University of Virginia Library

Short Poem

The album begins with a short
poem by Kathy Johnson, set to
music and sung by Furay, then
crashes into the jubilant "What a
Day," and after hearing it, you're
convinced that it is as great as they
say. "First Love" is a haunting,
simple song, sung by Furay with all
the romantic bashfulness of a true
country heart - his first love has
arrived in town, and (assuming you
have seen her) he asks, "Did you
approve of her?" "Short-Changed"
demonstrates Poco's electric ability.

Interspersed among the lyrics are
short and concise, biting fuzz licks
by Rusty Young. It is a bruised, but
not really vengeful song to a
disappointing lover, with about the
most spirited vocals on the album.
Certainly they are among the most
pulsating and infectious I have
heard - I've had the record for
three weeks and still cannot dislodge
the lyrics from my brain,
"Pickin Up the Pieces" is the title
song on the album, giving the
listener a joyful image of a lot of
friends sitting around "pickin' and
a-grindin', casually." The song tells
the audience that "there's just a
little bit of magic in the country..."
and after hearing Poco, it's not hard
to believe. - a little magic, and a
lot of music.