2005-07-0906:12:22
Posted by Joan Hunt on July 08, 2005 08:48 PM
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/07/08/204805.php
The Essential Poco
Poco
Music from Sony
Release date: 19 April, 2005

After their early start with Buffalo Springfield, guitarist Richie Furay and
bassist Jim Messina paired again to create the band Pogo. While that name was
quickly nixed by Walt Kelly (whose cartoon possum sported that same name), Furay
and Messina remained undaunted. Changing their band name ever-so-slightly, they
became Poco. They called in Rusty Young, George Grantham, and Randy Meisner to
round out the band.

What began in 1969 as a band strong on harmonizing remained constant over the
years, despite personnel changes. Messina went off to record with Kenny Loggins.
Timothy B. Schmit took over for Meisner. Paul Cotton jumped in to add his
talents. And, Furay walked away after five years. People came and went, and
sometimes even came back. What always remained constant were the harmonies.

Soft country rock evolved into gutsier (but still light and easy) blues rock.
The blues influence became even more noticeable on their fourth album, thanks to
producer Steve Cropper.

All the various contributing artists are recognized on The Essential Poco, as
are 10 of their albums. What makes this disc so remarkable is that this is the
perfect combination of tracks that demonstrate the growth of the band. From the
beginning to the end, all that was Poco is very well represented.

In many respects, it's strange to look at the original album release dates and
realize how long Poco's been a part of my life. Songs I associated with certain
periods of my life have that little tag next to them, reminding me exactly how
old I am. That's not necessarily a bad thing, either. Like the band, like the
music, I've grown and evolved into a more mature being with greater depth (or so
I like to think.) The Essential Poco serves as part of the soundtrack for much
of my truly formative years and that's fine by me. Whether it's "A Good Feelin'
To Know" that one of my early crushes has been given a theme song in my memory,
or I remember my first real boyfriend as a moment of "Crazy Love", Poco was
there. And, now, thanks to Sony, I get to relive those times with the music I
loved back then.

Sorry, nobody's borrowing this CD. Nobody - I have a distant youth to reclaim.
Okay, maybe if they bribe me other similar music, but I want this one back!




regards,


Russ
http://blomstedt.ssr.be
Charlie & Bruce Robison: Tonight - "A kiss & a whisper in the back of my car,
collecting young girls just like fire flys in a jar,
the glass is all empty because their wings took flight, so fill her up good Joe,
because anything might happen tonight."