Though Pure Prairie League's sound hasn't appreciably changed since the heartland band's 1970s heyday, what was then classified as country-rock now sounds like mainstream country. With a breezy blend of acoustic and electr... more »ic guitars, midtempo melodies, and soaring harmonies, songs such as "Walking in My Sleep," "Meant to Be," and "That Changes Everything Again" are instantly recognizable as the same band that broke big with "Amie." For the band's first album in more than a decade, founding frontman Craig Fuller returns to the helm, cowriting most of the material and providing vocals that are both luminous and soulful. On "Nothing Like the Lonely," the bluesy slide guitar, Cajun accordion, and vocal counterpoint from Jonell Mosser recall Fuller's stint in Little Feat (as does his dip into that band's catalog for "Cajun Girl"). Yet the guitar twang of Fuller and Curtis Wright, along with the steel guitar, fiddle, and other instrumentation from Fats Kaplin, puts most of the arrangements in the country camp. --Don McLeese« less
Though Pure Prairie League's sound hasn't appreciably changed since the heartland band's 1970s heyday, what was then classified as country-rock now sounds like mainstream country. With a breezy blend of acoustic and electric guitars, midtempo melodies, and soaring harmonies, songs such as "Walking in My Sleep," "Meant to Be," and "That Changes Everything Again" are instantly recognizable as the same band that broke big with "Amie." For the band's first album in more than a decade, founding frontman Craig Fuller returns to the helm, cowriting most of the material and providing vocals that are both luminous and soulful. On "Nothing Like the Lonely," the bluesy slide guitar, Cajun accordion, and vocal counterpoint from Jonell Mosser recall Fuller's stint in Little Feat (as does his dip into that band's catalog for "Cajun Girl"). Yet the guitar twang of Fuller and Curtis Wright, along with the steel guitar, fiddle, and other instrumentation from Fats Kaplin, puts most of the arrangements in the country camp. --Don McLeese
CD Reviews
+1/2 -- Fine continuance of PPL's classic early '70s country
hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 07/21/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's ironic that a band with such an organic sound should have such a convoluted history. Founding member Craig Fuller, whose song and vocal powered the band's emblematic hit, "Amie," had actually left the band (due to draft issues in the early'70s) before the single found success. During the same release-to-hit delay, the band had been dropped from RCA and subsequently re-signed. Several albums and line-up changes later, Fuller rejoined the band for a few years in the mid-80s, before once again departing - this time for a stint with a reformed Little Feat.
All that brings us to the current incarnation, which in 1998 brought Fuller back together with keyboardist Michael Conner (who joined in time for the band's 1972 LP, "Bustin' Out"), and bassist Mike Reilly (who joined just after "Bustin' Out" was completed). Also joining were guitarist Curtis Wright, multi-instrumentalist Fats Kaplin, and drummer Rick Schell. All but Conner, who passed away in 2004, appear here, and the sound is remarkably (and refreshingly) similar to the League's classic early albums.
The harmony-laden, acoustic-led country-rock might feel more nostalgic had the template laid down in the early '70s not had such a timeless appeal. The folk and country elements are still effervescent and heartfelt, and though the gently rocking edge emerged from less tense times than today, it still provides an energetic spark. Fuller's written an album full of memorable new works, pairing his talent with the likes of Ray Kennedy, Gary Scruggs, and Bill Lloyd. The opening pair of lost-love songs is a miniature arc of maturation, with the confident celebration of "Getting' Over You" giving way to the uncertainty and reconsideration of "I Sure Do Miss You Now."
Bill Anthony | North Texas United States | 06/29/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"THEN - Like many 70's music-lovers, I have always loved the Bustin' Out album and it's hit Amie, written and sung by Craig Fuller. I later discovered their incredible first album, and Craig's 3 projects with Eric Kaz from the late 70's (2 of them under the name American Flyer). When Craig turned up singing lead with Little Feat in 1988, I was ecstatic - and he did 3 great albums with them before going into semi-retirement in 1992. Amazingly, PPL was out on tour in 2005 with Craig Fuller back in front ! Saw them in Dallas and loved it.
NOW - Earlier this year (2006) I discovered that they had just released a new album !!!! It is truly a great return, and Craig's songwriting is incredible. Craig sounds great, whether on a rocker or a ballad. "Gettin' Over You" and "Don't Go Confessin' Your Love" are classics that will have you driving 90 MPH and singin' along if you don't watch out... Get this album and enjoy a great new dose of Pure Prairie League !
"
Though 34 years late, it's almost too good to be true...4.5
G. C. Todd | Memphis | 09/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Back in '72 when everyone was listening in amazement to the explosion of groundbreaking new music from rising stars like the Allmans, Pink Floyd, the Who, Bowie, Zeppelin, Neil Young, etc., along comes (on the original FM 100 underground radio in Memphis) a country rock band that was embraced by the rock cogniscenti: Pure Prairie League. The 1st 2 albums were so remarkably good that many people I knew had one or both even though the rock world was dubious about most country oriented music. Unfortunately, band leader Craig Fuller's departure was a real letdown. Although the post Fuller albums and various lineups had their supporters, the departure of the main singer, songwriter, and guitarist --ironically coinciding with the radio breakout of "Amie"-- could not help but drastically change the flavor.
Recently when the first lp was finally re-released (on a single import cd paired with the 2nd album, Bustin' Out) I read about this brand new studio release with Craig returning to the lineup. Trust me, All in Good Time is just like 34 years never happened-- an excellent followup to the first two classics. Having listened to All in Good Time several times over the last few weeks I will just say this: it has exceeded my expectations. I enjoy a number of different styles of rock, jazz, folk, etc. and, frankly, country has been relatively low on my list; so for those who don't always love country, if you like Gram Parsons, Poco, the Dead's more country work, Jayhawks, Son Volt, or Wilco, you'll like this. Just buy it and get the first 2 while you're at it!
And finally, for the skeptical, it does not have that awful overproduced shellacked sound emanating these days from country radio or CMT."
The League is back and better than ever!
K. Schreck | The Great Midwest USA | 12/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"All I can say is WOW! Like a few others who have posted, I'm one of those 70's guys that was instantly taken in by PPL when I first heard them. The big regret I had for this band was the limited air play they recieved in their "Bustin' Out" days. It seemed that everyone was playing "Amie", and that, to many ears, was PPL.
Now, with the latest, PPL is back and I couldn't be happier. Craig Fuller's "I Sure Do Miss You Now" is one of the best ballads on the album due to the great acoustic guitar work and harmonies. In my humble opinion, there isn't a bad song on the entire album, and it has taken top spot on my short list of favorite CD's in my collection.
Welcome back, Pure Prairie League..."
Pure Prairie League -All in good time
Edward L. Martin | 08/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fans of country rock rejoice because this is your Disc! A must own to anyone whos been through the old eight tracks then scratched your old records only to go buy their music on CD! This band may sound better than ever and Craig Fuller and Curtis Wrights vocals shine through on every track. Its beyond me why this has not hit mainstream Country charts because its better than anything out there! A must add to your collection if you call yourself a country-rock fan."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1