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Grand Funk Railroad - E Pluribus Funk, Survival, Phoenix, We’re An ...
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 E Pluribus Funk- On “E Pluribus Funk” Grand Funk embellished their music with keyboards more than ever before, keeping Mark Farner busy along with his other duties as the primary vocalist and lead guitar player. The political theme of their music stood in the forefront of their lyrics. “People, Let’s Stop The War” and “Save The Land” was a way of bringing attention to current events and a plea to protect our planet’s environment. “Footstompin’ Music” was a real rock boogie and it was an instant hit, which became a live staple at all of their shows. Their sound was getting more mature and intricate with the addition of the keyboards.
Besides the newly bolstered sound, four bonus tracks are the new addition to this album. By adding keyboards, their sound remained uncompromised. They were getting better and better. The crunch and power of the trio was as strong as ever. Don Brewer got the chance to become a better vocalist with more opportunities made available to take the lead role, and he thrived, as did his drumming. Mel continued to be a tower on strength on bass closing the circle for the rhythm section. For three people they sure knew how to make great music with a loud thundering sound.
All cranked up and ready to go, they effortlessly pumped out great music one album after another; this one was another masterpiece of rock energy harnessed. They were ready to invite excitement for anyone that would listen.
Survival- With a funky style guitar on the opener “Country Road,” GFR stepped back and reached back for their roots. Mark Farner plays some funky guitar licks on the opener “Country Road” and then keeps it rolling on the following track “All You Got Is Money.” It’s the kind of foot stompin’ head bopin’ blues and rhythm & blues inflected rock that everyone had become accustomed too. The previous release was somewhat of a departure of that and more pop oriented with the addition of the keyboards as more of main instrument.
Possible the group felt that they had lost some of their fan base by changing their sound and decided to revert to what got them to the top of the rock pile in the first place. I can only assume though. There is every indicator on the album that they decided to go with the metal trio as the foundation minus the keys. “Comfort Me” featured a rarely used acoustic guitar with Farner’s soaring vocals. Mark certainly was getting to be a stronger and stronger presence as a lead singer and his guitar playing was exemplary. They do a nice job with two covers, “Gimme Shelter” and “Feelin’ Alright.” Farner and Brewer share the vocals duties on “Gimme Shelter.” Farner rips off some awesome solos, and Mel’s bass is right out front thumping away leading the charge. There is a generous amount of bonus tracks on this disc, five, and they are all exceptional.
This was a step back to the “Closer To Home” sound, and it was wonderful and exciting to hear again. I have to say that I like it both ways, with and without keyboards. I think many listeners enjoyed the trio without the keyboards because of the rawness of their sound and the spitfire rock ‘n’ roll spirit that drove it all. There were more changes coming again with the next album, and the original GFR sound would become nothing more than a memory with the next album.
© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck |
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