Album review: BEFORE THE GOLD RUSH : An American Country Rock Anthology 1966-73 (3CD Boxset)

October 7th, 2026 by brianmc

Cherry Red [Release date : 16.10.26]

Another standout Cherry Red Anthology. One to add to an enjoyable series based on the storied history of American Rock.

Not so long ago, we reviewed I See You Live On Love Street (Music From Laurel Canyon 1967-75), and Can’t Seem To Come Down, (The American Sounds of 1968), both anthologies jampacked with tracks from well known (and indeed, lesser known and niche) US artists.

Why change a winning formula? This compilation repeats the 70 track / 3 CD format of its predecessors, adding a thick volume of annotated liner notes as part of the package.

In the late sixties, the demise of the San Francisco psychedelic scene and flower power movement led to a significant shift in the shape and form of popular music.

Canadian band, the…err, Band led this semi-revolution, trailing a brightly illuminated phalanx of country rock and roots-oriented Americana bands in its wake.

The best known are here: Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers.

But in that vanguard, you would need to include The Lovin Spoonful, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Michael Nesmith & The First National Band (credited by some journalists as the inventors of Americana), Crazy Horse (Neil Young’s band), Ry Cooder (slide supremo), Gene Clark, New Riders Of The Purple Sage, Poco and many more.

JD Souther’s ‘How Long’, is here. Written in 1969, and a huge influence on the Eagles, to the extent they eventually covered it on their ‘Long Road Out Of Eden’ album in 2007.

Another influential and much covered song, this one from Little Feat, is also here. Lifted from their seminal, self titled debut in 1969, ‘Willin’ was indisputably one of the greatest country/ rock songs ever, from one of the greatest country/ rock bands ever.

And of course ‘The Weight’.

Wikipedia : “In 1968, the original members of the Band recorded “The Weight”, an influential Southern folk song, with country music (vocals, guitars and drums) and gospel music (piano and organ) elements.”

Scottish rock band Nazareth took their name directly from the song’s opening lyric.
The song’s been covered by over a hundred artists.

Back to the opening trio.

The Byrds’ ‘Cowgirl In The Sand’, a cover of Neil Young’s falsetto classic; Buffalo Springfield’s ‘Hot Dusty Roads’, and the Flying Burrito Brothers’ ‘Hot Burrito, No.1’ are the headliners.

Arguably, ‘Hot Burrito…’ is the standout.

The story: David Crosby left the Byrds in 1967. He was replaced by THE Gram Parsons. First album together was Sweetheart Of The Rodeo, influential but a commercial flop.

McGuinn and Hillman then sacked Parsons. Hillman then left. Parsons and Hillman formed The Flying Burrito Brothers. It all got very incestuous, musically speaking. But in the end, it was worth it.

‘Hot Burrito No.1’ was the ‘Brothers’ first single. A mini masterpiece of groundbreaking country rock.

No one could put it better than Allmusic’s Mark Deming : “Parsons, one of the most intelligent artists and insightful enthusiasts the genre ever had, rarely mined the music’s melodramatic sorrow more deeply – and with greater effect – than he did with this song.”

Say no more. ****

Review by Brian McGowan

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Josh now hosts “Taerk’s Tracks” as part of the Singer Songwriter Sunday sequence on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.

This is the first show broadcast on 27 September. Josh presents some of his inspirational artists and tracks.

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 20 September 2026.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 September 2026

HARDCORE SUPERSTAR – Halo (Frontiers)
THUNDERMOTHER Bimbo Boost (Napalm Records)
ELYSION Dead Loves (Massacre Records)
CHRIS JOHNSON & THE HOLLYWOOD HILLBILLIES Till The End Of Time (Rustbelt Electric)
LAKE Ordinary People (indie)
CRASHING WAYWARD Bullet For Heart (Golden Robot Records)
DEAD POET SOCIETY Miami For The Weekend (Spinefarm)

Featured Albums w/c 28 September 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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