Lynyrd Skynyrd Skynyrd's First: The Complete Muscle Shoals Album CD

To sample Lynyrd Skynyrd's true roots, the 1998 collection SKYNYRD'S FIRST goes back even further than their official debut release, 1973's PRONOUNCED LEH-NERD SKIN-NERD. Comprised of 17 tracks, SKYNYRD'S FIRST showcases early demos and outtakes that the band recorded prior to signing with MCA Records--when they were at their young and hungriest. While some of the tracks have already appeared on past releases (such as 1978's SKYNYRD'S FIRST AND LAST and their 1991 self-titled box set), longtime fans won't want to pass up having such great early versions of "Free Bird," "Simple Man," and the country-tinged "Seasons" on a single disc.

This 1998 reissue contains six bonus tracks.

Includes liner notes by Ron O' Brien.

Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Sheffield, Alabama.

Lynyrd Skynyrd includes: Rickey Medlocke (vocals, drums); Ronnie Van Zant, Tim Smith (vocals); Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Wayne Perkins, Jimmy Johnson (guitar); Billy Powell (piano); Ed King, Greg T. Walker, (bass); Bob Burns (drums).

Reissue producer: Ron O'Brien.

Engineers include: Jimmy R. Johnson, Gregg Hamm, Steve Melton.

Personnel: Ronnie Van Zant (vocals); Jimmy Johnson , Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Wayne Perkins (guitar); Ronnie Eades (saxophone); Billy Powell (piano); Randy McCormick (Mellotron); Rick Medlocke (drums, background vocals); Bob Burns (drums); Cassie Gaines, Leslie Hawkins, Jo Jo Billingsley, Leon Wilkeson, Tim Smith (background vocals).

Audio Remixer: Doug Schwartz.

Recording information: Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Sheffield, AL (1971-1972).

Photographers: Bob Johnson; Tommy Wright III.

RemasteredMojo (Publisher) (3/01/04, p.54) - Included in Mojo's The 67 Lost Albums You Must Own! - "[T]hey cut the definitive (though less famous) version of 'Freebird' during these sessions."