We're an American Band [Bonus Tracks] [Remaster]

Performer: Grand Funk Railroad
Engineer: Todd Rundgren
Producer: David K. Tedds; Shannon Ward; Todd Rundgren; Bryan Kelley; David K. Tedds (Reissue)
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: This is a limited edition "Album Replica" CD of WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND specially packaged to simulate the original LP design and a gold foil jacket, gatefold sleeve & 4 stickers. Grand Funk Railroad: Mark Farner (voclas, acoustic & electric guitars, electric piano, congas); Don Brewer (vocals, drums, percussion); Craig Frost (electric piano, organ, Clavinet, Moog synthesizer); Mel Schacher (bass). Recorded at Criteria Studios, Miami, Florida. Digitally remastered by Evren Goknar (1999, Capitol Mastering, Los Angeles, California). Grand Funk Railroad: Mark Farner (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, electric piano, congas); Don Brewer (vocals, drums, percussion); Craig Frost (electric piano, Clavinet, organ, Moog synthesizer); Mel Schacher (bass). Recorded at Criteria Studios, Miami, Florida. Originally released on Capitol (11207). Includes liner notes by Steve Roeser. All tracks have been digitally remastered. Personnel: Mark Farner (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, electric piano, congas); Don Brewer (vocals, drums, percussion); Craig Frost (electric piano, Clavinet, organ, Moog synthesizer). Audio Mixers: David K. Tedds; Jimmy Hoyson; John Hendrickson. Liner Note Author: Steve Roeser. Recording information: Criteria Studios, Miami, FL (06/12/1973-06/15/1973). Photographer: Lynn Goldsmith. Grand Funk's 1973 release, WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND, continued the band's winning streak. It's gone on to become one of their most popular albums. Slightly more pop-based than their previous work, the band plays as if it can do no wrong on this strong set. Produced by Todd Rundgren, the album spawned such gems as the rowdy and autobiographical title track, as well as such other highlights as "The Railroad," "Stop Looking Back," and "Ain't Got Nobody." Grand Funk's 1973 release, WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND, continued the band's winning streak. It's gone on to become one of their most popular albums. Slightly more pop-based than their previous work, the band plays as if it can do no wrong on this strong set. Produced by Todd Rundgren, the album spawned such gems as the rowdy and autobiographical title track, as well as such other highlights as "The Railroad," "Stop Looking Back," and "Ain't Got Nobody." Having made several changes in their business and musical efforts in 1972, Grand Funk Railroad made even more extensive ones in 1973, beginning with their name, which was officially truncated to "Grand Funk." And keyboardist Craig Frost, credited as a sideman on Phoenix, the previous album, was now a full-fledged bandmember, filling out the musical arrangements. The most notable change, however, came with the hiring of Todd Rundgren to produce the band's eighth album. Rundgren, a pop/rock artist in his own right, was also known for his producing abilities, and he gave Grand Funk exactly what they were looking for: We're an American Band sounded nothing like its muddy, plodding predecessors. Sonically, the record was sharp and detailed and the band's playing was far tighter and more accomplished. Most important, someone, whether the band or Rundgren, decided that gruff-voiced drummer Don Brewer should be employed as a lead singer as often as guitarist Mark Farner. Brewer also contributed more as a songwriter, and the results were immediate. The album's title song, an autobiographical account of life on the road written and sung by Brewer, was released in advance of the album and became a gold-selling number one hit, Grand Funk's first really successful single. Despite the band's previous popularity, for many, it must have been the first Grand Funk record they either heard or bought. Elsewhere on the album, Farner contributed his usual wailing vocals and guitar, singing of his heartfelt, if simpleminded, political concerns. But We're an American Band really belonged to Brewer and Rundgren, and its success constituted a redefinition of Grand Funk that came just in time. [The 2002 reissue adds two worthy outtakes (both previously released), an acoustic version of "Stop Lookin' Back," and a remix of the title song (both previously unreleased).] ~ William Ruhlmann

Homer Simpson may have captured the essence of Grand Funk Railroad in the SIMPSONS episode where he rhapsodizes about "Mark Farner's wild, shirtless lyrics, the bong-rattling bass of Mel Schacher," and yes, "the competent drum work of Don Brewer." Emerging from the industrial town of Flint, MI, Grand Funk were a workman-like "people's band." They turned the Cream power-trio format into a stadium filling, larger-than-life experience that made them one of the most popular live acts of the early '70s. Their early albums were filled with amped-up blues-rock, but towards the end of their initial tether, they scored hits with covers of soul tunes such as "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "The Locomotion." IRS troubles contributed to their breakup in the late-'70s, but Grand Funk reunited with a vengeance in the '90s.

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