COUNTRY FUNK – same – CD review

COUNTRY FUNK
same
Slipstream Records

Here’s an odd one for you. This album was first released way back in May 1970, placing it in the vanguard of the country rock movement. Of course, it did bugger all, probably not helped by the fact that they were called Country Funk, something that would have confused no end of people. Now, 43 years on, here’s Country Funk’s debut, newly packaged with extensive liner notes, unpublished photos and 4 unreleased bonus tracks.

It’s very much of its time, but as a Pure Prairie League / Poco / Nitty Gritty Dirt Band man, this is right up my street. This is the brainchild of Jason Smith, from said Fantastic Expedition magazine. and the liner notes are based on an in depth interview from Fantastic Expedition. The bonus tracks are from the Country Fun precursor, Adam, dating from 1967, and included ‘Woman’, a song later covered by Pure Prairie League.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s better than the Burritos, as a listen to opener ‘Apart Of Me’ will attest. And younger folks with good ears will note that this was sampled by Beck for ‘Sissyneck’ on his 1996 record “Odelay”. Elsewhere, you’ll listen to songs like ‘Really My Friend’ and ‘A Way To Settle Down’, and shake your head sadly in wonder at how they never made a name for themselves. Granted, there are a few tunes that come across as a bit half-finished, but they never spoil the flow.

But it wasn’t to be, despite the quality of songs on offer, with only bass player Jim Lanham briefly surfacing on the first couple of Pure Prairie League albums. The production isn’t the best you’ll hear, but if proto-country rock is your thing, you really need to hear this.

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