Open Web Player
Poco was one of the most innovative bands of the 1960's and early 70's. Along with groups like the BYRDS and Flying Burrito Brothers, POCO pretty much laid down the template not only for Southern California Country Rock, but set the wheels in motion for the Rockified sound of modern Nashville. The Eagles admit that, at the beginning, the sound and performance dynamic they were trying to emulate was that of Poco.
But in those days before the success of the Eagles finally blurred the line indelibly, Poco was considered "Too rock for Country, too Country for rock." Although an amazing act to hear live, they just never had the hits. The albums the band left behind are a testament to just how good they were, however. The original lineup, formed by Richie Furay and Jim Messina from the ashes of Buffalo Springfield, made one live record (DeLIVErin') and it rings with energy, great songs and excellent musicianship. But the production was not good. In places, Richie's microphone is barely on while he's singing lead and the dynamics of just how powerful they sounded live are largely lost.
After Messina left, the band put out three excellent albums with his replacement Paul Cotton (Formerly of Illinois Speed Press.) If anything, they were even more powerful with Cotton. Certainly more rock, but still with that upbeat POCO style.
This recording was a live performance done for a crowd of studio people in Hollywood in 1971. I first saw Poco live at about the same time this was recorded, so it's basically the same live show I saw, minus their extended-length concert closer "El Tonto de Nadie." I remember this performance being broadcast on an LA radio station at the time, and I was thrilled to find it available on disk! I immediately ordered, hoping the live sound was as good as I remembered it being.
I can say it's still not a perfect live POCO record. There seems to be a problem with getting Paul's guitar up in the mix early on that leaves their foot stomping opener feeling just slightly anemic. But overall, it's a far better indication of what Poco sounded like live than the earlier "DeLIVErin" album was. And for anyone who was a fan of the band in their critical heyday, this is a truly great set. It features some of the best of the two records they were promoting at the time: "DeLIVErin" and "From the Inside," the former being Cotton's first outing with the band.
It's great to hear some of the key DeLIVErin tracks delivered with a bit more punch, and even with some extended soloing, but also really great to hear tracks like "Old Forgiver" and "What if I Should Say I Love You," both from the "From the Inside" LP, done live. From earlier albums we have two tracks: Furay's "What a Day" that opened the "Pickin' Up the Pieces" album and "Hurry Up" the great, rocking opener from their self-titled second disk.
IN all, this set includes five from the DeLIVErin album, one of those four being the three-song acoustic Medley and seven tracks from "From the Inside." It's about as good a resume of the era as they could have presented. The sound is good, the playing strong and you can hear the band loosen up as the night goes on. Paul may be the new guy, but his three songs are strong indications of just how important he would be to the future of the band. And, as usual, Rusty Young plays his ass off.
Why is this band NOT in the R&R Hall of Fame? Take a listen...
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Frequently bought together
$15.73
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
Only 7 left in stock - order soon.
+
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
