The Sentenial

The Spinners' 2nd Time Around (1970) was actually their debut long-player for the short-lived V.I.P. subsidiary of Motown Records. The "Second Time" referred to in the title indicates the quintet's new direction, which was considerably funkier than the group's former R&B persona. The album likewise marked the final contributions of G.C. Cameron, who himself was the latest in a line of replacements that began when George W. Dixon made way for Edgar "Chico" Edwards in 1961. However, by the time the combo had become part of the Motown roster, Edwards' spot was filled by Cameron. The Stevie Wonder-penned "It's a Shame" became the Spinners' first Top 20 hit of the decade.

Formed in 1968 by departing Byrds Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, the Flying Burrito Brothers boasted a stellar lineup of talent during their first half-decade of incarnations, including the Eagles’ Bernie Leadon and pedal steel legend “Sneaky” Pete Kleinow. But by 1972, soon-to-be Firefall founder Rick Roberts needed to recruit virtually a whole new band to fulfill tour dates already contracted for the Burritos. Enter bluegrass fiddle player Byron Berline and guitarist Roger Bush of Country Gazette, plus others, for a concert recorded in Amsterdam in 1972. A double vinyl LP capturing this show was released in Europe in 1973 but was never picked up in the U.S. until now. Live in Amsterdam 1972 features an entire bluegrass set followed by a selection of country-rock standards including “Wild Horses”, “Sin City,” and ‘Christine's Tune.”