Customer Reviews

Thirty Years of Funk: 1969-1999

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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 Tedds (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 Locomotion," (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 (not from a great sounding recording). 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 softer GFR Sound. 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. And the last song (and definitely not least) is called "In The Long Run." "In The Long Run" is a Beautiful song; Maybe too pretty to be a GFR song. 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). All three of these new songs are really not great in comparison to the rest of the Anthology; But there not bad.

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

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 !!

First there are the "Pack" songs, which show a harder-edged variation on the Young Rascals. Then, the best version (in my opinion)--the blues-metal colleagues of such outfits as Mountain, Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Finally, the singles-oriented band who gave us "Footstompin' Music", "Some Kind Of Wonderful" and the nostalgic "Loco-Motion" with Craig Frost on keyboards (back then, I hadn't known Frost had been with them during the "Pack" period). Critics savaged this outfit bigtime, not knowing any more than the band themselves knew back then that they were just ahead of their time. As in "pre-grunge". Fans of bands like Pearl Jam should grab something by this outfit--they'll discover that it's been done before, and just as good.

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 long, anticipated 3 CD set (should've been 4 CDs) gives a good account of the bands' history. (It would've been more thorough with 4 CDs). You can see my only pan of this well produced and put together project.

It starts out with the young picture of Mark Farner, the icon and lead singer/guitarist of the group embossed on CD 1, songs from the very early stages of the band. Not even called Grand Funk Railroad, or just Grand Funk for that matter. They were called Terry Knight and the pack or just the Pack. This band had Mark Farner and Don Brewer as members. Mel Schacher the renowned bass player was not a member yet.

The first 3 songs, "Getting into the Sun", "Can't be Too Long" and "Got this thing on the Move" are primitive compared to songs done later by the band, and in the case of "Getting Into the Sun" much slower since the better known live version of this song really rocks! The searing guitar solo is not as sophisticated as other artists, but what it lacks in talent it makes up in energy.

"Time Machine" was the first single released by the band, back when singles really meant something. It's a bluesy fun song with a great beat and a harmonica solo that would make John Popper sit up and take notice.

The disk ends with a couple more studio-recorded songs, "Mr. Limousine Driver" and "High on a Horse" both a bit adolescent, but that's what these guys were barely out of at the time. After that though three great songs from the best live album ever recorded (in my humble opinion) "Are you Ready", "Paranoid" and "Inside Looking Out" (not off the Live album, but done live all the same). This 15-minute plus song rocks from the beginning to end and I have not gotten tired of it yet. This song alone is worth the price of this 3 CD set (should've been 4 CDs).

On CD 2 with the best darn drummer in the world, Don Brewer pictured on it starts out with "Feelin' Alright", "Gimme Shelter" (I'll take their version over the stones any day) and "I can feel him in the Morning" a soft dreamy song protesting the war, with an intro both kind of hokey and haunting at the same time. These three songs were on the bands album, Survival. The next song, "Can't get along with Society" was recorded for Survival, but left off because it didn't quite fit, and it didn't. The CD continues with "Upsetter" a rocker from "E Pluribus Funk" (the best studio album by this band) and "Loneliness". Farner sings with a cry in his voice, of the terrors we reap on the land. The song ends with a rockin' orchestra (yes, orchestra complete with violins, flutes, the works) playing along with the rockin' band. This song was ambitious for the time, and still holds up today. It has even been compared to the early Moody Blues in how it worked rock with classical music.

The CD continues with a song from Phoenix, the bands' comeback album after dumping long time friend and producer Terry Knight. This is the only album the band produced and it showed. The song "Tryin' to Get Away" was one of the better songs from this album. The next three songs, "Walk like a Man", the well sung "Creepin'" and the showstopper, "We're and American Band" are highlights of the "We're American Band" album. "Hooray" was recorded for WAAB but left off maybe because of time on the album. It's a fun gem and I'm glad it was put on here, and so is "The End" a rough mean song, that maybe didn't fit in on this party album. It is though one of my favorite "never released" songs in this box set.

This CD ends with the song "Destitute and Losin'" left off the "Shinin' on" album. Very different for the band, but so was "Shinin' On". Very electric and polished.

CD 3, with the greatest bass player ever, Mel Schacher on the front starts out with the song "Shinin On'" an d continues with a few more songs from that album, and some of their bigger 'hits', "The Locomotion", "Some Kind of Wonderful" and a live version of "Bad Time". None of these are my favorites but they did chart high, and are crowd pleasers. It continues with "Footstompin' Music", "Rock n' Roll soul" and "Heartbreaker" done live (all from the Bosnia album).

"Take me", "Sally" and "Love is Dyin" are from the little known album "Born to Die". This is where I disagree with choices of songs. Keep "Love is Dyin"; put on "I fell for your Love" and get rid of "Take me" and "Sally" both are sub-standard of this really well done album.

"Can you Do it", "Pass it Around" and "Crossfire" are off the excellent album "Good Singin' good Playin'" produced by the late great Frank Zappa. "Crossfire" is the best here, with its social message and the great singing and guitar playing by Mark Farner, but the Brewer penned tune, "Pass it Around" is not bad either.

"Queen Bee" and "We gotta get out of this place" put out in the early 80's and without bass player Schacher I even question these songs being on the album. Neither was great even though "Queen Bee" made it to a movie sound track called "Heavy Metal".

The last three are 'never before released songs' recorded after the group got back together in the late 90's. They sound more like Farner's solo work songs to me then Grand Funk but I like them all the same. I like some of Farner's solo works too.

It's a good start.

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?)

This Anthology takes the Grandest Funk Fans on a wonderful "magical-memory lane" tour through Grand Funk's Musical "Life." You hear them go through the early youngster tunes into the Hard rock years. As they mature, their music "survives" and then takes you into the "fun" twilight years. The new tunes are a pleasure & do grow on you. Buy it, I assure you that you won't be disappointed.

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

Capital Records outdid themselves on this one. I've been a Grand Funk Railroad fan since 1970 when one of my best friends ran headlong through the neighborhood and to my house and dragged me back to his house and played the "On Time" album... I've bought everyone of their albums ever since. And throughout all of these years (30 of 'em) I've lived and breathed Grand Funk Railroad. Now, here comes the ultimate collection of the finest rock 'n roll music ever recorded. I work in the public service sector and have several employees under me. Mostly youngin's and a mixture of ethnic backgrounds... I gathered them around one day and turned them all on to GFR via "30 Years Of Funk" and would you know it? Each and every one of these kids got their own copy of the Anthology. We're talking kids that grew up on grunge, rap, you name it... Now I come into the office and you can hear the humming sounds of "Pay Attention To Me", "In The Long Run", "Heartbreaker", and of course, "Destitute 'n Losin'"... Most of these guys never had any idea before this as to who or what Grand Funk Railroad was... Now they know and they love it... And, it's much easier now to get good quality work out of my guys now that we "understand" each other... So, I would just like to say thanks to Mark, Don, and Mel for allowing me to have the best years of my life through the most difficult times. Their music shaped my lifestyle and showed me and others that I grew up with that being the underdog can only be appreciated by those who know your accomplishment the best... And they proved to millions of fans around the world that hard work and constant adaptation to their musical surroundings is all that matters in their quest to satisfy their loyal followers...

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.