VARIOUS ARTISTS - BEFORE THE GOLD RUSH AN AMERICAN COUNTRY ROCK ANTHOLOGY 1966-1973

3CD compilation chronicling the early days of the American country rock movement. Featuring key players Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds, and The Flying Burrito Brothers. 48-page booklet includes many obscure photos and the story behind each song. The American country rock genre wouldn't peak in commercial terms until the mid-1970s, when the likes of Linda Ronstadt and her old backing band, Eagles, smoothed out the musical rough edges to achieve huge mainstream success and inspire a whole host of like-minded singers and bands. Nevertheless, it's generally acknowledged that the genre's creative peak occurred in the second half of the 1960s and the early 1970s, when long-haired California hippie rock musicians rejected the peacock plumage of psychedelia to hijack the musical traditions of Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry, playing out their Old West cowboy/outlaw fantasies while also following the counter cultural desire to "get back to the garden". 'Before The Gold Rush' chronicles the early days of the North American country rock scene, from the pioneering efforts of established names like Rick Nelson, the Everly Brothers and Jerry Lee Lewis to a new wave of proto Americana acts that stretched from the Flying Burrito Brothers and Poco to rampant musical cross-pollinators like The Band and Little Feat. Featuring four hours of music across 76 tracks, 'Before The Gold Rush' is a fascinating look at some of the finest, most enduring sounds to emanate from rock music's most tumultuous era.

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