We're an American Band

by Grand Funk Railroad

Overview

Having made several changes in their business and musical efforts in 1972, Grand Funk Railroad made even more extensive ones in 1973, beginning with their name, which was officially truncated to "Grand Funk." And keyboardist Craig Frost, credited as a sideman on Phoenix, the previous album, was now a full-fledged bandmember, filling out the musical arrangements. The most notable change, however, came with the hiring of Todd Rundgren to produce the band's eighth album. Rundgren, a pop/rock artist in his own right, was also known for his producing abilities, and he gave Grand Funk exactly what they were looking for: We're an American Band sounded nothing like its muddy, plodding predecessors. Sonically, the record was sharp and detailed and the band's playing was far tighter and more accomplished. Most important, someone, whether the band or Rundgren, decided that gruff-voiced drummer Don Brewer should be employed as a lead singer as often as guitarist Mark Farner. Brewer also contributed more as a songwriter, and the results were immediate. The album's title song, an autobiographical account of life on the road written and sung by Brewer, was released in advance of the album and became a gold-selling number one hit, Grand Funk's first really successful single. Despite the band's previous popularity, for many, it must have been the first Grand Funk record they either heard or bought. Elsewhere on the album, Farner contributed his usual wailing vocals and guitar, singing of his heartfelt, if simpleminded, political concerns. But We're an American Band really belonged to Brewer and Rundgren, and its success constituted a redefinition of Grand Funk that came just in time. [The 2002 reissue adds two worthy outtakes (both previously released), an acoustic version of "Stop Lookin' Back," and a remix of the title song (both previously unreleased).] ~ William Ruhlmann

Product Details

Release Date:	11/19/2002
Label:	Capitol/Emi Records / Capitol
UPC:	0724354172625
Rank:	35262

Tracks

1. We're an American Band
2. Stop Lookin' Back
3. Creepin'
4. Black Licorice
5. The Railroad
6. Ain't Got Nobody
7. Walk Like a Man (You Can Call Me Your Man)
8. Loneliest Rider
9. Hooray
10. The End
11. Stop Lookin' Back
12. We're an American Band

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Grand Funk Railroad   Primary Artist
Grand Funk   Primary Artist
Craig Frost   Moog Synthesizer,Organ,Clavinet,Piano (Electric)
Don Brewer   Percussion,Vocals,Drums
Mel Schacher   Vocals,Bass
Mark Farner   Guitar (Electric),Guitar (Acoustic),Piano (Electric),Keyboards,Harmonica,Congas,Guitar,Vocals

Technical Credits

Lynn Goldsmith   Design,Concept,Photography
Todd Rundgren   Producer,Engineer
Don Brewer   Composer
Jimmy Hoyson   Mixing
Seth Snyder   Assistant Engineer
Andrew Cavaliere   Design,Concept
John Hoernle   Art Direction
Bob Gaudio   Composer
Bob Crewe   Composer
Evren Goeknar   Remastering
David K. Tedds   Mixing
John Hendrickson   Mixing
Mark Farner   Composer