Mother Lode has a somewhat more fuller sound overall – one that's got bits of the western touches you might expect from the prospecting reference in the title – tunes that almost have a Deadwood way of echoing the past, but which come across with a much more 70s LA vibe overall. The setting's a good one to help Kenny Loggins avoid the pitfalls of cliche – and tracks include "Growin", "Be Free", "Changes", "Fever Dream", "Move On", and "Get A Hold". LP, Vinyl record album

... LP, Vinyl record album

... CD

A really great package, and one that shows all the cool criss-crossings of styles that we happening up in the hills of LA at the end of the 60s! The artists here are all part of the famous Laurel Canyon scene – a place where late folk, new psych, country rock, and other modes criss-crossed in loose social networks, music studios, and clubs – creating an array of sounds here that really might catch you by surprise! You'll know most of the artists within, but the presentation of them together makes for a very cool compilation – especially as the 3CD set begins with lesser-known early work, then tracks shifts in sounds and styles – moving into later years when the artists and sounds had shifted down into the Hollywood scene. At another level, the whole thing also just makes for a great evolution of Cali rock and pop over a few short years – presented with detailed notes on the artists, songs, and scene – with a set list of 72 tracks that includes work by The Turtles, Rick Nelson, Love, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Gentle Soul, Clear Light, Peanut Butter Conspiracy, Stephen Stills, JD Souther, Judee Sill, Crazy Horse, Nilsson, Ned Doheny, Leon Russell, Howdy Moon, Jo Mama, The Leaves, Byrds, MFQ, Steve Noonan, Barry McGuire, Holy Mackerel, Ruthann Friedman, Smokey Roberds, Susan Carter, Loggins & Messina, Gram Parsons, and many others! CD

With selections by Raspberries, Argent, Golden Earring, J Geils Band, Loggins & Messina, Hollies, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Foghat, Blues Image, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and David Essex. LP, Vinyl record album