Jonathan Edwards (1971) Athens County- LOST 70s GEMS

Jonathan Edwards' 1971 debut album was the peak of Folk rock's pop side; it's leaner and more melodic than the early Byrds or latter day CSN. Jesse should've been a hit on it's own right with a strong narrative about the namesake of the song, it's delivered in childlike, nursery rhythm with folk guitars and gentle piano touches and Edwards' earnest vocal at the centre navigating the trials and tribulations of the titular figure like a novel; it ends on a beautifully sung 'la la'. Emma is much the same with a similar vocal melody but it is a far more melodic with a soulful tunefulness and catchier chord progression. It was the B side to the political tinged folk ballad Sunshine which was the album's big hit, but the romantic devotion of Emma with it's country folk pop melodic-ism, it too could've been a hit; the ending wails of the pedal steel are a fine addition too. Cold Snow is another bright bluegrass tinged folk ballad with another tight, pop melody and echoes of Stephen Still's phrasing in Edwards' hippy-esque observations and hopeful, affirmative stance; here snow acts as positive imagery to 'cover all the ground' with the sky 'shining white' Athens County was written with Joe 'Shaddap yer face' Dolce ironically and while it bears a quirky country turn it is a simple tune; the chorus is pure country pop with the dulcet delivery of 'Sweeet Maria'; though the harmonica solo is a bitter intrusion to the song's fast paced beat. 

Dusty morning starts with a dark melody and rugged acoustic guitars as Jonathan Edwards's smooth Americana vocal seeps in, like the whole album it's strength is in it's arrangement; tight, circular melodies, smooth pop vocals and energetic shuffles. Everybody knows her is another of the album's Crosby Stills and Nash influenced numbers with it's hollow tenor, 'la la' vocals and earthy acoustic guitars set to a rock beat. The kickass beat drives the song with defiant refrains of 'she wants you back again, try her love again' sung with some rock n roll or folk styled detachment and a clean but rustic sound. But I will choose Athens County by the slimmest margin for standing just a little out form the rest with it's clean cut country folk rock perfection and wicked melodies.