Monday 3 July 2023

Mother Lode - LOGGINS & MESSINA***

Growin'/Be Free/Changes/Brighter Days/Time To Space/Lately My Love/Move On/Get A Hold/Keep Me In Mind/Fever Dream

The soft rock duo Loggins & Messina were at the peak of their popularity in the USA at the time of the release of Mother Lode. However they never charted in the UK where they were little known. (US:8)

“Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina produced some of the best smooth music of the 70s. Many tried and succeeded commercially, but few managed to also succeed artistically. This is probably my favourite album by them and the last really good one, as they went gradually downhill after this. The arrangements and production are impeccable as usual, the harmonies and songwriting are some of their best as well, with many beautiful complex orchestrations and refined song structures.”

“This record has a wonderful musicality, with very good musicians on diverse instruments that are put together nicely on well written songs. Jim Messina's soloing on guitar on Move On is very good and his mandolin on Be Free is a revelation with such fine picking.”

“All the songs are pleasant enough to listen to. A very easy listening feel to it, with nice music and vocals, but nothing to make it memorable.” “Loggins and Messina were part of the laid back 70s pop scene. The difference is that for the most part, these guys pulled it off pretty well. Loggins here does a fine job of singing, and only goes over the top a couple of times. The musicianship is undeniably good, and Messina was always an excellent producer.”

“My favourite Loggins and Messina album. This is not the sort of breezy pop music this duo is known for. Rather, Mother Lode features some complex, intricate instrumental passages that primarily showcase country instruments, but with an effect that is closer to world music, sometimes with a vaguely middle-eastern feel.”

“Their music never dies, it only gets better with the years. The Mother Lode LP in particular has some really awesome songs that you will become addicted to, and you will want to play it over and over again.”

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