Release Date: January
27, 2017
Label: Audio Fidelity
Their legacy continues with another Grand Funk classic
titled Shinin’ On. The label’s hybrid
SACD series endures with great success. Shinin’
On was originally released on vinyl with 3D glasses to view the ultra-cool
cover. This SACD version comes with the 3D glasses included! And yes, I did
have the LP version and it was one of my favorite albums. As a matter of fact,
I loved the entire GF catalog.
Grand Funk had the advantage of having two lead singers
with Mark Farner (guitar) and Don Brewer (drums). Mel Schacher (bass) and Craig
Frost (keyboards) were an integral part of the band as well, giving them a
layered full sound to accentuate the vocal styles of the two main voices. Frost
filled out their sound after the band had performed as a power trio for many
years. I appreciated the addition of keys, although I am sure some fans didn’t
but that’s the way it goes when changes are made with anything.
This was an excellent album in my estimation. It had the
signature Farner guitar licks that at times were cutting like a knife but this
was not the heavy Grand Funk Railroad of the past. This version of the band was
more modern and pop oriented with less blues influence. They continued with the same formula that
brought them so much success with the previous release We’re An American Band. Also the remake of big hit by Little Eva, “The
Loco-Motion,” was proof that the formula could work very successfully for the
band.
The entire idea of the SACD is to bring out sounds more to
the front so they pop out and grab you. That method has always worked well for
these ears. “Carry Me Through” was a good showpiece for that new-found sound.
Brewer was on lead vocals and the music was complex and progressive with a
multitude of Farner’s stinging leads inviting Brewer’s strong vocals to new
heights. Some of the other things I noticed more than ever before were the
subtleties of Frost’s keys interlaced throughout the track and his superb
command of his instrument. That factor certainly gave the band the proverbial
icing on the cake to their presentation. This element prevailed as the band
went from strength to strength throughout the recording.
The music on Shinin’
On was radio friendly and it still rocked, offering the best of both worlds
and it made for a fine record to spin at parties. I enjoyed it when it first
came out and I still do. Now in the SACD format I can appreciate this great
album even more.
4.5/5
Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
February 27, 2017
Founder of:
Review
Provided By Write A Music Review
Tracks:
1. Shinin' On
2. To Get Back In
3. The Loco-Motion
4. Carry Me Through
5. Please Me
6. Mr. Pretty Boy
7. Gettin' Over You
8. Little Johnny Hooker
Tracks:
1. Shinin' On
2. To Get Back In
3. The Loco-Motion
4. Carry Me Through
5. Please Me
6. Mr. Pretty Boy
7. Gettin' Over You
8. Little Johnny Hooker
