Country

Originally released in 1971 this forgotten gem is ripe for rediscovery. COUNTRY were originally a duo called Fondiler & Snow. Both Michael Fondiler and Tom Snow had already played with legends. Michael had been a member of the pre-SPIRIT bands The Red Roosters and Western Union whilst Tom had been an original member of Gram Parsons THE LIKE in 1965. With the addition of Michael's brother Steve, Bobby De Simone and Ian Espinoza they became COUNTRY and produced this marvellous album which holds similarities to James Taylor, Jackson Browne & Bread. Impressed by the band Peter Asher soon took over their leadership but despite recording another fine album their record label pulled the plug. Tom Snow stayed with Peter Asher for a solo career and later became a million selling songwriter for the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Little Feat, Bonnie Riatt, Cher... The list goes on and on. This Remastered album includes all original tracks including 5 bonus tracks that have never previously been released. One of these gems SYLVIE includes Lowell George on slide guitar. SPIRITS and JO JO GUNNE's Mark & Matt Andes also offer guest performances. Tom Snow tells COUNTRY's story in the extensive liner notes and recalls his days with Gram Parsons. Resurrection of lost 1970's country rock masterpiece-9/10 - Americana UK Review The music industry has it's higher share of injustices than many other industries and listening to this album it is impossible to escape the feeling that the listening public missed out on an act that just possibly could have eclipsed the creative output and success of the Eagles and many other country rock outfits of the early 70's. Originally released in 1971, this record sank without a trace at the time, but has now been resurrected and released by the fledgling Slipstream Records for whom this is their second release. A lot of thought and energy has been put into the production and background notes that accompany this release with the majority of comment from one of the co-founders of the group Tom Snow, who went on to have a thoroughly successful song writing career with tracks recorded by Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt to name just a few. So with that pedigree in mind it is of no surprise that here we have many fine tracks with on the themes of love, heartbreak and the like but all with that distinctive country rock feel of the age with traces of America, the aforementioned Eagles (albeit in their early mode) and CSNY. This was the one and only release from this five piece whose standard of musicianship and vocal harmonies throughout are commendable. There is even a guest appearance by Lowell George on slide guitar. Stand out tracks are Fine and Easy with less than oblique drug references, It's All The Same a downbeat but touching piece with a simple string and piano accompaniment and the epic tale behind Aragon Ballroom. Let's hope that Slipstream Records continue to turn the stones to find more such treasures.