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

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 Skynyrd's First Recordings Were Quite Good
When Lynyrd Skynyrd went down to Muscle Shoals to record with Jimmy Johnson, they were full of raw energy, which is what you'll hear on this album. The group hadn't fully honed its sound yet, but this is still an exceptional document of where the band was at in 1971-72. This album is a must-own.
Submitted by Adam (Suffern NY USA)
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 Skynyrd's First... to last
A brief history about these recordings (corrections of the Notes) After Larry Jungstrom (bass) called it quits and Bob Burns (drums) stepped back in late 1970, in came Greg Walker (bass) and Rick(y) Medlocke (drums, yessir) to take a chance. And how! Armed with a handful of demos (Quinvy studios, Sheffield, Alabama – 1991 CD box), Skynyrd is given by Jimmy Johnson (production, not guitar) a chance to literally “cross the street” and record at the Muscle Shoals studios, Sheffield, Alabama, from spring 1971 until June-July. They give it all they can, recording One More time, Lend A Helping Hand, Preacher’s Daughter (overdubbed around April, 1976 by Wayne Perkins on guitar, during Skynyrd’s “low” season –see band history), a stunning I Ain’t The One, Wino, Comin’ Home (overdubbed by Ed King on guitar and Billy Powell on keyboards in mid-1975 –see band history). After Medlocke and Walker leave in order to form the band Blackfoot (where Medlocke switches to guitar, successfully), Leon Wilkeson (bass) and Bob Burns (drums) come in to form the third line-up. Skynyrd at the beginning of the road to success. Skynyrd launches a second round of sessions in fall, 1971 in order to complete a prospective album. They record Gimme Three Steps (which will stay almost unchanged when released in 1973), Trust (an almost unchanged version will be recorded in November, 1975 and released in 1976, drummed by Artimus Pyle –see discography). This CD is A Must-Have… Remarkably, a good part of this Skynyrd’s First (augmented from the hurriedly released First… and Last from 1978 –see band discography & history) highlights the band as it was powered by Rick(y) Medlocke and Greg Walker – which is invaluable for whoever is interested in the band’s maturing and in the history of Southern rock in general. What would Skynyrd have become without Medlocke and Walker? Otherwise, the Muscle Shoals sessions produce early, raw versions (without keyboards yet) of Was I Right or Wrong, Free Bird, Simple Man, etc… which will be improved by the arrival of Billy Powell on keyboards in early 1973, under the direction of Al Kooper. Yes, This was Lynyrd Skynyrd. Pronounced?…
Submitted by Eric G. (France)
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 love skynard
Been a skynard fan since the mid 70's and when I heard this album it to me is a instant classic.Probably my favorite album.
Submitted by mitchnpat1983 (United States)
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 Lynyrd Skynyrd is fabulous!
Southern rock at it's best!
Submitted by Vickie (Englewood, Tennessee)
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 The best you'll hear
As for good raw honky tonk, it can't be beat.
Submitted by a reviewer (Newland, NC, USA)
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