Here’s a 2 disc retrospective of a band that unfairly slipped through the cracks of popularity. The band Continental Drifters consisted of Ray Ganucheau, Gary Eaton, Carlo Nuccio, Mark Walton, Peter Holsapple, Vicki Peterson and Susan Cowsill in various incarnations. Their sound was reminiscent of a mix between The Band and The Eagles, with rootsy blues and rock teamed with irresistible vocals in terms of solo voices and heavenly harmonies.
You get a country rock feel on material such as “Side Steppin’ The Fire” and rollicking work on material seemingly fit for Neil Young on “Green.” Nuccio’s got a great dusty voice and uses it well on “Match Made in Heaven.” Sounds similar to The Byrds or Burrito Brothers is felt on the live tunes like “You Don’t Miss Your Water” and Cowsill’s voice is a joy on their read of the Cajun-ish “Crescent City” as well as “Tighter, Tighter.” Why this band never reached the top tier is beyond me, as they can two step as well as anyone on “Mr. Everything” and can get funky on “No One Cares.” If music like it was from Big Pink is your thing, check out this collection.
Omnivore Recordings