Of all the pioneering country-rock bands of the late '60s, Poco may well have been the one that got the hybrid the most right, at least initially. The group's high-energy, joyous, and infectious songs had none of the artfulness of the Byrds' attempt at fusing rock and country, and none of the cache of hipness that weighed down both the Eagles and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Poco just played and had fun in an unassuming way, at least at the outset, because latter-era Poco is every bit as laden with California cool as the above named bands. This release from England's Beat Goes On Records combines Poco's first two albums in a two-disc set, and it is an inspired (and obvious) pairing, catching the band at its freshest peak in the studio. Released in 1969, Pickin' Up the Pieces features Richie Furay's title track, a song that seems to be a comment on the breakup of Furay's previous band, Buffalo Springfield (or at least the demise of some kind of relationship), and it revels in the fresh new joy and freedom that comes with "picking up the pieces" and starting over. Another striking cut from the first album is pedal steel player Rusty Young's propulsive instrumental "Grand Junction," which grew to be a centerpiece of the group's live show. Poco, released in 1970, continues the joy with Furay's most Springfield-like Poco song, "Hurry Up," and an impossibly infectious song from Jim Messina, "You Better Think Twice." Deliverin', a concert album released in 1971, continued the bouncy, bubbling Poco sound, but the wheels started to change soon after, as Messina left the group and was replaced by Paul Cotton. Poco continued making fine albums, but the joyous energy of these first three albums dissipated somewhat and the band drifted toward the Eagles' model, which was less unique and innovative, but sold a whole lot better. ~ Steve Leggett

2023 release. 2021 CMA Female Vocalist and 2022 ACM Awards Female Artist of the Year, Carly Pearce has come a long way from the pain she felt writing 29. Filled only with happy tears, she looks ahead chronicling her critically-acclaimed and commercially-lauded album with 29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City). Heartache and determination continue to connect her with fans across the country who can relate, including special guests Lee Brice, Ashley McBryde, The Isaacs, Matthew West and Jenee Fleenor.

Track list
Diamondback
What He Didn't Do
Easy Going
Dear Miss Loretta
Next Girl
Should've Known Better
29
Never Wanted to Be That Girl
Your Drinkin', My Problem
Liability
Messy
Show Me Around
Day One
All the Whiskey in the World
Mean It This Time
Truth Be Told
Every Little Thing
Hide the Wine
I Hope You're Happy Now

2021 release. Carly Pearce expands her critically acclaimed 29 into the full-blown album/song cycle 29: Written In Stone. In classic Carly style, she captures the kind of true Country that's become the bellwether for the two-time ACM and CMA Awards winner, developing the straightforward emotions and classic sounds that have rapidly defined one of the genre's most important voices.

Track list
Diamondback
What He Didn't Do
Easy Going
Dear Miss Loretta
Next Girl
Should've Known Better
29
Never Wanted to Be That Girl
Your Drinkin', My Problem
Liability
Messy
Show Me Around
Day One
All the Whiskey in the World
Mean It This Time