We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago….
One of the most popular bands of the early 70s had split from their long-time manager/producer Terry Knight and produced their next record by themselves. They also added keyboard player Craig Frost and he added much to the sound.
Grand Funk Railroad released their 7th LP “Phoenix” in September of 1972.
Frost’s pounding organ chords melded well with Mark Farner’s snarling guitar, Mel Schacher’s thumping bass and Don Brewer’s hammering drums. This band was pretty visceral. They were also better when they played that way unlike their sometimes forays into ballads.
The best song on the LP is the Top 30 hit “Rock & Roll Soul”. Other faves include “Trying To Get Away”, “I Just Gotta Know” and the title track (although this was just a re-working of their previous hit “FootStompin Music”.
The fans still loved this band as the LP went to #7. They would have one more killer album in them before becoming a pop-rock radio friendly singles band as they went through the decade.
All songs written by Mark Farner.
- Side one
- “Flight of the Phoenix” – 3:38
- “Trying to Get Away” – 4:11
- “Someone” – 4:04
- “She Got to Move Me” – 4:48
- “Rain Keeps Fallin'” – 3:25
- Side two
- “I Just Gotta Know” – 3:52
- “So You Won’t Have to Die” – 3:21
- “Freedom Is for Children” – 6:06
- “Gotta Find Me a Better Day” – 4:07
- “Rock ‘N Roll Soul” – 3:40
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