Grand Funk Railroad Bosnia

Released October 22,1997-Review written October 23,1997

The Rolling Stone Album Guide offers the following description of the legendary rock band Grand Funk Railroad: "At its sweat-dripping best, the band emits a surging, elemental blast of hard-rock heat". I really was fortunate when I saw this band almost 25 years ago. Next to Emerson Lake and Palmer they are my favorite concert act. In the 70's Grand Funk Railroad was shunned by the critics because of their simple bluesy rock sound, but they won acclaim where it matters most....with the people. Well here it is 1997 and the red hot locomotive music machine is back on track with their new album BOSNIA. A double live CD on Capitol records, BOSNIA is a collection of classic Funk tunes including guest artists Peter Frampton, Alto Reed (sax player from the Silver Bullet Band), and Paul Shaffer conducting a 40 piece orchestra. Mark Farner, Mel Schacher, and Don Brewer are a powerhouse together and have never sounded so good. Play this one loud....IT KILLS! Comparing this to the band's 2 other live ventures "Live Album" and "Caught in the Act", BOSNIA really shines with quality and is no doubt the best of the lot. In fact, this may well be their greatest album ever! Mark Farner's voice and searing guitar cuts a delightfully entertaining path from start to finish, Mel Schacher's bass pounds out some nasty licks, and Don Brewer's drumming is the engine that keeps things moving. Some of the songs, like AIMLESS LADY and TIME MACHINE have never been recorded live before and are a real treat. The orchestrated I'M YOUR CAPTAIN/CLOSER TO HOME and LONELINESS are well coordinated with a good sound mix. What can I say?! This music kicks butt BIG TIME!! Not since FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE have I enjoyed a recorded concert of this type so much. For Funkheads (like me!) this is a must have CD. For non-Funk listeners, this is the one to have in your collection for an introduction. Highlights include, ARE YOU READY, FOOTSTOMPIN' MUSIC, INSIDE LOOKING OUT, WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND, BAD TIME and others.--- Tom McConica

Visit the Official Grand Funk Railroad Site

Recorded in April 1997 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan. Proceeds from the sale of each CD goes to a fund set up to give aid to the many orphans and children of war-torn Bosnia.

In case any Christians read this, Mark Farner has 3 great Contemporary Christian CD's JUST ANOTHER INJUSTICE, WAKE UP, and SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL all on Frontline Records.

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