Lovin' Things (1969):This was it, I've always thought. The last album from the real Grass Roots, the last time with their Rob Grill-Warren Entner-Creed Bratton-Rick Coonce lineup going back to 1967's "Let's Live For Today," and the last time -- 1969, appropriately -- that they recorded anything of real '60s-era rock 'n' roll value.
Even the cover photo had quality to it, with weird lighting and Grill's so cool, sunglassed mug.
Sure, the horns horned in with full fury here, especially on the title tune. But its crisp pace always attracted me, especially with Coonce's furious drumming. (And to this day, I'm struggling to understand all of the "Lovin' Things" lyrics thanks to Grill's sloppy enunciating; what I find on the Web doesn't jive with my ears.)
Other songs maintained some semblance of less-than-full-bore bubblegumness, a malady that plagued every LP to come. "The River Is Wide" roars with great studio sound effects. "City Women," written by P.F. Sloan, evokes the harder-charging early-day Grass Roots, and rightly so since Sloan was their key songwriter then.
Even "What Love Is Made Of," with its sappy-sounding harpsichord and Coonce's drums silent, works with Entner's nasally voice reaching levels of emotion not heard on the earlier LPs.
Alas, things went downhill fast for the 'Roots after this one, so enjoy it. And go no farther forward. This was the final act in quality Grass Roots music (by Billy O).
Leavin It All Behind (1969):
It was here on this album that the formerly folkie/pop group completed the transition to punchy pop. Given the full Jimmie Haskell horn treatment and radio friendly pop production fourishes, Steve Barri turns The Grass Roots into an irresistable hit making machine.
And it's not just the 3 Top 40 hits that shine here. (1. I'd Wait a Million Years 2. Heaven Knows 3. Walkin' Thru The Country) There are other delights that could easily have been hits, like "Out Of This World" and "Back To Dreamin' Again."
New keyboardist Dennis Provisor makes his debut and his contributions are noteworthy, although he would become more of a presence later.
He's got 2 songs here but on the next project "More Golden Grass" he would write or co-write about half the album. Provisor's soulful pipes added a new dimension to the group on both lead and shadow vocals.
Any one of which could have been another hit. This is feel good sunshine pop at it's best (by DL Masters).
Track List:01.Lovin' Things
02.The River Is Wide
03.(You Gotta) Live For Love
04.City Woman
05.What Love Is Made Of
06.Pain
07.I Get So Excited
08.Days Of Pearly Spencer
09.Baby You Do It So Well
10.I Can't Help But Wonder, Elizabeth
11.Fly Me To Havana
12.I'm Living For You Girl
13.Back To Dreaming Again
14.Out Of This World
15.Melinda Love
16.Don't Remind Me
17.Take Him While You Can
18.Heaven Know
19.Walking Through The Country
20.Something's Coming Over Me
21.Truck Driving Man
22.I'd Wait A Million Years
23.Let's Live For Today.'68 Remix
24.The Rive Is Wide.Single Mix
25.Glory Bound.Single Remix
26.Midnight Confessions.'86 Remix
27.Let's Live For Today.'86 Remix
[ Thank you LARRY for sending this post ]
CODE: 49233
Click where?
ReplyDeletedead link
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete