Customer Reviews

All in Good Time

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's ironic that a band with such an organic sound should have such a convoluted history. Founding member Craig Fuller, whose song and vocal powered the band's emblematic hit, "Amie," had actually left the band (due to draft issues in the early'70s) before the single found success. During the same release-to-hit delay, the band had been dropped from RCA and subsequently re-signed. Several albums and line-up changes later, Fuller rejoined the band for a few years in the mid-80s, before once again departing - this time for a stint with a reformed Little Feat.

All that brings us to the current incarnation, which in 1998 brought Fuller back together with keyboardist Michael Conner (who joined in time for the band's 1972 LP, "Bustin' Out"), and bassist Mike Reilly (who joined just after "Bustin' Out" was completed). Also joining were guitarist Curtis Wright, multi-instrumentalist Fats Kaplin, and drummer Rick Schell. All but Conner, who passed away in 2004, appear here, and the sound is remarkably (and refreshingly) similar to the League's classic early albums.

The harmony-laden, acoustic-led country-rock might feel more nostalgic had the template laid down in the early '70s not had such a timeless appeal. The folk and country elements are still effervescent and heartfelt, and though the gently rocking edge emerged from less tense times than today, it still provides an energetic spark. Fuller's written an album full of memorable new works, pairing his talent with the likes of Ray Kennedy, Gary Scruggs, and Bill Lloyd. The opening pair of lost-love songs is a miniature arc of maturation, with the confident celebration of "Getting' Over You" giving way to the uncertainty and reconsideration of "I Sure Do Miss You Now."

Fuller's voice still has the same enchanting qualities that made "Amie" such a welcome radio staple. Together with Conner and Reilly, he's guided this new edition of the band back to its musical roots of country, blues and a touch of rock. Fuller's stint with Little Feat shows in tunes like "Nothing Like the Lonely," and though the album is leavened with 30 extra years of living, the freshness of the band's earliest years is retained. Fans of the band's original albums will be delighted by the new material, and those simply looking for an escape from Nashville's factory crossovers will find this throwback to country-rock's first uprising a welcome addition to their collection. 4-1/2 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2006 hyperbolium dot com]

THEN - Like many 70's music-lovers, I have always loved the Bustin' Out album and it's hit Amie, written and sung by Craig Fuller. I later discovered their incredible first album, and Craig's 3 projects with Eric Kaz from the late 70's (2 of them under the name American Flyer). When Craig turned up singing lead with Little Feat in 1988, I was ecstatic - and he did 3 great albums with them before going into semi-retirement in 1992. Amazingly, PPL was out on tour in 2005 with Craig Fuller back in front ! Saw them in Dallas and loved it.
NOW - Earlier this year (2006) I discovered that they had just released a new album !!!! It is truly a great return, and Craig's songwriting is incredible. Craig sounds great, whether on a rocker or a ballad. "Gettin' Over You" and "Don't Go Confessin' Your Love" are classics that will have you driving 90 MPH and singin' along if you don't watch out... Get this album and enjoy a great new dose of Pure Prairie League !

Back in '72 when everyone was listening in amazement to the explosion of groundbreaking new music from rising stars like the Allmans, Pink Floyd, the Who, Bowie, Zeppelin, Neil Young, etc., along comes (on the original FM 100 underground radio in Memphis) a country rock band that was embraced by the rock cogniscenti: Pure Prairie League. The 1st 2 albums were so remarkably good that many people I knew had one or both even though the rock world was dubious about most country oriented music. Unfortunately, band leader Craig Fuller's departure was a real letdown. Although the post Fuller albums and various lineups had their supporters, the departure of the main singer, songwriter, and guitarist --ironically coinciding with the radio breakout of "Amie"-- could not help but drastically change the flavor.
Recently when the first lp was finally re-released (on a single import cd paired with the 2nd album, Bustin' Out) I read about this brand new studio release with Craig returning to the lineup. Trust me, All in Good Time is just like 34 years never happened-- an excellent followup to the first two classics. Having listened to All in Good Time several times over the last few weeks I will just say this: it has exceeded my expectations. I enjoy a number of different styles of rock, jazz, folk, etc. and, frankly, country has been relatively low on my list; so for those who don't always love country, if you like Gram Parsons, Poco, the Dead's more country work, Jayhawks, Son Volt, or Wilco, you'll like this. Just buy it and get the first 2 while you're at it!
And finally, for the skeptical, it does not have that awful overproduced shellacked sound emanating these days from country radio or CMT.

All I can say is WOW! Like a few others who have posted, I'm one of those 70's guys that was instantly taken in by PPL when I first heard them. The big regret I had for this band was the limited air play they recieved in their "Bustin' Out" days. It seemed that everyone was playing "Amie", and that, to many ears, was PPL.
Now, with the latest, PPL is back and I couldn't be happier. Craig Fuller's "I Sure Do Miss You Now" is one of the best ballads on the album due to the great acoustic guitar work and harmonies. In my humble opinion, there isn't a bad song on the entire album, and it has taken top spot on my short list of favorite CD's in my collection.
Welcome back, Pure Prairie League...

Fans of country rock rejoice because this is your Disc! A must own to anyone whos been through the old eight tracks then scratched your old records only to go buy their music on CD! This band may sound better than ever and Craig Fuller and Curtis Wrights vocals shine through on every track. Its beyond me why this has not hit mainstream Country charts because its better than anything out there! A must add to your collection if you call yourself a country-rock fan.

Maybe It would be fun to see Wayne Gretzky back on the ice in an NHL-game, let's say 2015, BUT the chance that he be doing well is pretty small. In my opinion the same goes for Pure prairie leagues comeback CD All In Good Time.
For sure It's more than great to hear Craig Fuller again, BUT this album Is far away from the good old days. All In Good Time Is nothing else, more or less, than a piece of VERY ordinary modern Texas country. The band is doin a decent job, no question about that, BUT they sounds tired. The lyrics and the musical arrangements are flat. For me the songs just passes by without notice. Nothing of their catchy pedal-steelin high-ridin feelin is left. AND there's nothing wrong with that. Everybody's getting old, and changing style and direction, that's natural.
But, If you new to PPL, buy Pure prairie league/Bustin Out and listen to one of the greatest country-rock acts ever recorded!!!

As an earlier reviewer stated about the days of Led Zep Eagles etc I am from the same generation and I like most music genres. Traditional country is one my favourites though. This album is simply superb and I stumbled on it by looking for old country rock bands Osarks Purple sage etc. What great bands! This is such a feel good collection of upbeat country rock songs with a fabulous vocalist. Although it is labeled country rock it has such a feeling of outdoors sunshine highways american western life it puts the overproduced nonsense masquerading as todays country music to complete and utter shame.

If you miss Craig Fuller and/or Pure Prairie League, this CD is a must. Craig Fuller's talents are more than exceptional, and it has been way too long since we've heard from him.

Great CD. I am a long time PPL fan and this is the best they have ever done.

Yes, I was a big Craig Fuller fan all through the 70's, from PPL through American Flyer and his great album with Eric Kaz. I was excited to find and buy this recently - Craig reunited with his old PPL buddies! - but the actual music is really disappointing, slick, stereotypical Nashville country. From songwriting to arrangements. Especially the songwriting. OK, and the arrangements. Blech. Bustin' Out it ain't.

The only song I like is the only one that rebels a little against the formula, "The Price of Doing Business". Even it repeats the chorus once too often.

On the other hand, Craig's voice hasn't changed a bit.