The Critics Have Spoken… and They’re Loud!
When Mike Reilly watches Pure Prairie League, he can’t help but feel proud of the country-rock crew he’s been a part of for over fifty years. But after retiring from regular touring and performing four years ago, the longtime bassist admits it’s a little strange to watch from the sidelines nowadays, especially after tapping another bass player to step in…Read More
“After nearly two decades without studio releases, the ’70s and ’80’s formative ensemble prove that they are still on top of trends while never losing their essence.”–Tassia Assis, Grammys.com
Pure Prairie League – Back on Track
Pure Prairie League Records
A seminal Southern-rock band in the ’70s and ’80s, Pure Prairie League’s roster has gone through multiple changes during the past 54 years, but one thing’s for certain: They still produce beautiful music that resides squarely on the intersection of blues, country and rock. And this disc should have them topping the charts once more.
It’s a powerful, but velvety set. The band reinvigorates its sound with keyboard player Randy Harper, guitarist Jeff Zona, bassist Jamie Camic and drummer Scott Thompson on vocals and founding member David Call on steel guitar. The set was produced by longtime PPL bassist/bandleader Michael Reilly, and former vocalist Gary Burr sits in.
Rock out to “The Beginning,” “Picture Perfect Life,” “I Believe I Could Fall in Love with Loving You,” “Crazy World,” “Modern Problem,” “I’m the Lucky One,” “Price of Love,” “Six Feet of Snow” and “Back on Track.”
Pure Prairie League is Back On Track (self-released). Like a longtime friend coming to visit, this pioneering and seminal country-rock outfit that hit big in the 1970s with “Amie” (and once boasted Vince Gill among its members), sounds as new and fresh as ever on these 12 tracks. Founding member John David Call is still playing pedal steel and his crew this time around is sterling: the drums, keyboards, guitars, bass, fiddle, sax and vocals from longtime singer Gary Burr, a welcome returnee, add oomph, verve and daring to a panoply of stacked harmony, country, Southern Rock, captivating balladry and over-all feel-good vibes.
There was an extended period of time in the 1970s when Pure Prairie League’s “Amie” permeated airwaves, reverberated from stereo speakers in college dorm rooms, provided accompaniment on countless road trips, beamed out from an array of broadcast TV offerings, and was covered by a ton of bands and singer/songwriters. “Amie” became an integral addition to the soundtrack of a generation – musical magic — and the song, unsurprisingly, holds up today. Pure Prairie League, with its southwest Ohio roots, helped usher the country rock movement into the mainstream throughout its various personnel permutations. Riding a revival wave, Back on Track, Pure Prairie League’s first studio album in two decades, recalls the magic of “Amie” with a grace that looks back while moving forward. Founding PPL member John David Call lends his familiar pedal steel, and is ably joined by Scott Thompson on drums, Randy Harper on keys, Jeffrey Zona on guitar, and Jared Camic on bass. Vocal harmonies unsurprisingly take a front seat, and Michael Reilly’s arrangements retain the band’s signature sound while keeping it fresh. Zona’s uptempo “The Beginning” opens the 12-track collection with a vibe that’s warm and familiar. “I Believe I Could Fall in Love with Loving You” gently eases the pace, while “Skippin’ Stones” punches it up with some tasty licks and interplay from Zona and Harper. One of the strongest tracks may be “Crazy World,” with its timeless sentiment and Call’s pedal steel in the forefront. “I’m the Lucky One” is a twangy love song, “Picture Perfect Life” romps agreeably along, “Price on Love” is irresistibly infectious with its steel drums and calypso vibe, and the title track dives a little deeper into the Southern rock arena. A wonderful surprise inclusion is a sweet and fiddly cover of Little Feats’ “Six Feet of Snow,” penned by Keith Godchaux and the late great – and supremely missed — Lowell George. While Back on Track may not quite capture the lightning in a bottle of “Amie,” it’s a darn-tootin’ fine blend of pop and country rock. Sustenance for the soul and fare for the heart.
© Fred Kraus
ure Prairie League (from the album Back on Track available on Pure Prairie League Record Company) (by Danny McCloskey)
Sky-reaching harmonies and soft Rock strums became a trademark for Pure Prairie League when the band began their musical journey on radio in the 1970’s. They received success in the era, helping to brand not only themselves but escorting the Country Rock genre into the mainstream. After nearly two decades, Pure Prairie League return with Back on Track, their recent release. Staying true to the Country and Southern Rock blend that started their music on a path, the band balance the release with hearts held out and a hefty backbeat when they deliver “A Love Like Yours” while the same emotions are expressed with optimism over the hushed rhythms of “I Believe I Could Fall in Love”. For over fifty years Pure Prairie League has owned their crown of Country Rock pioneers.
Stepping into the title track with a rhythmic rumble “Back on Track” hammers out a beat, the fast pace continuing when PPL discuss the relationship of a traveling troubadour and love at home with “I’m the Lucky One” as the fiddle blazes a path into “Six Feet of Snow” and high step on a rapid rhythm to rev the engine for a “Picture Perfect Life”. Sound rises up to create a dream-like mood that kickstarts the confessions in “Modern Problems” as Back on Track drifts towards past heartbreak as “The Beginning” traces a path to true happiness and watches rhythmic ripples surround “Skipping Stones”. Pure Prairie League sail away on an island beat in the “Price of Love” and shake their collective heads to the sway of “Crazy World”. (by Danny McCloskey)
“On Back on Track, Pure Prairie League is back, delivering the soaring harmonies, lilting love songs, and rollicking Southern rockers that make up its signature sound.”–Henry Carrigan, No Depression
“Admittedly, we did not have being blown away by a modern PPL album on our bingo card when the week started. But, Back on Track this far down the line for Pure Prairie League is nothing short of pure perfection.”–Rockin’ Rich Lynch, MusicCityNashville.net
“a wall-to-wall production of Country Rock meeting Southern Rock in the back parking lot of a Biker bar in the wrong side of town.”–Maurice Hope, The Rocking Magpie
“….there is always something for everyone on a PPL album and this new issue is the same way.”–Dan Hanson, ClevelandSeniors.com
“….the harmonies remain right on target, John David Call’s gorgeous pedal steel is often at the forefront, as they continue to stretch the boundaries of country music, and the genre is richer because of their efforts over the past six decades.”–AlanCackett.com
“Not only is PPL back on track. They sound as vital as ever. Let their harmonies carry you away.”–Jim Hynes, Country Standard Time
“The set is a well-thought-out menu of fine songs & performances that still retain the PPL potency & poignancy.”–John Apice, Americana Highways
“Listening to the record gave me some goosebumps as it flashed back musically to those earlier tunes & the vocals/harmonies brought me back to the likes of Craig Fuller and Vince Gill – both of whom were in the band once upon a long ago”–Sean Hickey, Phoenixville Patch
“Back On Track flows like a freshwater river making it’s way through moss-covered rocks to its home in a cool clear lake. Released on December 6th, PPL has preserved it’s style for both new and old friends to enjoy.”–Richard Ludmerer, Making a Scene