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GFR
Greatest Hits - 2006 - 14 Tracks & DVD |
Grand Funk Railroad - Greatest Hits - Deluxe Edition - CD
+ DVD
The highly anticipated Greatest Hits Deluxe Edition CD / DVD
from the legendary rock group Grank Funk Railroad is here!
This Deluxe Edition CD/DVD includes a Deluxe Edition full
color booklet, CD of GFR's greatest hits and a DVD that includes
never before seen footage of the band.
CD Song List:
1. We're An American Band
2. Time Machine
3. Walk Like A Man
4. Some Kind Of Wonderful
5. Shinin' On
6. Heartbreaker
7. Rock 'N Roll Soul
8. The Loco-Motion
9. Footstompin' Music
10. Mean Mistreater (live)
11. Take Me
12. Bad Time
13. I'm Your Captain
14. Inside Looking Out
Bonus DVD
Features footage from legendary gigs that the Funk Faithful
have long clamored for, plus an unreleased promo film capturing
the band during the pivotal recording sessions for the WE'RE
AN AMERICAN BAND album.
* We're An American Band - original promo film, 1973
* Inside Looking Out - live on PBS' The Show. WITF TV, Hershey,
PA, November 1969
* Some Kind of Wonderful - live at The Palace, Auburn Hills,
MI, 4/20/97
* We're An American Band - live at The Palace, Auburn Hills,
MI, 4/20/97
* I'm Your Captain - live at Shea Stadium, 7/9/71 |
 |
Extended
Versions - 2006 - 10 Tracks |
Song List:
1. Footstompin' Music 4:44
2. The Loco-Motion 4:00
3. Some Kind Of Wonderful 4:36
4. Paranoid 7:21
5. Heartbreaker 7:41
6. Into The Sun 5:41
7. Time Machine 3:20
8. Inside Lookin' Out 8:17
9. Mean Mistreater 4:44
10. I'm Your Captain (Closer To Home) 8:22
Other
Info
Recorded Live march 8 Chicago, IL., March 9 2003, Milwaukee,
WI. |
 |
For
The People - 2006 - 11 Tracks |
1. For The People 4:06
2. Cry Baby 5:07
3. Nadean 3:50
4. Girl 4:27
5. You Know Who I Am 3:39
6. Same Ol’ Feelin'4:24
7. You,re My Girl 3:07
8. This Time 3:04
9. Waiting Here For You 4:05
10. Symptoms 3:42
11. Where Do We Go From Here 4:16
Other
Info
Mark Farner - Guitar, Keyboards, Piano, Lead Vocals, Bg
Vocals, Percussion
Lawrence Buckner - Bass, Bg Vocals
Hubert Crawford - Drums
Paul O’jibway - Keyboards, Bg Vocals, Sax, Percussion
Credits:
Beth Griffith - Bg Vocals
Bob Grundner - Percussion
Dennis Bellinger - Bg Vocals
Mark Pastoria - Keyboards
Rick Farner - Bg VocalsRecorded At: Alliance Recording Studio-
(Aka The Swamp)
Parshallville, Mi 2005
Mixed, Over-dubs & Mastering: Harmonie Park Studios,
Detroit, Mi 2005-2006 By: Mark Pastoria / Mark Farner
Engineered By: Mark Israel / Al Hurschman
Photo Credits: Rusty Russell- Nashville, Tn
Package Design: Dave Snyder For Missingink.com |
I
want to start by saying that it has been since 1991 since
Mark has released a new "FULL LENGTH" CD. I have
been asking him since the first time I saw him play in 1992
at The Station in Wilkes-Barre Pa. He told me then it is coming
out in April of 93....FLASH AHEAD 13 YEARS! We'll Mark delivered
on his promise!
Track 1 "For The People:
The CD starts with the title track "For The People"
and Let me tell you this song simply "KICKS ASS".
From what I get from this song it is Mark's aggravation on
the current status of what is left of this great country!
Musically overall this song delivers the goods! Great guitar
work and shows what a great guitar player Mark is! Hubert
is absolutley sick on the drums on this track! This would
be a great song for Mark to open his current shows with!
Track 2: Cry Baby: Love the keyboards on this track and Paul
E O sounds incredible almost like a Hammond B3 effect! Marks
Wah Wah "Cry Baby guitar pedal on this gives it a very
Hendrix-ish feel! The message kind of reminds me of a couple
going thru some turmoil trying to resolve some issues! Love
the background vocals as well!
Track 3: Nadene: This track has a very poppy feel to it...Very
clean guitar work on the rhythm and I love the sound of the
hook on the guitar and solo. Again Background vocals sound
superb! This song has that "bouncing ball" theory!
This could be on Adult Contemporary Mainstream Radio today!
If Hall and Oates can do it you can too Mark! The song is
basically about a man who cannot forget a woman!
Track 4: Girl: This is what I have been waiting for! I have
always loved ballads in general! But I have always loved Marks
ballads! This is the area where Mark "EXCELS". He
is a true balladeer! Marks vocals are phenomenal! Just a great
true love song! Beth Griffins backgrounds adds a whole new
element! The harmonies are right on! The solo in song
blew me away for a slow song it kinda sounds like a "Eddie
Van Halen" Eruption solo! Truly amazing! NUFF SAID!
Track 5: You Know Who I Am: I get a lot of mixed messages
from this song..Could this be the GREAT "I AM" who
Mark is singing about. This song reminds me the most of Marks
solo Christian stuff from the "Wake Up" era. Very
clean sounding song overall. I know who "I AM "
is!
Track 6: Same Ol' Feelin: This Track Mark offered as a free
MP3 download on his website before releasing the record. This
song reminds me the most of Grand Funk! Just the heaviness
of it! Great Rock N Roll sing along song about people rising
up and making a difference!
Track 7: You're My Girl: This song has a great Motown feel
to it with Paul E O's Sax work and Marks vocal prevailing!
I really like Marks vocal inflection on this when he says
"You will always be mine" and drags out the "Mine".
I assume this is Mark's tribute to his wife ! Just a great
song about finding true love!
Track 8:This Time: Another songs about trying to reinstate
a relationship and get it back! Kind of reminds me of Airborne
Ranger sounding song! Huberts drums work on this is great!
This could easily become a staple for the Farner shows!
Track 9: Waiting Here For You:
I have to emphasize this is the strongest track
on the CD in my opinion!
This song starts out with a haunting keyboard making you want
to listen! I have not figured what Mark was writing about...BUT
it can mean many things...I am thinking an Indian God or God
or as someone suggested to me about Mark's encounter with
a more intelligent life! Paul E O's native flute and keyboards in
this song and Bob Grundner's shakers add a total enchanting
element to this song. The chorus is absolutely TOP NOTCH on
of Marks finest works since Closer To Home. Marks vocals
again as a balladeer excel on this song. This song SHOULD
have had an added verse then extended at the end and repeated
like Closer To Home...This is a must for the NRG's live show...I
do hope they add it to the set list! Overall it is a 10. Now
one of my favorite Farner Songs!
Track 10: Symptoms: Great Sax work on this one as well...Paul
E O is all over this song like stink on @#$%!!! Great guitar
work and background vocals! Great bridge in this one...A
song about overcoming the day to day temptations of the symptoms
of the flesh of man! Another great song!
Track 11: Were Do We Go From Here: Another message from Mark
about the Government finding another path to follow. Love
the Keyboards in this one. Great solo on this one as well!
really shows Mark can play!
Overall this album sounds incredible the Mix, The Production
and the sound I am a DJ and I play Marks stuff out promnoting
it. It sounds phenomenal on my 1200 Watt Yorkville system.
This is a great album for the Mark Farner and Grand Funk to
own. You will not be dissapointed! Thanks for the new CD Mark
and NRG!
Rick Keiderling
www.amplifiedproductions.com |
10 |
Live!! N'rG - 2003 - 14 Tracks, by Lissmark (LMN 1051)
|
1. Footstompin' Music - 4:43
2. Aimless Lady - 3:45
3. Time Machine - 3:26
4. Paranoid - 7:21
5. Heartbreaker - 7:44
6. Into the Sun - 5:41
7. He Sent me You - 3:35
8. Rock 'n Roll Soul - 4:04
9. Mean Mistreater - 6:08
10. Inside Lookin' Out - 8:17
11. Locomotion - 4:00
12. Sins a Good Man's Brother - 5:05
13. Some Kinda Wonderful - 5:15
14. Closer to Home - 8:22
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Keyboards, Vocals, Guitar
Hubert Crawford: Drums, Vocals, Percussion
Lawrence Buckner: Vocals, Bass
Producer: Steve Lisuk and Troy Baldwin
Mastering: Troy Baldwin
Monitor Engineer: John Yonker
Guitar Technician: Allen Day
Photography: Steve Bittinger, Perry Schober, Cindy Page and
Fred 'The B Slinger'
|
Reviews:
Mark Farner does something extraordinary on his 2003 in-concert
album, Live! N'rG, named after his NRG band. Recorded on March
8, 2003, at Chicago's DuPage University and March 9, 2003,
at the Pabst Theater, Milwaukee, songs from the two shows
are combined onto one disc, starting with "Footstompin' Music"
from 1971's E Pluribus Funk album and lasting through to the
closer, "Closer to Home," from the 1970 album of the same
name. And what a powerful set of recordings this is. As producer
Steve Lisuk, Farner's partner in Lismark Entertainment, told
AMG in August of 2003, this was a special weekend when Grand
Funk Railroad's lead singer went out with a three-piece unit
performing classics by the influential 1970s hard rock group.
This is not your regular five- or six-piece Mark Farner Band
live, it is the vocalist with a solid rhythm section reworking
Grand Funk classics, and sometimes surpassing the originals
in power and translation. It is Grand Funk all grown up, the
clarity of "Time Machine" and "Paranoid" proving that the
songs were much more than they appeared to be, immersed in
the grunge and hype that made them so very popular when they
first appeared. Live! N'rG is an important document on many
levels. First, it captures the musicianship of bassist Lawrence
Buckner and drummer Hubert Crawford wonderfully, their precision
giving a classic like "Heartbreaker" definition that was missing
in the popular original. Secondly, it shows what a great and
underrated songwriter Mark Farner is; the material not only
survives, but without the trappings of the "amps on 11" onslaught
of Don Brewer and Mel Schacher, everything shines like a beacon.
Farner plays keyboards on the opener, "Footstompin' Music,"
the band's second Top 30 hit from early 1972, and belts it
out with sheer joy. Re-recorded over 30 years later it has
new authority, the singer switching from keys to guitar, blasting
the leads. With the huge fan base up in arms over the lead
singer from .38 Special touring with the Schacher/Brewer Grand
Funk, it is essential that the man who wrote and sang the
songs originally make a statement. Live! N'rG is, in fact,
quite a statement. "Aimless Lady" has an entirely new perspective,
with Farner's voice out in front of the solid and slick bass
and drums. It's Carole King's "The Loco-Motion" that Farner
topped the charts with in early 1974 and "Some Kind of Wonderful"
-- not the tune by Goffin and King, but the John Ellison &
the Soul Brothers Six composition -- which went Top Three
for Grand Funk that same year, brought to life again with
love and care by this on-fire trio. Missing from the set are
George Harrison's "Taxman" and a title from the second Grand
Funk LP, "Mr. Limousine Driver," as this live album clocks
in at 77 and a half minutes. "Bad Time" and "We're an American
Band" weren't even considered for this release, though a companion
DVD from another series of concerts is also available with
some different tunes. A vital addition to the collection for
any serious fan of this artist. ~ Joe Viglione, All Music
Guide |
9
|
The Complete Atlantic Sessions - 2003 - 19 Tracks, by Lissmark
(LMR 6345B)
|
1. Dear Miss Lucy - 3:37
2. Street Fight - 3:56
3. Easy Breezes - 3:45
4. Social Disaster - 3:36
5. He Let Me Love - 3:37
6. You And Me Baby - 2:52
7. Second Chance To Dance - 3:17
8. Lorraine - 3:56
9. Lady Luck - 3:45
10. Ban The Man - 3:10
11. He Sent Me You - 3:17
12. If It Took All Day - 3:14
13. When A Man Loves A Woman - 3:45
14. Faith Keeps It Away - 3:48
15. Crystal Eyes - 3:56
16. Just One Look - 2:47
17. All The Love You Give Me - 4:48
18. Cool Water - 3:15
19. Without You - 2:06
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Vocals and Guitars
Phil Aaberg: Yamaha Piano & Organ, Synthesizers, Clavinet,
String Ensemble
Bob Rabbit: Bass
Bob Kulick: Guitar
Al Wotton: Drums
Jimmy Maelan: Percussion
Dick Wagner: Acoustic Guitar on 'Lorraine', Background Vocals
Ricky Farner: Background Vocals
Dennis Bellinger: Bass, Background Vocals
Andy Newman: Drums
Karen Lawrence: Background Vocals on 'Just One Look'
Producers: Jimmy Lovine and Mark Farner
Mixing: Shelly Yakus and Jimmy Iovine
Remixing: Dick Wagner
Remastering: Bill Inglot
Remixing: Andy Abrams and Jay Krugman
Assistant Engineers: Jim Frank, Mark Stebbeds and Robert Hrycyna
String Arrangements: John Topea
Photography: Frank Moscati
Liner Notes: Kristofer Engelhardt
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Reviews:
In the new millennium, artists who own record labels are licensing
their material once available on major labels and re-releasing
it, often with new liner notes and bonus tracks. Grand Funk
Railroad's Mark Farner and his partner in Lismark Entertainment,
Steve Lisuk, have done just that with Grand Funk's two Warner
Bros. releases, What's Funk? and Grand Funk Lives, now adding
this combination to the solo music from the group leader,
the Mark Farner and No Frills albums that were originally
released on Atlantic. Having the 19 songs on compact disc
is the first part of the treat. The other surprise is the
generous 14-page booklet chock-full of photographs and commentary
by Kristofer Engelhardt, the author of -From Grand Funk to
Grace, Mark Farner's authorized biography. Having the biographer
put the music in perspective is a rare thing, and it makes
for a great read while listening to this material all over
again. Farner does a great job on Engelhardt's good friend
Doris Troy's song, "Just One Look," as he does with the Percy
Sledge classic "When a Man Loves a Woman." The other 17 tracks
are fine Mark Farner originals from the Dick Wagner-produced,
self-titled first solo album No Frills, the disc produced
by Jimmy Iovine. The mastering is excellent, with titles like
"All the Love You Give Me" and "Cool Water" translating very
well to the world of digital. For those who have played the
vinyl into the ground, the Dave Schultz and Bill Inglot mastering
will surprise, enhancing the original sound. This is a re-release
of the limited-edition 2000 release Heirlooms: The Complete
Atlantic Sessions, 1977-1978 with expanded liner notes. ~
Joe Viglione, All Music Guide |
30 |
Classic Masters - 2002 - 15 Tracks, by Capitol / EMI (4880865)
|
1. We're An American Band - 3:26
2. Time Machine - 3:45
3. Walk Like A Man (You Can Call Me Your Man) - 4:05
4. Some Kind Of Wonderful - 3:22
5. Gimme Shelter - 6:18
6. Shinin' On - 5:56
7. Heartbreaker - 6:34
8. Rock & Roll Soul - 3:29
9. The Loco-Motion - 2:46
10. Footstompin' Music - 3:46
11. Mean Mistreater - 4:55
12. Feelin' Alright - 4:26
13. Take Me - 5:06
14. Bad Time - 2:56
15. I'm Your Captain / Closer To Home - 9:59
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass, Vocals
Producers: Grand Funk Railroad, Terry Knight, Todd Rundgren,
Jimmy Ienner, Cheryl Pawelski, David K. Tedds
Compilation: Cheryl Pawelski and David K. Tedds
Remastering: Robert Vosgien
Art Direction: Peleg Top
Photography: Lynn Goldsmith
Liner Notes: Steve Roeser
|
Reviews:
Capitol Records launched a midline-priced series called Classic
Masters and the 2002 entry for Grand Funk Railroad is meant
to appeal to the casual fan. It is intended to replace 1991's
Capitol Collectors Series title -- an earlier budget line
from the label -- although track-wise it's identical except
for one song. Both have 15 cuts, but Classic Masters includes
"Take Me" whereas Capitol Collectors Series has "Inside Looking
Out." Looking back, it's amazing to realize just how enormously
popular these Michigan hard-rockers were in the late '60s
and early '70s. For Grand Funk Railroad, popular meant populist
blue-collar appeal, and vocalist/guitarist Mark Farner, bass
guitarist Mel Schacher, and drummer/vocalist Don Brewer (and,
later on, keyboardist Craig Frost) were despised by critics,
of course. The merits of anthems like "We're an American Band,"
"I'm Your Captain/Closer to Home," and the cover "The Loco-Motion"
are obvious, but a compilation such as Classic Masters enables
deeper appreciation of songs like "Time Machine," "Shinin'
On," "Mean Mistreater" (recorded live in 1970 at the Atlanta
International Pop Festival), and "Bad Time." Classic Masters
is 24-bit digitally remastered, whereas Capitol Collectors
Series is credited as being mastered from the original two-track
stereo mixes; Classic Masters should be considered the superior
collection sound-wise (although it's not as if Grand Funk
Railroad's records were as sonically complex as Pink Floyd's),
but Capitol Collectors Series has better liner notes. Capitol
is to be commended for its overdue CD reissues of Grand Funk
Railroad's catalog, but Classic Masters is an excellent sampler
die-hard fans like Homer Simpson would approve of. ~ Bret
Adams, All Music Guide |
31 |
Live: The 1971 Tour - 2002 - 11 Tracks, by Capitol (72435-39326-2-6)
|
1. Intro - 1:39
2. Are You Ready - 3:11
3. Footstompin' Music - 5:24
4. Paranoid - 6:03
5. I'm Your Captain - 5:48
6. Hooked On Love - 2:45
7. Get It Together - 2:46
8. T.N.U.C. - 17:12
9. Inside Looking Out - 15:30
10. Gimme Shelter - 8:44
11. Into The Sun - 9:50
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Harp, Vocals, Organ, Guitar
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals, Percussion
Mel Schacher: Bass
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Reviews:
This Grand Funk Railroad concert recording from Detroit, Chicago,
and Shea Stadium on the band's enormously successful 1971
tour captures them in all their mega-stadium excess. Extended
beyond the breaking point versions of "T.N.U.C." (nearly 18
minutes), "Inside Looking Out" (over 15 minutes, including
a pro-pot intro), ten minutes of "Into the Sun," and nine
minutes of what has to be the most plodding version of the
Stones' "Gimme Shelter" ever recorded for better or worse
portray this trio in all their over-the-top glory. In concert,
the least funky band ever to have the word "funk" in their
name pounded out tough, workingman rock with as little subtlety
as possible, aiming to please the fan sitting in the last
row of the stadium. While that may have made for an invigorating
concert experience, having to endure this music without the
live stage show as distraction is a headache-inducing chore.
The sound, while acceptable for 1971 standards, is still brittle
and harsh, and Mark Farner's wah-wah-heavy guitar is exactly
what Spinal Tap had envisioned with their amps that went to
11. Since this was recorded in the band's earliest period,
none of the more pop elements that gave them the hits that
softened their sound are in the set. That leaves this as the
definitive live document of these years. It's not nearly as
listenable or eclectic as 1975's Caught in the Act, which
they recorded as a quartet, but does depict the group in all
its uncut power, glory, and volume. Brash, noisy, and abrasive,
Grand Funk Railroad earned their money by giving the people
what they wanted in a show full of raw energy and blistering
hard rock. In retrospect, its appeal is limited, but if you
were there, you'll appreciate this souvenir. If not, after
hearing this warts-and-all recording, you may wonder what
all the excitement was about. ~ Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide
The machine that was, and is, Grand Funk Railroad, continues
to move along without losing steam. Of course, the machine
that was GFR is hobbled by the departure of Mark Farner, again.
He is clearly the heart of this band and his absence is sorely
felt seeing them live. The remaining elements that make up
this legendary band, Mel Schacher and Don Brewer continue
on.
However, a markedly more powerful unit was in place early
in the 70s with many a remarkable album and tour under their
belts. During 1970, GFR toured relentlessly under the watchful
eyes of their manager, Terry Knight. During their high point,
1971, the band excelled, not only in new material (Survival)
but as an attraction on the road. Their rep for a great show
was in full bloom and insane was the fan who missed one of
them. Unfortunate for me, I was a sophomore in HS during this
period so my loss is still greatly felt by myself.
Grand Funk has released 3 prior Live discs. The powerful,
and soon to be re-released and remastered (Aug 27) along with
other titles, "Live Album", the double "Caught In The Act",
and the more recent "Bosnia". The strength and importance
of this band is underscored by the fact that Capitol continues
to release material from GFR. In an age where the original
label licenses out the music to other labels, this really
says a lot.
As I said earlier, Grand Funk was at the height of their popularity
in 1971. This disc, featuring live recordings of the band
during their trek across America, notably, the Midwest regions
where they were revered, showcases the talent and hard work
of GFR. There are 11 tracks, all remastered using 24 bit technology
and cleaned up using the popular ProTools software. And they
rock.
The songs are spread from shows in Detroit, MI (Cobo Hall),
Chicago, IL (Syndrome), and New York City, NY (Shea Stadium)
from April through July of '71. This trio of power poured
out their hearts on the classic crowd pleasers so well known
to GFR fans, both then and now. The purity of "I'm Your Captain/Closer
To Home" with the drum soaked "TNUC"; the sweeping cover of
"Gimme Shelter" that lifted the Stones original to new levels
and the fiery "Paranoid". In addition, there was the as yet
unreleased but unreal "Footstompin' Music" that, more or less,
heralded their ascent into Top 40 stardom, a world apart from
their album oriented rock days.
The call for the encore piece, "Into The Sun" really reflects
the days of the hippie soaked times when GFR manager/producer
(soon to be exiled) Terry Knight gives his Woodstock like
speech. His plea to have a just stolen pedal returned so that
the band could continue along with the promise that whoever
stole it would get it back after the show is priceless and
classically recounts those long lost days.
The songs are excellent, as any GFR song performed live would
be, particularly in this time frame. The "Live Album" is a
much better, much tighter recording, easily representative
of the live prowess of the band but this does not detract
from the perfection of these live pieces however. They belong
in any fan's collection especially after the clean up treatment
it received. It may end up being overshadowed by the remastering
of the upcoming "Live Album" but that release will not go
as far as this one did to recount the time via a informative
booklet. My opinion? If you love Grand Funk Railroad as many
do, then this is another wonderful addtion to the GFR library;
a toast and precursor to the remastering processes awaiting
the band's other albums.
DISC
The 24 bit remastering has done wonders for this recording.
While it is hard to tell in terms of renewal given the fact
that we have not heard this any other way, the clarity provide
these old songs and the obvious medium that they were recorded
in is nothing short of extraordinary. The channel separations
between left and right gave a perfect sense of balance; as
if you were standing in front of the band. Mel Schacher's
bass guitar is heavy and full;picked up and enhanced while
Don Brewer's drums pound with "I'm there" clarity. The guitars
and vocals of Mark Farner deliver the package with finality
as you marvel over the cleanly delivered live performances.
Pro Tools has done much in the enhancement of music both old
and new and their usefulness is heard in this release.
PACKAGING
The case is a collection of great looking memoribilia; a ticket
stub, poster art and a well designed 12 page booklet. The
booklet is a treasure trove of photos, band art, a written
remembrance by Steve Roeser with liner notes by producer David
K Tedds, and disc information. Attractively packaged, there
is no stone unturned in this offering.
THE FINAL SAY
If Grand Funk Railroad meant anything to you, particularly
during its album oriented days, this is a must pick up for
you. It rocks as well as any current band would, maybe better.
Whether it's known or not, every rock band after GFR cut their
live teeth on this band.
Reviewed by Matt Rowe on July 29, 2002 |
8
|
Red, White and Blue Forever - 2002 - 3 Tracks, by Lissmark
(LMS 1001)
|
1. Red, White and Blue - 3:59
2. Airborne Ranger - 4:01
3. Closer to Home (acoustic version) - 6:07
Other Info:
Guest Musicians/Artists:
Greg Morrow: Drums
Larry Paxton: Bass
David Koz: Saxophone
Etta Britt: Background Vocals
Vickie Carrico: Background Vocals
Ricky Farner: Vocals, Guitar
David Lyndon Huff: Drums
Lee Roy Parnell: Rhythm Guitar, Slide Guitar
Phil Keaggy: Guitar
Tim Heintz: Keyboards
Producer: Mark Farner
|
34 |
The Pack Anthology - 2002 - 22 Tracks, by Lissmark
|
1. The Tears Come Rolling - 2:40
2. How Much More - 2:34
3. I've Been Told - 2:42
4. Better Man Than I - 2:54
5. Got Love - 3:13
6. Lady Jane - 2:48
7. Lovin' Kind - 3:00
8. A Change on the Way - 3:41
9. What's On Your Mind - 1:49
10. I (Who Have Nothing) - <3:22/font>
11. Numbers - 2:28
12. This Precious Time - 2:50
13. Love,Love,Love,Love - 2:54
14. One Monkey Won't Stop No Show - 2:41
15. The Train - 2:10
16. Harlem Shuffle - 3:04
17. Down in The Valley - 2:22
18. I've Got News For You - 2:51
19. Wide Trackin' - 2:45
20. Does It Matter To You Girl - 2:01
21. Next to Your Fire - 2:44
22. Sleep Talkin' - 3:02
|
Reviews:
In 1972, ABKCO Records released Funk Off: Mark, Don & Terry
1966-67, which had the same packaging as Grand Funk's greatest
hits collection, Mark, Don & Mel. Twenty-one selections were
on that Terry Knight & the Pack double LP, which got pulled
from the shelves and is now a collectors item. Exactly 30
years later, Mark Farner's own Lismark Communications has
issued 22 titles from the Pack on an album entitled The Pack
Anthology: The Singles 1965-1968, and it is the definitive
collection from the Pack featuring a dozen of the tracks found
on the 1972 ABKCO release, along with other nuggets from the
Michigan rock scene. With a 12-page booklet written by Farner
biographer Kris Engelhardt, author of -From Grand Funk to
Grace, the emphasis is on the singles released by the group,
and Engelhardt does a good job of chronicling the bands regional
hits and misses. Ten of the 12 tracks from the debut album,
Terry Knight & the Pack, are included here, as well as four
of the 12 from the follow-up LP, Reflections, and two from
Monumental Funk, the interesting post-Pack release of the
Jerry Tuttle-produced Nashville sessions. For those who gave
Terry Knight a pass because of the historic significance of
the vinyl releases, the CD makes it painfully clear that they
guy can't sing, and this his personality, at least on record,
is lacking. Outside of the great '60s sound of the musicians,
the most significant takes are the opener, "Tears Come Rolling,"
featuring a young Bobby Caldwell on vocals and tracks 16-21,
which feature Mark Farner on vocals, his wonderful version
of Bob & Earl's "Harlem Shuffle," as well as an early Dick
Wagner composition, "Wide Trackin'," recorded when the group
was known as the Fabulous Pack. The story is here in the music
and accompanying booklet, a true artifact which has surfaced
again, this time in its proper setting. Lismark did a nice
job re-creating the Lucky Eleven logo and including a wonderful
array of photos. ~ Joe Viglione, All Music Guide |
32 |
Trunk of Funk - 2002 - 45 Tracks, by Capitol (72435-41422-2-2)
|
1. Are You Ready - 3:28
2. Anybody's Answer - 5:17
3. Time Machine - 3:45
4. High On A Horse - 2:56
5. T.N.U.C. - 8:42
6. Into The Sun - 6:29
7. Heartbreaker - 6:35
8. Call Yourself A Man - 3:05
9. Can't Be Too Long - 6:34
10. Ups And Downs - 5:10
11. High On A Horse (Original Version) - 4:25
12. Heartbreaker (Original Version) - 6:52
13. Got This Thing On The Move - 4:21
14. Please Don't Worry -
15. High Falootin' Woman - 3:02
16. Mr. Limousine Driver - 4:27
17. In Need - 7:54
18. Winter And My Soul - 6:39
19. Paranoid - 7:52
20. Inside Looking Out - 9:41
21. Nothing Is The Same (Demo) - 5:39
22. Mr. Limousine Driver (Extended Version) - 5:28
23. Sin's A Good Man's Brother - 4:51
24. Aimless Lady - 3:29
25. Nothing Is The Same - 5:14
26. Mean Mistreater - 4:27
27. Get It Together - 5:10
28. I Don't Have To Sing The Blues - 4:37
29. Hooked On Love - 7:13
30. I'm Your Captain - 10:08
31. Mean Mistreater (Alternate Mix) - 4:33
32. In Need (Live) - 11:30
33. Heartbreaker (Live) - 7:17
34. Mean Mistreater (Live) - 5:22
35. Introduction (Live) - 2:26
36. Are You Ready (Live) - 3:38
37. Paranoid (Live) - 7:19
38. In Need (Live) - 10:57
39. Heartbreaker (Live) - 7:10
40. Words Of Wisdom (Live) - 0:52
41. Mean Mistreater (Live) - 4:53
42. Mark Says Alright (Live) - 5:13
43. T.N.U.C. (Live) - 10:54
44. Inside Looking Out (Live) - 13:42
45. Into The Sun (Live) - 11:26
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Piano
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass
Producers: Terry Knight, Shannon Ward, Bryan Kelley
Conductor, Orchestral Arrangements: Thomas Baker
Creative Director: Michelle Azzopardi
Reissue Producer, Compilation: David K. Tedds
A&R: Kevin Flaherty
Engineer: Kenneth Hamann
Mixing: Jimmy Hoyson
Mastering: Evren Goknar
Equipment Rental: Wally Heider
Cover Design: Mark Amerling
Art Direction, Design: Neil Kellerhouse
Editorial Supervision: Brendan Gormley
Cover Photos: Barry Edmunds, Mark Amerling, Joe Sia
Memorabilia: Mark 'Footstompin' Kaulfus, David K. Tedds
Liner Notes: Terry Knight, Steve Roeser
|
7
|
Heirlooms - 2000 - 19 Tracks, by Lissmark (LMR 6345)
|
1. Dear Miss Lucy - 3:37
2. Street Fight - 3:56
3. Easy Breezes - 3:45
4. Social Disaster - 3:36
5. He Let Me Love - 3:37
6. You And Me Baby - 2:52
7. Second Chance To Dance - 3:17
8. Lorraine - 3:56
9. Lady Luck - 3:45
10. Ban The Man - 3:10
11. He Sent Me You - 3:17
12. If It Took All Day - 3:14
13. When A Man Loves A Woman - 3:45
14. Faith Keeps It Away - 3:48
15. Crystal Eyes - 3:56
16. Just One Look - 2:47
17. All The Love You Give Me - 4:48
18. Cool Water - 3:15
19. Without You - 2:06
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Vocals and Guitars
Phil Aaberg: Yamaha Piano & Organ, Synthesizers, Clavinet,
String Ensemble
Bob Rabbit: Bass
Bob Kulick: Guitar
Al Wotton: Drums
Jimmy Maelan: Percussion
Dick Wagner: Acoustic Guitar on "Lorraine, Background Vocals
Ricky Farner: Background Vocals
Dennis Bellinger: Bass, Background Vocals
Andy Newman: Drums
Karen Lawrence: Background Vocals on 'Just One Look'
Producers: Jimmy Lovine and Mark Farner
CD reissue of the complete Atlantic Record's sessions from
1977 and 1978 which were the recordings featured on Mark's
first 2 solo albums. Dave Schultz and Bill Inglot did the
digitally remastering with manufacturing by Rhino Records.
The first 1000 copies have been individually numbered and
have special packaging and labelling.
|
Reviews:
Heirlooms: The Complete Atlantic Sessions, 1977-1978 is single
CD with all the music from Mark Farner's first two albums
without Grand Funk Railroad, both originally released on Atlantic.
Credited to the Mark Farner Band on the inside spine and Mark
Farner on the outside, there are five photographs of the musician
with his wife, Lesia Farner, on the tray card and a six-page
booklet that accompanies the package with liner notes by the
artist explaining how it all came to be. There are also photos
of producer Dick Wagner, bassist Bob Babbitt, and an unnamed
engineer from the self-titled first Atlantic disc giving it
that family photo album feel. It's interesting hearing the
production work of Wagner recorded at Farner's studio The
Swamp and completed at Nimbus Nine in Toronto, Canada, back
to back with No Frills producer Jimmy Iovine's work from The
Record Plant in New York. Both world-class producers do as
the second album title states: they record Mark Farner solo
with "no frills," and the sound is remarkably consistent.
The embellishments that Todd Rundgren and Jimmy Ienner added
to Grand Funk are not employed, giving a very clear picture
of Farner's voice, lyrics, and performance. The story that
A&R man Michael Klefner was fired six weeks after signing
this act is so typical of the industry -- and it is interesting
how years later so many artists are re-releasing important
material they've created on their own imprints. Lissmark Communications
is Farner's own label founded by him and the former Freedom
Reader editor, Steve Lisuk. Of note is that younger brother
Rick Farner shows up on backing vocals along with Dennis Bellinger,
both recorded in Toronto, with Bellinger becoming the bassist
for the follow-up album, No Frills. He would replace Mel Schacher
for the Grand Funk Lives and What's Funk? albums as well as
the touring for that first reunion of GFR. The material here
is licensed from Atlantic, manufactured by Rhino, and the
initial press run is numbered. The company may let this title
go out of print and re-release the albums on their own, which
would make Heirlooms just that: a big time collectors item.
~ Joe Viglione, All Music Guide |
28 |
Thirty Years of Funk - 1999 - 45 Tracks, by Capitol (72434-99523-2-4)
|
1. Getting Into the Sun - 4:45
2. Can't be Too Long - 6:00
3. Got This Thing on the Move - 3:17
4. Time Machine - 3:44
5. High On a Horse - 2:55
6. Mr. Limosine Driver - 4:27
7. Sins a Good Man's Brother - 4:49
8. Aimless Lady - 3:29
9. Mean Mistreater - 4:27
10. I'm Your Captain - 9:58
11. Are You Ready - 3:44
12. Paranoid - 6:40
13. Inside Looking Out - 16:25
14. Feelin' Alright - 4:26
15. Gimme Shelter - 6:20
16. I Can Feel Him In The Mornin - 4:26
17. I Can't Get Along With Society - 4:42
18. Upsetter - 4:29
19. Lonliness - 8:38
20. Trying To Get Away - 4:11
21. Walk Like A Man - 4:05
22. Creepin' - 7:02
23. We're An American Band - 3:27
24. Hooray - 4:06
25. The End - 4:11
26. To Get Back In - 3:56
27. Destitute and Losin' - 7:02
28. Shinin' On - 5:57
29. Locomotion - 2:47
30. Some Kind of Wonderful - 3:22
31. Bad Time - 2:55
32. Footstompin' Music - 4:08
33. Rock `n Roll Soul - 4:00
34. Heartbreaker - 7:26
35. Love Is Dyin' - 4:14
36. Take Me - 5:10
37. Sally - 3:16
38. Can You Do It - 3:17
39. Pass It Around - 5:00
40. Crossfire - 4:21
41. Queen Bee - 3:14
42. We Gotta Get Out of This Place - 5:14
43. Pay Attention To Me - 3:21
44. All I Do - 3:30
45. In The Long Run - 4:12
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Keyboards, Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica,
Percussion
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals, Photography, Percussion
Mel Schacher: Guitar (Bass)
Dennis Bellinger: Guitar (Bass), Vocals
Craig Frost: Keyboards, Vocals
Brent A. Woody: Keyboards
Jimmy Hall: Harmonica
Donna Hall: Vocals (Background)
Supervising Producer: Cheryl Pawelski
Producers: Grand Funk Railroad, Terry Knight, Lisa Reddick,
John Rhys & David K. Tedds
Project Manager: Wayne Greene
Creative Director: Sam Gay
Mastering: Evren Goknar
Compilation: David K. Tedds
Engineering: Ron Nevison and Jimmy Romeo
Mixing: John Hendrickson, David K. Tedds and Ron Nevison
Photography: Ken Settle, Sam Emerson, Neal Preston, Norman
Seeff, Lynn Goldsmith & Jim Shea
Liner Notes: Jim Bessman
|
Reviews:
Thirty Years of Funk is a three-CD boxed set anthology of
the music of one of America's premier heavy rock bands, Grand
Funk Railroad. This set covers the music of the band from
1969, when the band first burst onto the music scene and ushered
in a post-British Invasion alternative to the progressive
movement, until they broke up in 1976 to subsequently reform
in the mid-'90s.
Although Grand Funk Railroad was officially formed in 1969,
some band members played together as Terry Knight & the Pack
in the mid-'60s and this set opens with three songs from the
Pack from 1968. The set concentrates on being a complete anthology
of Grand Funk material with only two to three songs from each
one of the band's 16 studio albums. All of the band's albums
are represented in this collection except for one album that
was released on the Warner Bros. label in 1983. The set also
contains a number of previously unreleased alternate recordings,
outtakes, and live material to add appeal to fans. In 1997,
Grand Funk performed a concert for Bosnia and in 1998 got
together in the studio and for a tour and recorded a number
of new tracks, three of which are contained on this set. Although
a number of the band's early songs and some fans' best-of
tracks are not contained on this set, thus making it flawed
according to fans, it is the best retrospective package of
Grand Funk Railroad's music available to date on the market.
The set's booklet contains detailed information on the history
of the band, a discography, album jacket photos, and detailed
song information. ~ Keith Pettipas, All Music Guide
|
27 |
Bosnia - 1997 - 20 Tracks, by Capitol (72438-21937-2-2)
|
1. 2001: A Space Odyssey - 1:25
2. Are You Ready - 3:26
3. Rock 'n Roll Soul - 3:50
4. Footstompin' Music - 4:19
5. Time Machine - 3:17
6. Medley - 7:17
7. Heartbreaker - 7:38
8. Aimless Lady - 3:53
9. T.N.U.C. - 7:25
10. Inside Looking Out - 10:22
11. Shinin' On - 3:37
12. The Loco-motion - 3:41
13. We're An American Band - 3:58
14. Overture - 2:59
15. Mean Mistreater - 4:26
16. Some Kind Of Wonderful - 2:58
17. To Get Back In - 4:02
18. Bad Time - 2:57
19. I'm Your Captain/Closer To Home - 9:04
20. Lonliness - 8:59
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Lead Vocals and Guitar
Don Brewer: Drums and Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass
Howard Eddy: Keyboards and Background Vocals
Peter Frampton: Special Guest on Guitar
Alto Reed and the Motor City Horns: Special Guest on Saxaphone
and on Horns
Paul Schaffer: Special Guest Conductor for members of the
Detroit Symphony with first chairs filled by members of the
Sarajevo Symphony and other international musicians.
Recorded live with a symphony orchestra, including members
of the Detroit and Sarajevo Symphony Orchestras, at The Palace,
Auburn Hills, Michigan on 20 April 1997.
Producer: Ron Nevison
Remote Recording: Dave and Dusty Hewitt
Orchestral Arrangements: Jimmy Haskell
Album Photos: Kim Foster and Ken Settle
|
Reviews:
Noted Grand Funk Railroad fan, Homer Simpson, once described
what made this band so great: "the wild, shirtless lyrics
of Mark Farner; the bone-crushing bass of Mel Schacher; the
competent drum work of Don Brewer." I've been a GFR fan from
the first time I heard the band's excellent E Pluribus Funk
album back in '71. Although I was skeptical when I heard that
the original trio of Mark, Don & Mel were going to tour after
almost 20 years, I quickly became psyched when I heard they
would be performing with an orchestra.
Few American bands back then could compete with Grand Funk
when it came to sheer power on stage. To these ears, their
1974 live album, Caught in the Act remains one of the best
live albums ever recorded. Needless to say, they had some
pretty high standards to live up to. After the orchestral
intro from Also Sprach Zarathustra, they launch into a slightly
rusty version of "Are You Ready." Brewer's vocals aren't quite
as strong, and Farner's guitar is missing the ballsy sound
heard on the studio version.
But things pick up quickly. "Rock and Roll Soul" is next,
and the band starts to loosen up. By the time they get to
"Footstompin' Music," the band is firmly in the groove and
kicking some serious ass. Peter Frampton joins the band onstage
for the first of a handful of tunes, the bluesy "Time Machine."
One of the best tracks on Bosnia is the medley of "Paranoid,"
"Sin's a Good Man's Brother" and "Mr. Limousine Driver." By
this time, I'm wondering how this disc can possibly get any
better.
"Aimless Lady" features another special guest-sax player Alto
Reed (from Bob Seger's band). Brewer gets to show his abilities
on the early classic, "T.N.U.C.," before moving onto a great
rendition of "Inside Looking Out," featuring some outstanding
guitar work from Farner. After a short, but still great "Shinin'
On," they go into their cover of "The Loco-Motion" (featuring
Frampton & Reed). This song has always been a set killer for
any true GFR fan, but they do a decent job here.
Disc Two starts with a short orchestral medley of a few of
the band's signature songs, then segues into "Mean Mistreater."
One of the biggest surprises on Bosnia is "To Get Back In."
Originally on the Shinin' On album, this was one of those
songs that was never really bad, but nothing spectacular either.
Here it's presented in a new light with a horn section (led
by Reed), and Farner soloing effortlessly over the end section.
This one gets my vote for most improved song.
When it comes to true rock classics, few can deny that "I'm
Your Captain/Closer to Home" fits the bill. It's always the
highlight of any concert that it's performed in. Playing the
song live with an orchestra was "a dream come true" for Farner,
and it shows. Even the most jaded fan will be moved when they
hear this new version. Out of all the songs included on Bosnia,
the one I anticipated the most is "Loneliness." The studio
version featured an orchestral arrangement, and now we finally
have a live version to compare it to. Did it live up to my
expectations? You bet.
Bosnia is required listening for any Grand Funk fan. There
are only bad things--most of the time you can't hear Mel's
bass, and the second disc is WAY too short. Other than that,
these 2 CDs have been getting played repeatedly, and show
no sign of letting up. If you're not a fan, go to your local
music store, buy this CD and find out what you've been missing.
© 1998 Steve Marshall |
39 |
Heavy Hitters - 1992 - 12 Tracks, by EMI/Capitol
|
1. Closer To Home - 5:35
2. Footstompin' Music - 3:48
3. Mean Mistreater - 4:27
4. Are You Ready? - 3:30
5. Feelin' Alright - 4:26
6. Heartbreaker - 6:36
7. Gimme Shelter - 3:30
8. Time Machine - 3:46
9. Upsetter - 4:28
10. Mr. Limousine Driver - 4:28
11. Get It Together - 5:05
12. Got This Thing On The Move - 4:37
|
6
|
Closer to Home - 1992 - 12 Tracks, by Frontline (FL 92962)
|
1. Some Kind Of Wonderful - 4:46
2. Come To Jesus - 3:58
3. Without You - 4:50
4. Judgement Day Blues - 4:46
5. Not Yet - 4:43
6. Wake Up - 4:23
7. Isn't It Amazing - 4:35
8. If It Wasn't For Grace - 3:53
9. Airborne Ranger - 3:57
10. Love From Above - 4:10
11. Come To Me - 3:58
12. Give Me The Works - 3:25
Other Info:
Guest Musicians/Artists:
Mike Maple: Drums, Background Vocals
Lawrence Buckner: Bass, Lead Vocals, Background Vocals
Tim Heintz: Keyboards
Glen Pearce: Lead Guitar
Bill Baumgart: Background Vocals
Jean McClain: Background Vocals
John Patitucci: Bass
Kirt Shearer: Bass
Bob Carlisle: Background Vocals
David Huff: Drums
Michael Blair: Keyboards, Background Vocals
Gordon Van Ekstrom: Guitar
Phil Keaggy: Lead Guitar
Brandon Fields: Sax
Arnie Vilches: Lead Guitar
Producers: Mark Farner, Bill Baumgart
|
5
|
Some Kind of Wonderful - 1991 - 10 Tracks, by Frontline (FL
9217)
|
1. Some Kind Of Wonderful - 4:49
2. Love From Above - 4:13
3. Without You - 4:53
4. Not Yet - 4:46
5. Attitude Of Gratitude - 3:47
6. All The Way - 4:22
7. With Me Anwhere - 4:17
8. Conflict - 3:57
9. The Vision - 4:22
10. Well Done - 4:24
Other Info:
Guest Musicians/Artists:
Mike Maple: Drums, Background Vocals
Lawrence Buckner: Bass, Background Vocals, Lead Vocals on
'Some Kind Of Wonderful'
Glen Pearce: Lead Guitar
Arnaldo Vilches: Lead Guitar
Bill Baumgart: Background Vocals
Jean McClain: Background Vocals
Brandon Fields: Sax, Flute
Producer: Bill Baumgart
|
38 |
Capitol Collectors Series - 1991 - 15 Tracks, by Capitol (CDP
7 90608 2)
|
1. Time Machine - 3:44
2. Heartbreaker - 6:33
3. Inside Looking Out - 9:31
4. Closer To Home / I'm Your Captain - 10:08
5. Mean Mistreater - 5:01
6. Feelin' Alright - 4:24
7. Gimme Shelter - 6:16
8. Footstompin' Music - 3:45
9. Rock & Roll Soul - 3:25
10. We're An American Ban - 3:25
11. Walk Like A Man (You Can Call Me Your Man) - 4:04
12. The Loco-Motion - 2:57
13. Shinin' On - 5:54
14. Some Kind Of Wonderful - 3:16
15. Bad Time - 2:53
|
Reviews:
Grand Funk Railroad was, at best, a singles band, capable
of turning a couple of crunching rockers and hooky singles
out with each album. Though it may be missing a fan favorite
or two — and that could mean something concise and catchy
or meandering jams like "T.N.U.C." — this does have the overwhelming
majority of their best songs, including not just hits like
"We're an American Band" and "Some Kind of Wonderful," but
also album tracks. Some longtime fans, like Homer Simpson,
may find favorites missing, but this remains a nearly ideal
summary. ~ by Stephen Thomas Erlewine |
4
|
Wake Up - 1989 - 11 Tracks, by Frontline (FL 09060)
|
1. Wake Up - 4:32
2. Into The Light - 3:59
3. New Age - 3:22
4. Come To Me - 3:58
5. In Your Sight - 5:23
6. Upright Man - 3:30
7. Rocco - 3:48
8. If It Wasn't For Grace - 3:53
9. Love Power - 4:00
10. Role Model - 5:34
11. Like I Was Before - 3:52
Other Info:
Guest Musicians/Artists:
Mike Maple: Background Vocals, Drums, Percussion
Lawrence Buckner: Background Vocals, Bass
Michael Blair: Background Vocals, Keyboards
Arnie Vilches: Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar
Gordon Van Ekstrom: Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar
Producer: Mark Farner
|
3
|
Just Another Injustice - 1988 - 10 Tracks, by Frontline ()
|
1. Airborne Ranger - 3:57
2. Judgement Day Blues - 4:46
3. Isn't It Amazing - 4:35
4. Come To Jesus - 3:58
5. Give Me The Works - 3:25
6. An Emotional Look At Love - 3:16
7. Workin' For The Winner - 3:40
8. Just Another Injustice - 3:55
9. The Writing On The Wall - 4:30
10. Only You - 3:43
Other Info:
Guest Musicians/Artists:
Tim Heintz: Keyboards
David Huff: Drums
David Koz: Sax
Phil Keaggy: Lead Guitar on 'Airborne Ranger', Accoustic Guitar
on 'Give Me The Works'
Michael Hodge: Additional Guitar
Producers: Mark Farner, Tim Heintz, Bill Baumgart
|
37 |
Great! - 1987 - 16 Tracks, by Pair/Capitol (CDL-9576)
|
1. Footstompin' Music -
2. Are You Ready -
3. Mean Mistreater -
4. High On A Horse -
5. Feelin' Alright -
6. Gimme Shelter -
7. High Falootin' Woman -
8. Mr. Limousine Driver -
9. Get It Together -
10. Time Machine -
11. Got This Thing On The Move -
12. Call Yourself A Man -
13. Upsetter -
14. Please Don't Worry -
15. Save The Land -
16. I Want Freedom -
|
26 |
What's Funk? - 1983 - 10 Tracks, by Full Moon / Warner (23750-1)
|
1. Rock 'n Roll American Style - 4:29
2. Nowhere To Run - 2:39
3. Innocent - 3:05
4. Still Waitin' - 4:05
5. Borderline - 2:56
6. El Salvador - 4:11
7. It's A Man's World - 4:54
8. I'm So True - 4:10
9. Don't Lie To Me - 4:18
10. Life In Outer Space - 4:20
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Don Brewer: Vocals, Drums, Percussion
Dennis Bellinger: Backing Vocals, Bass
Producers: Cliff Davies (Tracks 2,3,5,7), Gary Lyons
|
Reviews:
After making a comeback in 1981, the revamped 1980s version
of Grand Funk Railroad took one last stab at the '80s rock
market with What's Funk? This time, the band enlisted Gary
Lyons (producer for Foreigner and the Outlaws) to create an
updated version of the kind of slickly produced album that
made the group into a pop hitmaker during the mid-'70s. The
end result is an improvement over 1981's underproduced Grand
Funk Lives, but it still suffers from some uneven moments.
Lyons adds plenty of early-'80s frills to the group sound,
the most notable examples being the synthesizers and drum
machines that dress up tunes like "Innocent" and "I'm So True."
This approach doesn't always work (the Gary Numan-like programmed
synthesizers that underpin "Borderline" clutter up what could
have been an effective slice of guitar-driven hard rock),
but the group turns in the kind of songs and energetic performances
that help make What's Funk? an engaging album. Good examples
include "Still Waitin'," a straight-ahead rocker that seamlessly
blends heavy guitar riffs with a catchy chorus, and "Borderline,"
a soulful power ballad that balances the group's instrumental
power with plenty of smooth harmonies. Another highlight is
the group's cover of the James Brown classic "It's a Man's
World," which cleverly rearranges the tune to fit the band's
power trio format. In the end, What's Funk? lacks the kind
of exceptional songs and breakout hits that would have made
the album cross over to the mainstream, but it remains a solid
batch of tunes that will please the group's fans. ~ Donald
A. Guarisco, All Music Guide |
25 |
Grand Funk Lives - 1981 - 10 Tracks, by Full Moon / Warner
(FMH 3265)
|
1. Good Times - 2:05
2. Queen Bee - 3:13
3. Testify - 2:58
4. Can't Be With You Tonite - 3:29
5. No Reason Why - 4:47
6. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place - 3:55
7. Y.O.U. - 2:53
8. Stuck In The Middle - 3:09
9. Greed Of Man - 5:00
10. Wait For Me - 4:52
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Piano, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
Dennis Bellinger: Bass, Vocals
Lance Duncan Ong: Synthesiser, Organ
Producers: Andrew Cavaliere, Bob Destocki, Thom Panunzio
|
Reviews:
Rising like a Phoenix, which was the title of one of their
previous albums, perhaps Mark Farner is sending a subliminal
message with opening track "Good Times" that his "Bad Time"
is over? The song "Testify," track three, sums up this very
good album from Mark Farner, Don Brewer, and bassist Dennis
Bellinger replacing the MIA Mel Schacher. It's a hooky rock
tune with Farner's religious overtones. All these tracks are
strong, from "Can't Be With You Tonight" to the glorious ending
of "Wait for Me." The no-nonsense production of manager Andrew
Cavaliere -- shades of Terry Knight! --- and Bob Destocki,
lets Farner and Brewer shine. This album is like a subdued
version of the Grand Funk classic Survival. In fact, both
Survival and Grand Funk Lives are underrated, not just among
Grand Funk fans. Where the first Mark Farner solo album, produced
by Dick Wagner, had more of a bluesy feel in 1977, and 1978's
Flint by Brewer and company sounded like a stab in the dark,
this collection rocks. "Queen Bee" has riffs taken from Black
Sabbath and Uriah Heep, specifically the ending of the song;
"Black Sabbath meets Heep's "Easy Livin'," with Farner's pop
influences glossing it up. "We Gotta Get out of This Place"
has more in common with a hard-rocking Young Rascals than
the Animals or David Johansen. "Y.O.U." is almost there, halfway
to a hit, missing the strength of producers Jimmy Ienner,
Todd Rundgren, heck, even Frank Zappa might've lifted this
track into the Top 40. The restrained production on the rest
of the album is a plus except for "Y.O.U.," which needed just
a bit more. "Stuck in the Middle" is fun Mark Farner, and
is perhaps the best track on this excellent outing. Heavy
keyboards, a great hook, and thick chorus -- a nice sequel
to Funk's 1975 hit "Bad Time." "Greed of Man" goes back to
the harder preaching of original GFR. All tunes except the
cover of "We Gotta Get out of This Place" were written by
Farner, who closes out the album with the introspective "Wait
for Me." In a world mutated by Guns N' Roses, Nirvana, and
Aerosmith gone pop, Grand Funk Railroad kept the flame of
hard rock lit with this solid disc. It's too bad it didn't
reach a larger audience. ~ Joe Viglione, All Music Guide
|
2
|
No Frills - 1978 - 9 Tracks, by Atlantic (SD 19169)
|
1. He Sent Me You - 3:17
2. If It Took All Day - 3:14
3. When A Man Loves A Woman - 3:44
4. Faith Keeps It Away - 4:47
5. Crystal Eyes - 3:55
6. Just One Look - 2:47
7. All The Love You Give Me - 4:48
8. Cool Water - 3:14
9. Without You - 2:06
Other Info:
Guest Musicians/Artists:
Dennis Bellinger: Bass, Background Vocals
Andy Newman: Drums
Karen Lawrence: Background Vocals on "Just One Look"
Producer: Jimmy Lovine
|
1
|
Mark Farner - 1977 - 10 Tracks, by Atlantic (SD 1832)
|
1. Dear Miss Lucy - 3:37
2. Street Fight - 3:55
3. Easy Breezes - 3:45
4. Social Disaster - 3:35
5. He Let Me Love - 3:34
6. You And Me Baby - 2:51
7. Second Chance To Dance - 3:15
8. Lorraine - 3:55
9. Lady Luck - 3:45
10. Ban The Man - 3:05
Other Info:
Guest Musicians/Artists:
Phil Aaberg: Yamaha Piano & Organ, Synthesizers, Clavinet,
String Ensebmle
Bob Rabbit: Bass
Bob Kulick: Guitar
Al Wotton: Drums
Jimmy Maelan: Percussion
Dick Wagner: Acoustic Guitar on 'Lorraine', Background Vocals
Ricky Farner: Background Vocals
Dennis Bellinger: Background Vocals
|
Reviews:
Mark Farner's unmistakable voice and guitar sound are the
identifying marks Grand Funk Railroad imprinted on the rock
consciousness of the world. His self-titled solo album from
1977 replaces Farner's pop sensibilities with modern blues.
Where bands like Foghat and the Groundhogs had a more earthy
sound, producer Dick Wagner gives this effort a nice glossy
mix of traditional rock and contemporary '70s polish. "Lorraine"
dances with Phil Aaberg's Yamaha piano and producer Wagner's
acoustic guitar. Wagner performed with Farner in a 1966 band,
the Bossmen, before Wagner created the Frost and went on to
fame with Lou Reed and Alice Cooper. This recording was released
in the middle of Alice Cooper's 1975-1978 hit streak with
Wagner, adult contemporary pop which the singer of the Top
Five "Bad Time" and number one "Loco-Motion" should have been
able to capitalize on. Even harder-edged tunes like "Lucky
Lady" could have brightened up FM radio at the time. The guitars
on "Ban the Man" do not resonate with the Grand Funk sound;
it is Farner all grown up. The album is adult Contemporary
modern blues, the guitars rocking hard, but not quite metal.
"You and Me Baby" is perhaps the poppiest song on the album,
with a catchy riff and uplifting vocal. It is the only song
that clocks in under three minutes at 2:51, the other nine
tracks all in the three-plus-minute range. Where the 1978
album by ex-Grand Funk members Don Brewer, Mel Schacher, and
Craig Frost, Flint on Columbia, suffered from overproduction,
Wagner puts Farner in a perfect sound setting for his artistry
and the time. Maybe radio would have responded better to a
cover song on the record, Farner's version of Doris Troy's
"Just One Look" is what was needed here, and its absence is
obvious. But tracks like "Dear Miss Lucy" and the very hard-edged
latter-day Beach Boys take on "Street Fight" make for a respectable
musical statement by a rock legend. Had Grand Funk Railroad
released "Easy Breezes," they could have perhaps found new
life in a third incarnation. It's inventive and is the high
point of a serious solo outing by a man confident in his songwriting
abilities. ~ Joe Viglione, All Music Guide |
23 |
Born To Die - 1976 - 10 Tracks, by Capitol (511482)
|
1. Born To Die - 5:29
2. Dues - 5:27
3. Sally - 3:12
4. I Fell For Your Love - 4:06
5. Talk To The People - 5:27
6. Take Me - 5:00
7. Genevieve - 6:12
8. Love Is Dyin' - 4:07
9. Politician - 3:51
10. Good Things - 4:14
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Craig Frost: Keyboards, Vocals
Donna Hall: Background Vocals
Jimmie Hall: Saxophone, Harmonica
Mel Schacher: Bass
Producer: Jimmy Ienner
|
Reviews:
The title says it all: Although not steeped in heavy metal
riffs or gothic sound effects, this 1976 effort from Grand
Funk Railroad creates a mood gloomy enough to rival the darkest
moments of Black Sabbath. By this point in their career, the
band was feeling run into the ground and this is reflected
in the mood of the lyrics: the title track is mournful rumination
on the inevitability of death and "I Feel for Your Love" explores
the depression created by the end of a relationship. The result
is an album that feels like an anomaly in the Grand Funk Railroad
catalog: the album's dark mood sits at odds with the group's
normally energetic style and, thus, robs it of a lot of its
punch. Even though the production is solid and the group's
instrumental performance is tight, neither of these elements
make it easy to listen to an album of oppressively dreary
songs. However, a few bright spots shine through: "Sally"
is a country-tinged mid-tempo rocker that highlights Mark
Farner's harmonica playing and "Take Me" is a driving, lusty
rocker that briefly adds a shot of much-needed energy to the
proceedings. Of the gloomier tracks, "Love Is Dyin'" stands
out because it applies a strong, guitar-heavy rock melody
to its sad sentiments to create a song that is both driving
and emotionally affecting. Ultimately, Born to Die is such
a grim affair that it may turn off some of the group's fans
but it remains an interesting curio for the Grand Funk Railroad
completist. ~ Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide
|
24 |
Good Singin', Good Playin' - 1976 - 12 Tracks, by MCA (MCA
2216)
|
1. Just Couldn't Wait - 3:28
2. Can You Do It - 3:17
3. Pass It Around - 4:59
4. Don't Let 'Em Take Your Gun - 3:40
5. Miss My Baby - 7:20
6. Big Buns - 0:30
7. Out To Get You - 4:44
8. Cross Fire - 4:19
9. 1976 - 4:20
10. Release Your Love - 3:52
11. Goin' For The Pastor - 5:24
12. Rubberneck - 5:15
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Piano, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Craig Frost: Keyboards, Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass, Vocals
Frank Zappa: Guitar
Producer: Frank Zappa
|
Reviews:
After the surprisingly dark and subdued Born to Die, Grand
Funk Railroad's original lineup rallied to record one more
album in 1976. Also onboard was an unlikely choice of producer,
avant-garde rock king Frank Zappa. As odd as this marriage
may seem, the end result is one of the best albums in the
Grand Funk Railroad canon. Zappa's production forsakes the
high-gloss style that dominated the rest of their mid-'70s
output, instead opting for a live-in-the-studio approach with
minimal overdubs. This style works well, allowing the group
to funnel the solid songcraft they had developed during their
hitmaking years into a loose, energetic soundscape that harkens
back to the finest moments of their early power-trio output.
Indeed, songs like "Can You Do It" and "Out to Get You" (featuring
a guest guitar solo from Zappa) crackle with the kind of hard
rock energy that had been lost on All The Girls in the World
Beware and Born to Die. However, the songs do not get buried
under the power-trio theatrics: "Just Couldn't Wait" is a
dynamic fusion of pop hooks and rock firepower that highlights
the group's oft-underrated harmonies and "Release Your Love"
injects catchy singalong choruses to a country-inflected slice
of rock. Another highlight is "Miss My Baby," an anguished,
epic power ballad that shows off the group's sound at its
most subtle and atmospheric. To sum up, Good Singin' Good
Playin' is an album that will please the group's fans and
may even win over other classic rock enthusiasts with its
combination of well-crafted songs and gutsy, no-frills production.
~ Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide |
36 |
Grand Funk Hits - 1976 - 10 Tracks, by Capitol (LP - ST-11579)
|
1. Rock & Roll Soul - 3:28
2. We're An American Band - 3:23
3. Walk Like A Man (You Can Call Me Your Man) - 3:22
4. BadTime - 2:54
5. Some Kind Of Wonderful - 3:48
6. The Loco-Motion - 2:44
7. Shinin' On - 3:24
8. Sally - 3:12
9. Take Me - 4:04
10. To Get Back In - 3:53
Other Info:
Producers: Grand Funk, Todd Rundgren, Jimmy
Ienner
|
22 |
Caught In The Act - 1975 - 13 Tracks, by Capitol (11445)
|
1. Footstompin' Music - 4:07
2. Rock 'n Roll Soul - 4:04
3. Closer To Home - 7:08
4. Heartbreaker - 7:22
5. Some Kind Of Wonderful - 4:14
6. Shinin' On - 5:31
7. The Loco-motion - 3:21
8. Black Licorice - 4:27
9. The Railroad - 6:13
10. We're An American Band - 3:38
11. T.N.U.C. - 9:32
12. Inside Looking Out - 12:24
13. Gimme Shelter - 7:00
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Harp, Organ, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Lorraine Feather: Backing Vocals
Craig Frost: Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals
Jana: Backing Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass, Vocals
Producer: Jimmy Ienner
|
Reviews:
By 1975, Grand Funk Railroad had reached a new level of fame
and fortune thanks to pop-friendly albums like We're an American
Band and Shinin' On. However, they had not dropped the turbo-charged
rock & roll that built their early success and that fact is
proven by this exciting double-live album. Caught in the Act
covers all the highlights of their catalog up to that point,
including both the major hits and a generous sampling of album-track
favorites. All the songs benefit from the amped-up live atmosphere
and several improve over the studio versions thanks to the
consistent high level of energy that the band pours into each
tune. The best example is the latter phenomenon one-two punch
of the albums' opening tracks: "Footstompin' Music" leaps
out of the speakers with a galloping beat and pulsing organ
that effortlessly outstrips its album version, then the band
smoothly segues into a barnstorming, revamped version of "Rock
'N' Roll Soul" that tacks an infectious "Nothin' but a party"
chant onto the song's beginning. Even the hits add new frills
that keep them feeling like rote run-throughs: "The Loco Motion"
is soulfully fleshed out by the addition of female backing
vocals and hard rock muscle applied to "Black Licorice" transforms
it into a speedy, fist-pumping rocker. Another big highlight
is the atmospheric version of "Closer to Home," which sports
a tighter, more complex arrangement than its studio counterpart
and makes an excellent showcase for Craig Frost's skills on
a variety of keyboard (he nimbly recreates the song's orchestral
coda with an elegant performance on the Mellotron). The end
result is a live album that is the equal of the studio's best
studio-recorded outings. Simply put, Caught in the Act is
a necessity for Grand Funk Railroad fans and may even attract
non-fans with its effective combination of energy and instrumental
firepower. ~ Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide |
21 |
All The Girls In The World Beware - 1974 - 10 Tracks, by Capitol
(11356)
|
1. Responsibility - 3:50
2. Runnin' - 4:19
3. Life - 4:58
4. Look At Granny Run Run - 2:29
5. Memories - 3:31
6. All The Girls In The World Beware - 3:29
7. Wild - 2:53
8. Good & Evil - 7:32
9. Bad Time - 2:54
10. Some Kind Of Wonderful - 3:22
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Percussion, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Craig Frost: Organ, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass
Producer: Jimmy Ienner
|
Reviews:
Grand Funk Railroad continued to move further into the pop/rock
mainstream with this hit album. They are aided considerably
in this aim by the ultra-slick production of Jimmy Ienner,
a producer best known for his work with the Raspberries: songs
like "Runnin'" and "Memories" boast rich yet punchy horn and
string arrangements that beef up the group's sound without
softening its energetic edge. The album's combination of high-gloss
production and the band's energy resulted in some impressive
hits: "Some Kind of Wonderful" is an exuberant, organ-drenched
soul song that highlight's the group's strong harmonies while
"Bad Time" mixes a delicate, string-laden melody with a pulsing
beat from the rhythm section to create a one-of-a-kind power
ballad. None of the other songs on All the Girls in the World
Beware have hooks as compelling as these hits, but they are
energetically performed and often push the band's sound in
interesting new directions: "Memories" is a moody ballad with
a country-styled melody and the title track is a humorous
portrait of a would-be lady-killer delivered over a funky
Santana-esque jam driven by lightning-fast organ riffs and
congas. "Good and Evil" is another big surprise, a moody mid-tempo
track whose creepy distorted vocals and gothic organ effects
create a sound reminiscent of mid-'70s Alice Cooper. In the
end, casual listeners would probably be better off seeking
this album's hits on a compilation, but All the Girls in the
World Beware will definitely appeal to any Grand Funk Railroad
fan who enjoyed We're an American Band or Shinin' On. ~ Donald
A. Guarisco, All Music Guide |
29 |
Monumental Funk - 1974 - 6 Tracks, by Quadico (QLP-7401)
|
1. We Gotta Have Love - 4:11
2. Hey Everybody - 3:37
3. I've Got News for You - 4:47
4. Come See About Me - 4:16
5. Harlem Shuffle - 5:22
6. Love Lights - 7:06
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
|
Reviews:
Mark Farner calls this a bootleg put out by the people at
the original label who released music by Terry Knight & the
Pack, a company called Lucky Eleven; but bootleg or no, Monumental
Funk is an amazing record that Don Brewer and Mark Farner
have every right to be very proud of. While Grand Funk Railroad's
manager, Terry Knight, may have been a fine producer and a
marketing genius, his own efforts at songwriting and singing
were the worst aspects of the Pack. Here Farner and Brewer
absolutely shine, their version of "Harlem Shuffle" more fun
than the hit version by the Rolling Stones. When Don Brewer
formed Flint and released a disc on Columbia in 1978, he covered
the Supremes' "Back in My Arms Again." Here Mark Farner trumps
him with "Come See About Me," a great non-Motown version by
these Michigan boys. Farner's original, "We Gotta Have Love,"
is worthwhile, as is the tremendous rendition of "Hey Everybody."
Yes, this record was released to cash in on the fame of Grand
Funk Railroad, and there is even a picture disc version of
it. The release of this music made the boys in the band angry,
but there is a silver lining. Monumental Funk shows that Grand
Funk Railroad was no fluke and that Mark Farner was a major
talent before Capitol Records signed him and brought him to
the attention of millions of fans. ~ Joe Viglione, All Music
Guide |
20 |
Shinin' On - 1974 - 9 Tracks, by Capitol (11278)
|
1. Shinin' On - 5:59
2. To Get Back In - 3:56
3. The Loco-motion - 2:46
4. Carry Me Through - 5:34
5. Please Me - 3:37
6. Mr. Pretty Boy - 3:08
7. Gettin' Over You - 3:59
8. Little Johnny Hooker - 4:59
9. Destitute and Losin' - 7:03
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Guitaron, Harmonica, Organ,
Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Craig Frost: Organ, Clavinet, Moog, Piano, Mellotron, Vocals
Todd Rundgren: Guitar
Mel Schacher: Bass
Producer: Todd Rundgren
|
Reviews:
After racking up their biggest success to date with We're
an American Band, Grand Funk Railroad decided to keep a good
thing going by retaining Todd Rundgren as their producer and
continuing to push their sound in a pop/rock direction. The
end result has its moments but is not as strong as We're an
American Band. Although the songs are tight and benefit from
a strong performance by the group, the material simply isn't
as inspired this time out: songs like "Please Me" and "Getting
Over You" are energetic but lack the infectious hooks and
clever arrangement touches that would make them stick in the
listener's memory. Shinin' On's best songs are the ones that
became its single releases: the title track infuses its hard-driving,
spacy rock groove with some surprisingly ethereal vocal harmonies
and the cover of "The Loco Motion" turns this dance classic
on its ear with a stomping beat and a screeching guitar lead
from Mark Farner. Other tracks make up for their lack of hooks
by experimenting with the group's sound in interesting ways:
"Mr. Pretty Boy" is a creepy slow blues that features an atmospheric
Mellotron backing and "To Get Back In" is a full-fledged soul
song built on thick combination of organ and horns. In the
end, Shinin' On is too unfocused and uneven to win over non-fans
but Grand Funk Railroad fans will find plenty to enjoy on
this album. ~ Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide
|
19 |
We're An American Band - 1973 - 8 Tracks, by Capitol (11207)
|
1. Creepin' - 7:01
2. The Railroad - 6:07
3. Black Licorice - 4:43
4. Lonliest Rider - 5:19
5. Walk Like A Man - 4:03
6. Ain't Got Nobody - 4:19
7. Stop Lookin' Back - 4:51
8. We're An American Band - 3:25
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Electric Piano, Conga,
Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Craig Frost: Organ, Clavinet, Moog, Electric Piano
Mel Schacher: Bass
Producer: Todd Rundgren
|
Reviews:
The first Grand Funk album produced by Todd Rundgren, this
one, of course, includes the hit title track. While that song
is truly an American rock anthem, it is really only part of
the picture on display here. While that track, and several
others, continue on in the hard-rocking straight-ahead tradition
of the group, there are less typical cuts here that really
are what make this album such a must-have. In addition to
the change of producers, this album is the first that includes
a four-piece lineup with a keyboardist added to the trio.
The tracks that really shine here are the ones that show off
that lineup change. Among them are the extended jam "Creepin'."
The real showstopper, though, is the Native American-influenced
"Loneliest Rider." That number alone is worth the price of
admission and will have you scrambling for the repeat button
on your remote. When you combine moments like that with a
great, consistent hard rock groove texture that the band carries
through from their previous releases is in their catalog this
is truly one of GFR's strongest releases. ~ Gary Hill, All
Music Guide |
35 |
Funk Off: Mark, Don & Terry, 1966-67 - 1972 - 20 Tracks, by
ABKCO
|
1. Satisfaction -
2. Dimestore Debutante -
3. The Shut In -
4. I've Been Told -
5. Numbers -
6. Got Love -
7. Lady Jane -
8. Love Godess Of Sunset Strip -
9. Dirty Lady -
10. I (Who Have Nothing) -
11. Lizabeth Peach -
12. Forever And A Day -
13. Bad Boy -
14. Mister, You're A Better Man Than I -
15. Love, Love, Love, Love -
16. This Precious Time -
17. Lovin' Kind -
18. Come With Me -
19. A Change On The Way -
20. One Monkey Don't Stop No Show -
Other Info:
|
Reviews:
This 21-song double LP does not include everything by Terry
Knight & the Pack, missing some early pre-"Mr. You're a Better
Man Than I" singles and other stray tracks. However, it does
contain the bulk of their output, including their best-known
singles: "Mr. You're a Better Man Than I," "I (Who Have Nothing),"
"A Change on the Way," "This Precious Time," and "Numbers."
Judging from the contents, Knight's strategy largely consisted
of trying to ride a bandwagon by imitating specific trends
or artists of the day, either with cover versions or (more
often) his own retreads of ideas already proven successful
in the marketplace. Over the course of two albums, the march
of ready comparisons becomes almost comical. "Dimestore Debutante?"
"Like a Rolling Stone"-era Bob Dylan. "I've Been Told?" The
Rolling Stones' "Play With Fire." "Numbers?" The Count Five's
"Psychotic Reaction" with a dash of Paul Revere and the Yardbirds'
"Shapes of Things." "Dirty Lady?" Donovan. (Somehow Knight's
Lovin' Spoonful mimic, the B-side "What's on Your Mind," escaped
inclusion, although you can hear it on Michigan Nuggets, a
bootleg compilation of obscure '60s Michigan rock.) "Forever
and a Day?" Broadway musicals, believe it or not. That's not
to say this anthology is terrible. The records were well-produced,
and the playing competent (although the annotation does not
make it clear which tracks might be Terry Knight solo, without
the Pack). And "A Change on the Way," a minor-key folk-rocker
with a utopian '60s message of a new evolutionary dawn approaching,
is actually pretty good, even if it was no doubt contrived.
Although this out-of-print comp is hard to find, it's probably
the easiest way to hear Knight & the Pack's legacy, since
much of their back catalog is tied up in the vaults of Cameo-Parkway,
a label which has reissued little of its holdings on CD. That's
a shame, as the sound quality and mastering on this vinyl
anthology could have been better. Note: the record is titled
Funk-Off (Sic) 1966-1967 on the front cover, just Funk-Off
on the spine, and Mark, Don & Terry 1966-1967 on the center
labels of the LPs, so the collection could be identified under
any or all of those titles in discographies. ~ Richie Unterberger,
All Music Guide |
17 |
Mark, Don & Mel - 1972 - 12 Tracks, by Capitol (SABB-11042)
|
1. Time Machine - 3:40
2. Into The Sun - 6:25
3. Heartbreaker - 6:30
4. Feelin' Alright - 4:25
5. Footstompin' Music - 3:45
6. Paranoid - 7:35
7. Loneliness - 8:30
8. Are You Ready - 3:34
9. Mean Mistreater - 4:40
10. T.N.U.C. - 11:45
11. Inside Lookin' Out - 9:29
12. Closer To Home (I'm Your Captain) - 9:58
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass, Vocals
Producer: Terry Knight
|
Reviews:
There is a clear-cut divide in Grand Funk Railroad's material;
this chronicles the band's early period under flamboyant manager
Terry Knight, who was bound and determined to prove that Grand
Funk wa the biggest thing in rock and roll. This collection
is a great overview of this period and is suggested for those
who don't want to wade through the chaff in order to get the
gems. This captures the band when they were mere kids looking
to become the monsters they later became. ~ James Chrispell,
All Music Guide |
18 |
Phoenix - 1972 - 10 Tracks, by Capitol (11099)
|
1. Flight of The Phoenix - 3:40
2. Trying To Get Away - 4:13
3. Someone - 4:05
4. She Got To Move Me - 4:49
5. Rain Keeps Fallin - 3:27
6. I Just Gotta Know - 3:54
7. So You Won't Have To Die - 3:23
8. Freedom Is For Children - 6:10
9. Gotta Find Me A Better Day - 4:11
10. Rock and Roll Soul - 3:32
Other Info:
Mark Farner:Guitar, Organ, Harmonica, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Craig Frost: Organ, Clavinet, Harpsichord, Piano
Doug Kershaw: Violin
Mel Schacher: Bass
Producer: Grand Funk
|
Reviews:
Having scored four consecutive Top Ten albums in the previous
two years, Grand Funk Railroad may not have seemed to casual
observers like a band who needed to rise phoenix-like from
the ashes, but the title of the band's seventh album referred
to its re-emergence after a litigious split from manager/producer
Terry Knight. Now, they were producing themselves, and they
added organist Craig Frost, credited here as a sideman, though
he went on to join the band formally. The biggest change,
however, was a musical maturity. After releasing five studio
albums in a little over two years, Grand Funk waited more
than a year before releasing Phoenix, and in that time they
managed to come up with more variety than they had displayed
before. "Someone," for example, was a surprisingly gentle
ballad, and "Rain Keeps Fallin'" was stronger melodically
than most of songwriter Mark Farner's previous efforts. Unlike
earlier albums, Phoenix didn't seem like one rudimentary rocker
after another, which made it Grand Funk's most listenable
album so far. And that's not to say it didn't rock, as the
leadoff instrumental, "Flight of the Phoenix," and the Top
40 hit that closed the set, "Rock 'n Roll Soul," demonstrated.
Unfortunately, Farner's lyrical abilities had not increased,
while his self-importance had. "I Just Gotta Know," "So You
Won't Have to Die," and "Freedom Is for Children" all contained
political exhortations expressed in simple-minded terms, the
worst being "So You Won't Have to Die," in which Farner, later
to become a Christian artist, claimed Jesus had spoken to
him on the subject of overpopulation. After such cringe-inducing
foolishness, the band's return to rocking with "Rock 'n Roll
Soul" could only be welcomed. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music
Guide |
16 |
E Pluribus Funk - 1971 - 7 Tracks, by Capitol (853)
|
1. Footstompin' Music - 3:48
2. People Let's Stop The War - 5:12
3. Upsetter - 4:27
4. I Come Tumblin' - 5:40
5. Save The Land - 4:13
6. No Lies - 3:57
7. Lonliness - 8:38
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass, Vocals
Producer: Terry Knight
|
Reviews:
The track "Footstompin' Music" let it be known that this was
a much heavier Grand Funk than before (if that was possible)
with organ, bass and drums all locked into a slamming groove.
The rest of the album went on to show Grand Funk's growing
political consciousness with "People Let's Stop The War" and
also includes another concert favorite, "Loneliness." ~ James
Chrispell, All Music Guide |
15 |
Survival - 1971 - 7 Tracks, by Capitol (764)
|
1. Country Road - 4:23
2. All You've Got Is Money - 5:16
3. Comfort Me - 6:47
4. Feelin' Alright - 4:28
5. I Want Freedom - 6:19
6. I Can Feel Him In The Morning - 7:15
7. Gimme Shelter - 6:20
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass, Vocals
Producer: Terry Knight
|
Reviews:
The cleaned-up production and general absence of sloppiness
is the first thing you will notice upon hearing Survival.
A surprisingly good album, Survival contains a number of standout
cuts, including a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter."
With the devotion their fans showed toward them, it seemed
that Grand Funk could do no wrong, and here, they attempted
to prove their fans right. ~ James Chrispell, All Music Guide
|
13 |
Closer To Home - 1970 - 8 Tracks, by Capitol (471)
|
1. Sin's A Good Man's Brother - 4:49
2. Aimless Lady - 3:28
3. Nothing Is The Same - 5:13
4. Mean Mistreater - 4:25
5. Get It Together - 5:07
6. I Don't Have To Sing The Blues - 4:37
7. Hooked On Love - 7:12
8. I'm Your Captain - 9:58
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass, Vocals
Producer: Terry Knight
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Reviews:
This is the trio's fourth album and the record that really
broke them through to a more commercially successful level
of metal masters such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Rather
than rushing headlong back into their typical hard, heavy,
and overamplified approach, Grand Funk Railroad began expanding
their production values. Most evident is the inclusion of
strings on the album's title track, the acoustic opening on
the disc's leadoff cut, "Sins a Good Man's Brother," as well
as the comparatively mellow "Mean Mistreater." But the boys
had far from gone soft. The majority of Closer to Home is
filled with the same straight-ahead rock & roll that had composed
their previous efforts. The driving tempo of Mel Schacher's
viscous lead bass lines on "Aimless Lady" and "Nothing Is
the Same" adds a depth when contrasted to the soul-stirring
and somewhat anthem-like "Get It Together." The laid-back
and slinky "I Don't Have to Sing the Blues" also continues
the trend of over-the-top decibel-shredding; however, instead
of the excess force of other bands, such as MC5, Grand Funk
Railroad are able to retain the often-elusive melodic element
to their heavy compositions. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
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14 |
Live Album - 1970 - 11 Tracks, by Capitol (1633)
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1. Introduction - 2:07
2. Are You Ready - 3:33
3. Paranoid - 7:17
4. In Need - 10:32
5. Heartbreaker - 7:11
6. Inside Looking Out - 12:53
7. Words Of Wisdom - 0:46
8. Mean Mistreater - 4:58
9. Mark Says Alright - 5:12
10. T.N.U.C. - 11:05
11. Into The Sun - 11:08
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass, Vocals
Producer: Terry Knight
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Reviews:
Either you love or you hate it. Live Album by Grand Funk Railroad
was a smash when released and those who loved it played it
to death. A hard rock phenomenon of the waning days of the
Sixties, Grand Funk proved over and over that they were the
live performing act of the time, and this album is a testament
to their in-concert power. ~ James Chrispell, All Music Guide
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12 |
Grand Funk - 1969 - 8 Tracks, by Capitol (406)
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1. Got This Thing On The Move - 4:40
2. Please Don't Worry - 4:20
3. High Falootin' Woman - 3:02
4. Mr. Limousine Driver - 4:27
5. In Need - 7:54
6. Winter And My Soul - 6:39
7. Paranoid - 7:52
8. Inside Looking Out - 9:31
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass, Vocals
Producer: Terry Knight
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Reviews:
Grand Funk Railroad's 1970 somewhat eponymous album, their
second for Capitol, is characteristic of the classic rock
radio sound that would permeate the airwaves of the late 20th
century. Grand Funk Railroad was a seminal force in giving
the friendlier side of the heavy-rock sound its charm and
making it stick. Built on fuzzed-out blues riffs, simple lyrics,
and at times seemingly unnecessary jamming, Grand Funk's songs
are mild in nature. Far less extreme than Black Sabbath, but
slightly toothier than Foghat or Bad Company, Grand Funk's
major influence is from the loose, blues-based power trio
formula of bands such as Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Grand Funk combines rawness with radio-friendly melodies and
vocal harmonies that would become their trademark sound. Hordes
of bands to come, from Foreigner to Bon Jovi, would emulate
Grand Funk's sound and style, focusing on good-time rocking
material while attempting a few token social commentary pieces.
This is a good album as far as early hard rock goes, and as
Grand Funk Railroad would move farther and farther away from
the type of roughness and loose arrangements found here, it
is well worth picking up as an example of one of their early
efforts. ~ Jeff Schwachter, All Music Guide |
11 |
On Time - 1969 - 10 Tracks, by Capitol (307)
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1. Are You Ready - 3:28
2. Anybody's Answer - 5:17
3. Time Machine - 3:45
4. High On A Horse - 2:56
5. T.N.U.C - 8:42
6. Into The Sun - 6:29
7. Heartbreaker - 6:35
8. Call Yourself A Man - 3:05
9. Can't Be Too Long - 6:34
10. Ups And Downs - 5:01
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Vocals
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
Mel Schacher: Bass, Vocals
Producer: Terry Knight
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Reviews:
Grand Funk Railroad's 1969 debut is a wildly uneven affair.
Although the exuberant energy and power-trio theatrics that
would fuel their 1970s hits are in place, the group's songwriting
and arranging abilities are very much in their infancy. The
biggest problems in terms of songwriting are the often-amateurish
lyrics: "Anybody's Answer" is a sincere but muddled attempt
at a message song that expends a lot of energy without ever
focusing on a particular target and "Heartbreaker" is a love
lament that is content to trot out a series of well-worn heartbreak
clichés. In terms of arrangements, the band often places an
aimless jam where a tight instrumental break should be. The
standout example of this problem is "TNUC," a loose-limbed
tune that wears out its welcome with an overlong and unstructured
drum solo. Despite these problems, there are some strong tunes
in the mix: "Are You Ready" is an exuberant rocker built on
one of Mel Schacher's trademark walking bass lines and "Into
the Sun" is a clever tune that starts as a mellow mid-tempo
jam before blossoming into a stomping rocker with a funky
guitar riff. Both of these sturdy tunes appropriately became
mainstays of Grand Funk Railroad's live show for many years
to come. "Time Machine" is another highlight, a bluesy shuffle
built on Mark Farner's wailing vocals and a catchy, stuttered
guitar riff. All in all, On Time is way too patchy of an album
to please the casual listener but provides a few hints of
and contains enough worthwhile moments to please the group's
fans. ~ Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide |
33 |
Terry Knight & the Pack - 1966 - 12 Tracks, by Cameo/Parkway,
Lucky Eleven
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1. Numbers - 2:25
2. What's on Your Mind - 1:45
3. Where Do You Go - 3:05
4. Mister, You're a Better Man Than I - 2:48
5. Lovin' Kind - 2:50
6. Shut-In - 3:10
7. Got Love - 3:05
8. Change on the Way - 3:15
9. Lady Jane - 2:53
10. Sleep Talking - 3:02
11. I've Been Told - 2:20
12. I (Who Have Nothing) - 3:05
Other Info:
Mark Farner: Guitar (Bass), Vocals
Bobby Caldwell: Vocals, Bells, Organ
Don Brewer: Drums, Vocals
Herman Jackson: Guitar (Bass)
Curt Johnson: Vocals, Guitar
Terry Knight: Harpsichord, Vocals, Harmonica, Piano
Richard Rome: String Arrangement
Producer: Terry Knight
Engineers: Joel Fein, Vlad Malakar & Don White
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Reviews:
Clear evidence that Grand Funk Railroad was more musical than
the critics of the day would have one believe is found in
the grooves of Reflections, a dozen songs released on Cameo/Parkway
as a follow-up to Terry Knight the Pack's self-titled debut
on the Cameo/Parkway-distributed Lucky Eleven label. Terry
Knight still can't sing, but he does a better job than Lord
Sutch the second time around. Engineered by the brilliant
Joe Tarsia, with orchestration arranged and conducted by Richard
Rome, the worst thing about this album, as with the band's
debut, is the voice of Knight. Interesting Spanish guitar
flavors canvas the ballad "Dirty Lady," while tired '60s "yeah
yeah's" resonate throughout "Love Goddess of the Sunset Strip."
Terry Knight's absolute lack of talent really helps one appreciate
his contemporaries, Sky Saxon, Rudy Martinez, Alex Chilton,
and especially Don Brewer and Mark Farner. Listen to the legit
bootleg Monumental Funk to really hear how tremendous this
band is without the producer and alleged singer. Side one
is not nearly as embarrassing as what follows; "Forever a
Day," for example, is a dreadful quasi-nursery rhyme. Knight
may be more on key here than on the previous disc, but his
insincerity comes through loud and clear. The label has a
copyright of 1963; however, with the presence of 1965's "I
Can't Get No Satisfaction," it's safer to say this is late
1966, early 1967. The version of the Rolling Stones' classic
actually hints at what Grand Funk would become, especially
during their Survival period. A strange amalgam of the Mysterians
meets Vanilla Fudge by way of a subdued Blue Cheer makes for
a unique rendition of what was considered sacred territory.
Again, the worst aspect of this rather interesting piece is
the presence of Terry Knight. When one listens to Monumental
Funk and hears the potential of the group without their leader,
and the Flint album from 1978, which is the band without Mark
Farner and way past the influence of Terry Knight, Farner
emerges as the true talent that Knight was able to market
more successfully than his other groups: Bloodrock and Mom's
Apple Pie. "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show" is a far cry from
the Honey Cone's 1971 hit of the same name, and "Love, Love,
Love, Love, Love" is just downright ridiculous, despite the
smart playing of the band behind this attempt at being the
Animals. David Bowie did it better years later when he turned
this same riff into Jean Genie. But give the devil his due
-- Terry Knight created good-sounding records and this was
the foundation of Grand Funk Railroad. "Come With Me" is a
combination of the Rolling Stones' "Play With Fire" and a
song covered on the debut LP by the Pack, "Lady Jane." The
version of Sloan/Barri's "This Precious Time" is interesting,
and "Anybody's Apple Tree" would be passable if not for the
hokey ending. A historical document which can't exactly be
called a fun listening experience, but it does hint at the
talent that was soon to emerge. - Joe Viglione, All Music
Guide |
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