6/2/2023 0 Comments Grand funk railroad logo“I’m Your Captain” appeared in various lengths, depending upon the radio station it was played on, from a three-minute butcher job to half-length and the full 9:47 (10:09 on our Spotify playlist). Three minutes into the track, there is a shift, and Brewer and Farner throw the lead vocal back and forth before they shift into overdrive: Schacher and Brewer laying down a relentless pulse with Farner’s guitar surfing on top. “Hooked On Love” is one of those songs, almost bluesy. These guys are from Flint, Michigan, and they have always veered toward the soulful. Not a lot of thinking to do - just kick back and enjoy. Back in vinyl days, we often just listened to Side Two, which begins with “I Don’t Have to Sing the Blues.” This is just a joyous tune in the trio’s hands, a lot of fun. After a second wah-wah run, the wailing chorus of “gotta get it together” does a call-and-response with Farner’s vocal. Farner also plays some nice wah-wah guitar about two minutes in, then Schacher and Brewer take off before Farner enters on organ. The tempo picks up for the electric piano solo.Įlectric piano introduces “Get It Together,” primarily an instrumental with a chorus at the end. It sounds like Farner is playing electric piano, and Brewer really stands out here. The album’s only ballad is “Mean Mistreater,” offering more nice harmonies. A second tempo change is also interesting, more nice work from Schacher. “Nothing is the Same” plods along through the opening sequence before a great tempo change shoves it into overdrive and another distortion-filled Farner solo. Schacher runs some nice bass lines, and the by-now well-known harmonies of Farner and Brewer are on display. Schacher’s bass drones underneath Farner’s distorted lead guitar. CLOSER TO HOMEĭon’t let that soft acoustic guitar fool you it gets blown away by power rock in “Sin’s a Good Man’s Brother.” Brewer’s drumming is long on power and sometimes short on technique, but it always delivers the desired effect. The group and early albums were produced by Terry Knight. The group at the time - and for the majority of their career - were Mark Farner, guitar, electric piano, organ, vocals, harmonica Mel Schacher, bass and Don Brewer, drums, vocals. GFRR’s first radio success came with the single version of “I’m Your Captain,” the real opus on Closer to Home. Grand Funk inside cover – MSG 02.13.70 – Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Interestingly, one of their best albums came out in 1976, Good Singin’, Good Playin’, under the tutelage of Frank Zappa.But we digress. Todd Rundgren helped them to great commercial success with We’re an American Band in 1973. The next albums were good but just didn’t have the gravitas of the 1969-1970 releases. In quick succession they popped out four albums, begin with their 1969 debut On Time, then three albums in 1970: the red-cover Grand Funk, Closer to Home, and Live Album (recorded in Jacksonville and West Palm Beach). Sure, everybody can sing “We’re an American Band,” and that made them a lot of money, but their real gig was head-smashing, brain-numbing thunder rock - exactly what we loved about them. Events are subject to change due to weather.The Class of 1970: Grand Funk Railroad’s ‘Closer to Home’įor some fans of the powerhouse trio Grand Funk Railroad (also abbreviated as Grand Funk and even GFRR), the first four albums remain the favorites in their body of work. No Outside Vendors (other than Seminole City Center businesses) are permitted at this time. Prizes from Seminole City Center Businesses & RestaurantsīRING YOUR CHAIRS | NO COOLERS | NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGE ALLOWED I31 Whiskey Basket (apparel, bottle i31 Whiskey & $25 Irish 31 GC) Irish 31 Basket (apparel, sunglasses & $50 Irish 31 GC) Tito's Igloo Cooler (with t-shirt and hat) HUGE FIRST FRIDAY RAFFLE – Over $1,000 in PRIZES! (AREA SUBJECT TO CHANGE)Ģ Tickets to Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Irish 31 iCare Foundation and Cheers to PUBlic Service teacher recognition program Seminole Lake Rotary Foster Kids of Pinellas County Indulge in our NEW food and beverage options AND prizes – 100% of proceeds support: GET FUNKY WITH US! Join us for a tribute to the music of Santana & Grand Funk Railroad performed by 5 extraordinary musicians whose love for both bands rivals no other! Lose yourself in the reminiscent melodies of classics like Smooth, Oye Como Va, Some Kind of Wonderful, and MORE! PLEASE NOTE: First Friday Seminole is at a SPECIAL TIME THIS OCTOBER!!Īfterward, join us at the Seminole City Park for Music In The Parkfrom 7-9 PM!
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