Another great album reached 50 years!

Grand Funk Railroad was formed in Flint, Michigan in 1969, and already in June 1970 they released Closer To Home, their third album. It came after the debut On Time (August 69) and the even more popular self-titled Grand Funk “The Red Album” (December 69). Their 5 first albums was big success releases and several of them got nominations for gold. A popular and respected band for their time matching music, combined with the “arena rock” style, which made their music unique.

A kick starter for their successful start was their presence at the Atlanta International Pop Festival on Independence Day, 1969. Performing with big names like Canned Heat, Joe Cocker, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin.

In my opinion Closer To Home is a great and nuanced album. I like this mix of classic/hard/arena rock, in periods mixed with some of the psychedelic influence that was popular for rock bands at the time. I don’t have Closer To Home in my collection, unfortunately, at the moment I actually only have the later Shinin’ On from 1974 on vinyl. It will have to wait some years entering the list of 50 years releases.

Mark Farner – guitar, keyboards, vocals
Mel Schacher – bass guitar
Don Brewer – drums, vocals