University of Virginia Library

Country Rock

Side one features a group of
lively country-rock tunes
highlighted by "Willie and the
Hand Jive," a nonsense song
that boasts good lyrics and a
well-timed interplay between
the vocals and the lead guitar.
"Hippie from Olema" is a
good-natured response to Merle
Haggard's hit "Okie from
Muskogee" and offers vocal
harmonies that blend perfectly
into the mood of the song.

Slowing the pace with
"That's How Strong My Love
Is," leader Jesse Colin Young
conveys the meaning of the
song well with his pure, but
persuasive, voice. This selection
also features the controlled
foundation of horns that give
substance and power to several
of the cuts.

The harmonica of
Earthquake Anderson stands
out in the first song on side
two, an easy blues selection
"Drifting and Drifting." With
an abrupt ending, "Drifting"
gives way to "Pontiac Blue," a
fast-paced fifties tune whose
words serve to conjure up
pictures of tight jeans and
penny loafers. In "Moon shine
is the Sunshine," the vocals are
most reminiscent of The
Band's style in their stretched,
lamenting quality.

"Subtlety powerful" is the
way "Will the Circle Be
Unbroken" strikes the listener,
with its hypnotic blend of
instrument and voice. Simple
and steady, the song flows
along as a thoughtful
lamentation of a mother's
death. The mood is suddenly
shifted with "I'm a Hog for
You Baby," a fresh country
tune that rocks along till its
"oink" ending really great!