Pure Prairie League (1976) Sun Shone Lightly - LOST 70s GEMS

If the Shoe Fits..as the old adage goes and with Pure Prairie League the shoe seemingly fit for the band as the Larry Goshorn edition continued with two albums in 76, still trying to hold onto their initial success in some mall way whilst being more respectful of Traditional Country modes. The laidback melody of I Can Only Think of You has roll from line to another with ease in a Roy Orbison meets the warmth of the Eagles vibe, the rich earthy tones complement the back-beat drumming. Sun Shone Lightly is supremely luminescent tune with fresh lyricism in the world weary vocal lines and pinging arpeggios and rivals the Craig Fuller era. Long Cold Winter continues in more heartfelt slow country rock balladry with more clean electric arpeggios rooting the songs, Lucile Caulfield features a downbeat chorus that I love, but Aren't You Mine is a desperate plea dressed up in an aching vocal that cracks and drags out in the verses. It ends with the low key soulful ballad Goin Home and it is just as smooth and pop influenced as most of the album, this album was by far their best and most accessible so far, better then the Fuller years as they wisely sought more commercial success that had eluded them post-Fuller.