough attention to the rest of the album. "Totem Pole" is much better than the title track.
Guy