Pickin’ Up The Pieces – POCO****

Foreword/What A Day/Nobody’s Fool/Calico Lady/First Love/Make Me A Smile/Short Changed/Pickin’ Up The Pieces/Grand Junction/Oh Yeah/Just In Case It Happens Yes Indeed/Tomorrow/Consequently So Long

Pickin’ Up The Pieces was the debut album from the influential country rock group Poco, formed by former members of Buffalo Springfield and a future member of The Eagles. (US:63)

“The album consists of twelve simple, bright, happy and snappy short songs. The title song is a lovely and a lively ode to country music. There isn't a weak track as all four band members contribute to vocal duties. The band's early records are instantly and effortlessly likeable. However, for most rock fans it might be just too country.”

“Country rock bands like Buffalo Springfield and The Eagles get a lot of play while Poco seem to sit on the back shelf unknown to many. A great debut, but not the best I've heard. The music is well played but some of the songs are a little short.”

“This underrated and undersold debut is a brilliant example of the LA country rock scene at the time, and holds up perfectly today. The harmonies are beautiful and the playing is super tight.”

“Pickin' Up The Pieces is Poco's great debut album. Deftly blending country and rock, the album fell between the cracks, not fitting either radio format well enough to get much airplay. However, it foreshadowed much of the music that both formats would later embrace.”

“Pretty fantastic '60s country rock with some catchy melodies. Basically it reminds me of Buffalo Springfield meets Sweetheart Of The Rodeo. So if that sounds great to you, check this out. I don't think you will be disappointed. My only problem is that it gets more Nashville midway through the second side.”

“This album is literally a lazy afternoon on the porch picking a guitar and drinking lemonade. Extremely relaxing and pleasant on the ears. It's got those peppy moments too so it makes good travelling music as well.”

“This is an excellent debut by one of the best country-rock outfits. This is beautiful, simple, listenable stuff. Unlike a lot of their contemporaries who were obsessed with 'making statements' about the world, Poco elected to make enjoyable pop music.”