Start Grinning!!
F. J. PRISCO | Seattle, WA USA | 12/23/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I haven't heard the two "bonus tracks", but this first GRIN album set the tone for the three that followed: ballads and rockers, guitars and pianos over bass and drums, Nils and Bob switching off the lead vocals. My personal favorites may differ from yours, but their staying power is testified by the later appearances in Lofgren's set lists of "Take You to the Movies"and "Like Rain". "See What A Love Can Do" is further notable for Nils' harmonized guitar lead, where every other note is a pinched harmonic -- making for a uniquely thrilling sound.
Nils had plenty to do here, overdubbing *all* the guitars and keyboards; brother Tommy had yet to join the band. GRIN differs from the later albums in being mostly thoughtful and sensitive songs -- only "I Had Too Much" and "18 Faced Lover" suggest their more raucous side. This is not a bad thing: the songwriting is marvelously strong for such a young songwriter, and the production is right on: "Like Rain", for example, is nicely filled out with organ and piano, and "Everybody's Missin' the Sun " and "We All Sung Together" are produced as singalongs, which job they do rather well.
My overall favorite for the "play-it-loud" category would have to be the guitar-heavy "18 Faced Lover", which nicely displays both Bob Berberich's lusty singing and Nils' soulful guitar, all over a leaden beat that hasn't aged a day since they recorded it.
Final word: all four Grin albums are important pieces of the whole; this one is no exception. The essential tracks may all appear on the various compilations, but the lesser tracks are worth at least a spin or three. Definitely recommended."
I love this album
B. Smith | Portsmouth, NH | 12/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a Grin fan since seeing them play a free concert in a park in D.C. back in the early 70's. It is a great pleasure to find that this album is available on CD. I only wish 1+1 (their 2nd album) and the other 2 albums they cut would be re-released on CD. Great rock tunes from a very talented artist."
Grinning for Grin
M. Schwers | 08/01/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Great to have this on CD for the car (and at home). Strong album with some wonderful harmonies and some early Crazy Horse style emotion and musical sense on the other tracks. Last 2 or 3 tracks not as good as the rest of the album, but still some outstanding music. Highly recommended."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1