Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 03/01/2008
Run Time: 42:43
The group went into the studio with a sudden loss of one member (
Randy Meisner), an engineer who didn't quite get what they were trying for, and a lot of pressure for a first album -- and came up with this startlingly great record, as accomplished as any of
Buffalo Springfield, and also reminiscent of
the Beatles and
the Byrds.
Pickin' Up the Pieces is all the more amazing when one considers that
Jim Messina and
George Grantham were both covering for the departed
Meisner in hastily learned capacities on bass and vocals, respectively. The title track is practically an anthem for the virtues of
country-rock, with the kind of sweet harmonizing and tight interplay between the guitars that
the Byrds,
the Burritos, and others had to work awhile to achieve. The mix of good-time songs (
"Consequently So Long," "Calico Lady"), fast-paced instrumentals (
"Grand Junction"), and overall good feelings makes this a great introduction to the band, as well as a landmark in
country-rock only slightly less important (and more enjoyable than)
Sweetheart of the Rodeo.
~Bruce Eder, All Music Guide
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