Disco de Grand Funk Railroad: “30 Years of Funk: 1969-1999 [Box]”

A Review of The Grand Funk Railroad new Anthology set call Thirty Years Of Funk 1969-1999.

Capitol Records started work on this Anthology Project back in early 97. And It was on again off again, do too layoffs at EMI, etc., Do to the very successful 2 1/2 year GFR tour (96-98) Capitol decided they had better get this set out. They Hired David Teds (A Huge GFR Fan) to head the project and he did a wonderful job. The remastering is wonderful the (Bong Rattling) bass of Mel Shcacher is right in your face the whole set, Mark Farner's Guitar is crisp and clean Don Brewer's (competent) drums are clear as a bell and the (wild shirtless) Vocals of Mark and Don are all clear and fantastic. (Parentheses from Homer Simpson) This anthology set, Called "Thirty Years Of Funk 1969-1999" is a Grand Funk Railroad fan's dream come true.

It comes in a Digi Pack which folds out into two and then four sections. It has a nice booklet (50 Pages) with many old and rear photo's and GFR's story. As it folds out into two it has the famous photo of GFR nude in the hay with the American flags, from The We're An American Band album (these was the streaking days my friend in 73). The Didi pack then folds out again into four separate sections. The first section holds the booklet. And the next three sections each holds a CD. Each CD has a picture of band member's Mark Farner (Guitar, vocals, Keys and Harmonica), Don Brewer (Drums and Vocals) and Mel Schacher (bass) from the inside of the self titled GFR album called Grand Funk (known as the Red Album to GFR Fan's). And under each CD is a picture of each member on the 97-98 reunion tour. A very Nice packaging job I must say. More to come,

The set starts off with three songs from the pre GFR Pack days (1968) and all there of them rock. "Getting Into The Sun," "Can't Be Too Long," and "Got This Thing On The Move" all have a 60s feel along with a very heavy sound. These three songs just blow me away. Hear you see the foundations of the GFR Sound. The First disk also has the GFR favorites "Time Machine," "High On A Horse," "Mr. Limousine Driver," "Aimless Lady," "Mean Mistreater," "Paranoid" (live), and The Classic Mark Farner written and GFR signature song (along with We're An American Band) "I'm Your Captain/Closer to Home." The first disk caps off with a 16:30 minute version of "Inside Looking Out" (cover) Live, This version is real funky and innovative and will be a treat for all GFR Fan's. Also check out the introduction to the song, I'll just say it was a sign of the times.

The Second disk covers GFR from 71-73 and has the GFR covers of "Feelin' Alright," and "Gimme Shelter" Two real sledge Hammer versions of those classic songs. Then it moves into a beautiful songs from the Survival album called "I can feel him in the morning," which is a Simi religious and anti Vietnam war songs. Next is a previously unreleased songs called "I Can't Get Along With Society" it is another song with a political message (antiestablishment) in it, and it has a darn good guitar lick in it. The second disk moves on to GFR staples; "Upsetter," "Loneliness," "Trying To Get Away," Walk Like A Man," "Creepin," "To Get Back In," and The Classic Don Brewer written song and number one hit "We're An American Band." It also includes two unreleased songs from the We're An American Band secessions called "Hooray" and "The End" and both Rock hard. Don Brewer Carries the Vocal on both of these Songs. Last on the second CD is "Destitute and Losin," The B-side from the Locomotion Single. This is another Hard Rocker from GFR, I was always surprised that it was left off of the Shinin' On Album.

Disc three features songs from the Shinin' On Period (73) to the present. This disk has the GFR Hit's; "Shinin' On," "The Loco-Motion," (cover) "Some Kind Of Wonderful" (Cover) "Bad Time," "Footstompin Music," (Live) Rock N Roll Soul," (Live) "Heartbreaker," (Live) "Take me" and "Sally." Disk three also features some of the more obscure GFR songs such as "Love Is dyin" a very good rocker from the Born to Die Album; Can You Do It (Cover) Pass It Around, Cross Fire all from the Good Singin Good Playin Album. Queen Bee from the Heavy Metal Soundtrack & Grand Funk Lives Album and We Got To Get Out of This Place recorded live in Japan in 1982. Disk 3 conclude with three brand new GFR songs recorded in 96. "Pay Attention to Me" is a solid rocker, It has a very 90's sound combined with the classic GFR Sound. This song could definitely fit into today's mainstreem rock radio formats. The Next one is called "All I Do, and is a good pop song, its not real heavy and sounds a bit different then anything GFR has done before. Again I think it would fit in today's mainstream rock radio market. And the last song (and definitely not least) is called "In The Long Run." "In The Long Run" is a Beautiful song; Mark Farner does one of his best signing jobs ever on this one. I would say this song is from a kinder and gentler GFR. It is a mellow ballad with piano and orchestra (the Strings sound great). I predict that this one will go down as one of GFRs classics, and I predict you will be hearing this one on the radio so much you will get sick of it.

In conclusion Thirty Years Of Funk is a must have for every GFR fan, even for the casual fan. If your gonna get one GFR CD like a Hits get this one. You won't be sorry.

Review written by Mr Capetto "Roadkill, semt in by hes "Fans !!

This amazing 3 CD boxed set contains songs tracing Grand Funk from their early work with "The Pack" up to their 1981-83 reunion. The songs have been expertly remastered and sound fabulous, especially the live versions of "Paranoid", "Heartbreaker", and "Footstompin' Music", which suffered from distortion and audience noise when originally released. The 3 CDs have the image of Mark Farner on CD1, Don Brewer on CD2, and Mel Schacher on CD3. Very nicely done. Also included is a very nice 50 page booket telling the entire story of Grand Funk. It also contains many rare photos of Mark, Don and Mel. The booklet alone is worth the price of this CD. There are also 4 previously unreleased songs included and 3 new songs recorded in 1998. The first one, "Pay Attention to Me" is very good, and worthy of airplay on any FM station that plays hard rock. David Tedds, the producer, and Capitol Records should be very proud of this masterpiece. Capitol Records should reconsider their decision not to resign GFR to a contract and get some new material released pronto. Grand Funk is better than ever, and fans hungry for real American Rock 'n Roll and starving in a sea of alternative funk-less, soul-less music.

this cd is a must for GFR fans who have seen the band evolve through the years. even though i thought i was a enlightened and fairly informed fan,i only recently found out that Don Brewer sang the lead vocal on "are you ready",the song that instantly made me a fan.I'm sure there will be those who will say that some of the song selections could have favored the bands more popular efforts,such as the lesser played but well liked '' winter and my soul",i heard this song referred to as "winter of my soul" in an interview with Don Brewer speaking of the red album.since this was not a hits or the best of format it does for better or worse take you on a musical tour of the bands diverse directions in their 7 year rocket ride,their popularity slide,and their revive with pride eras.The surprises in this cd include the much better version of "inside looking out",in spite of Mark Farner's blown guitar hilight, his subsequent make up for it more than illustrates his vastly improved skill level at this point in his career.the most obvious omission of the bands "what's Funk"album is definetly a let down ,since "it's a man world " was one of that albums better cuts and Mark Farners finer vocals.In spite of some questionable judgement calls on what songs truly represented the band,it was obvious that this work was for the Funk fan ,since much of the early material that the casual listener might hear as a reference to early roots ,is also new to the avid fan ,since much of it was not made public until now{i.e."into the sun"by the pack.)I like this version better since Marks vocals are more fluid and rich,also the Craig Frost contribution are a surprise to many since it was thought he was an unknown until the Pheonix album.The new songs are examples of how the band can adapt to changes in any decade;Horray is just the band showing off their instrumental flare (flight of the Pheonix).The more standout cut is definetly "pay attention to me",funky fhasers set on stun,the band rocks you in digital sound without a grey haired note in the metal mirror anywhere to be detected.These guys put the fun in funky years before it was a common denominator to "in concert" intimacy.Many of my friends who have heard "in the long run"have said that it is Mark Farners best on track vocal yet,i still hold on to the belief that "destitute and losin'"holds that distinction.Nonetheless it is an outstanding effort by an outstanding performer.This compilation is long overdue by Capitol and i hope that it finds it's way into the hearts of the young and old alike.I bought 2 and they aren't exactly the same.(more GFR surprises?)

Capitol Records started work on this Anthology Project back in early 97. And It was on again off again, do too layoffs at EMI, etc., Due to the very successful 2 1/2 year GFR tour (96-98) Capitol decided they had better get this set out. They Hired David Tebbs (A Huge GFR Fan) to head the project and he did a wonderful job. The remastering is wonderful the (Bong Rattling) bass of Mel Shcacher is right in your face the whole set, Mark Farner's Guitar is crisp and clean Don Brewer's (competent) drums are clear as a bell and the (wild shirtless) Vocals of Mark and Don are all clear and fantastic. (Parentheses from Homer Simpson) This anthology set, Called "Thirty Years Of Funk 1969-1999" is a Grand Funk Railroad fan's dream come true.

It comes in a Digi Pack which folds out into two and then four sections. It has a nice booklet (50 Pages) with many old and rear photo's and GFR's story. As it folds out into two it has the famous photo of GFR simi-nude in the hay with the American flags, from The We're An American Band album (these was the streaking days my friend in 73). The Didi pack then folds out again into four separate sections. The first section holds the booklet. And the next three sections each holds a CD. Each CD has a picture of band member's Mark Farner (Guitar, vocals, Keys and Harmonica), Don Brewer (Drums and Vocals) and Mel Schacher (bass) from the inside of the self titled GFR album called Grand Funk (known as the Red Album to GFR Fan's). And under each CD is a picture of each member on the 97-98 reunion tour. A very Nice packaging job I must say.

The set starts off with three songs from the pre GFR Pack days (1968) and all there of them rock. "Getting Into The Sun," "Can't Be Too Long," and "Got This Thing On The Move" all have a 60s feel along with a very heavy sound. These three songs just blow me away. Hear you see the foundations of the GFR Sound. The First disk also has the GFR favorites "Time Machine," "High On A Horse," "Mr. Limousine Driver," "Aimless Lady," "Mean Mistreater," "Paranoid" (live), and The Classic Mark Farner written and GFR signature song (along with We're An American Band) "I'm Your Captain/Closer to Home." The first disk caps off with a 16:30 minute version of "Inside Looking Out" (cover) Live, This version is real funky and innovative and will be a treat for all GFR Fan's. Also check out the introduction to the song, I'll just say it was a sign of the times.

The Second disk covers GFR from 71-73 and has the GFR covers of "Feelin' Alright," and "Gimme Shelter" Two real sledge Hammer versions of those classic songs. Then it moves into a beautiful songs from the Survival album called "I can feel him in the morning," which is a Simi religious and anti Vietnam war songs. Next is a previously unreleased songs called "I Can't Get Along With Society" it is another song with a political message (antiestablishment) in it, and it has a darn good guitar lick in it. The second disk moves on to GFR staples; "Upsetter," "Loneliness," "Trying To Get Away," Walk Like A Man," "Creepin," "To Get Back In," and The Classic Don Brewer written song and number one hit "We're An American Band." It also includes two unreleased songs from the We're An American Band secessions called "Hooray" and "The End" and both Rock hard. Don Brewer Carries the Vocal on both of these Songs. Last on the second CD is "Destitute and Losin," The B-side from the Locomotion Single. This is another Hard Rocker from GFR, I was always surprised that it was left off of the Shinin' On Album.

Disc three features songs from the Shinin' On Period (73) to the present. This disk has the GFR Hit's; "Shinin' On," "The Loco-Motion," (cover) "Some Kind Of Wonderful" (Cover) "Bad Time," "Footstompin Music," (Live) Rock N Roll Soul," (Live) "Heartbreaker," (Live) "Take me" and "Sally." Disk three also features some of the more obscure GFR songs such as "Love Is dyin" a very good rocker from the Born to Die Album; Can You Do It (Cover) Pass It Around, Cross Fire all from the Good Singin Good Playin Album. Queen Bee from the Heavy Metal Soundtrack & Grand Funk Lives Album and We Got To Get Out of This Place recorded live in Japan in 1982. Disk 3 conclude with three brand new GFR songs recorded in 96. "Pay Attention to Me" is a solid rocker, It has a very 90's sound combined with the classic GFR Sound. This song could definitely fit into today's mainstreem rock radio formats. The Next one is called "All I Do, and is a good pop song, its not real heavy and sounds a bit different then anything GFR has done before. Again I think it would fit in today's mainstream rock radio market. And the last song (and definitely not least) is called "In The Long Run." "In The Long Run" is a Beautiful song; Mark Farner does one of his best signing jobs ever on this one. I would say this song is from a kinder and gentler GFR. It is a mellow ballad with piano and orchestra (the Strings sound great). I predict that this one will go down as one of GFRs classics, and I predict you will be hearing this one on the radio so much you will get sick of it.

In conclusion Thirty Years Of Funk is a must have for every GFR fan, even for the casual fan. If your gonna get one GFR CD like a Hits get this one. You won't be sorry.

Rick Cappetto

RickDC@aol.com

OK, it's great that Capitol released this; it's about time we see more GFR on CD. Of the three CDs in the set, I'd say that the first and half of the second will satisfy true GFR fans. I was disappointed that there weren't more cuts from Phoenix (where Mark really showed great vocals) and the red album (Winter and My Soul is a glaring omission.) But hey, I had a great afternoon listening to most of it and reading the nicely done booklet.