Customer Reviews

It'll Shine When It Shines

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The ozarks remain one of country rocks best kept secrets. Although the New Musical Express here in the UK described them as 'One of the finest bands of the '70's in any field' they are not well known - but they should be.

Hailing from Springfield, Missouri the band are amongst the most eclectic in rock, almost every band member wrote material, sang and played an array of instruments. Their harmonies certainly equalled the Eagles, and they could swing from a 'down at home' gospel bluegrass feel, to almost FM rock via melodic folk country onto more experimental arrangements (check out 'Colorado Song' on the first lp).

'It'll shine' is the ozarks second release and it's great it's now on CD. There was a trend for bands in the early 70's to get back to the country and this the ozarks did recording the material at guitarist Randle Chowning's ranch with Glynn Johns producing.

There is a real joy on this disc, of a band in tune with nature and each other playing to their strengths. Everyone will know Larry Lee's 'Jackie Blue' which was a big hit for the band and is good straight pop rock, but not representative of the rest of the material, although 'Look Away' and 'tidal wave' show the band can rock.

For me it's the lighter and roots material that make it. 'You made it right' with its southern gospel feel, 'Lowlands' with its magnificant harmonies and the slightly zany 'EE Lawson' typical of steve Cash's work.

The disc closes with the title track leaving on a sentimental, and uplifting note. This disc is waiting to be discovered by any serious music fan - give it a try.

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils were great! This is the best album/cd of one of the most underrated groups of the 1970s. They understood and played better "roots" music than others-- before it was "cool".