On Time [Original recording remastered, Import]

-People accuse Grand Funk Railroad of being a shallow group. I defend them by saying that as far as 1969 was concerned, this music was heavy, a heaviness only rivaled by British groups like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Mark Farner's guitar is many different voices: one moment it sings, the next moment it cries, the next in shouts in anger or joy (sometimes both). Critics seem to forget that Farner was playing both the lead and rhythm guitars on this album, which meant that he had to lay down tracks which were then overdubbed when the whole band played together. The overdubbing on this album is outstanding, especially when Farner also plays the piano and harmonica on Side 1.

-As far as Grand Funk Railroad albums go, the musical diversity is pretty damn good. Some songs have a splash of funk and R&B (Call Yourself a Man), others are classic twelve bar blues with a kick (Time Machine), others put a hard rock spin on meaningful folk lyrics (Anybody's Answer, Can't Be Too Long). The centerpiece however would have to be TNUC (it doesn't make much sense unless you spell it backwards), an eight and a half minute jam session that reaches an overwhelming crescendo of hot, tasty guitar licks, throbbing bass notes, and raw, savage drums. Folks, this is what rock is all about! The "jam session" idea was something very prevalent in Grand Funk's early work (they carried it over to The Red Album on songs like In Need), but on their debut album, they did it best!

-And speaking of TNUC, critics have also accused drummer Don Brewer of being an average musician. Well, do people ever criticize James Brown's drummer, or Jimi Hendrix's drummer? No. Some drummers just keep the rhythm, and Don Brewer is one of them. But that doesn't mean that he does not bring energy to rhythm. Critics better listen to "Ups and Downs" or "Into the Sun" again. Brewer's drumming might be the best thing about this album (which could be why he's the only one standing on the cover; he's wearing the red vest and holding the giant pocket watch). Besides, those who doubt his ability need only listen to TNUC: the main body of the song is a five minute drum solo that is actually good to listen to. Brewer beats those things senseless, and he keeps it up so long, his stamina is legendary!

Stylistically, the band was still evolving. But they actually knew what people wanted to hear, and they delivered. Unlike the modern music industry, where bands record what fat cats tell them to, Grand Funk Railroad recorded music from the heart. If you want to hear the band at their most savage and unrefined, then get "On Time." This album is so pure that it hurts!