Great Rock Albums of 1981: Rossington/Collins- Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere

I first heard about Rossington/Collins when I was on my leave after returning from overseas after reading about them in a magazine article. The fact that they were made up of many ex Lynyrd Skynyrd members strengthened my desire to listen to their first album, which I did. While I wasn't disappointed with the album, I can't say that I was overly impressed with it either. Since I was going to post about it, I naturally gave it another listen the other evening. God, what a huge difference thirty odd years can make!

The question begs, "What did I think I was listening to all those years ago?" because this is a very good album. The opening track "Prime Time" quickly reminded me about all the things I still love about Lynyrd Skynyrd without sounding like a clone of them. Then there's the next track, the very blues-gospel sounding "Three Times As Bad" where lead singer Dale Krantz truly comes into her own. If the name sounds familiar, it is because she was one of Skynyrd's back up singers for many years. This lady has definitely not been given the respect she deserves as a vocalist.; not just with the one song but throughout the entire album. Also Gary Rossington and Allen Collins both show that they still know how to work a six string in the expert way we loved in their previous band and there are some magical moments from keyboardist Billy Powell. The tracks "Getaway" and "Misery Loves Company" bear true testimony of these facts and "Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere" goes out on a very big high with the guitars on the final track, "Sometimes You Can Put It Out." So, I ask myself again, what did I think I was listening too all those years ago?

Track Listing:

1. Prime Time

2. Three Times As Bad

3. Don't Misunderstand Me

4. One Good Man

5. Opportunity

6. Getaway

7. Winners and Losers

8. Misery Loves Company

9. Sometimes You Can Put It Out

[caption id="attachment_2147" align="aligncenter" width="275"] Rossington/Collins[/caption]

Dale Krantz- vocals

Gary Rossington- guitars

Allen Collins- guitars

Barry Lee Harwood- guitars

Billy Powell- keyboards

Leon Wilkeson- bass

Derek Bess- drums

I heard back in the time, that Rossington/Collins were excellent in concert too. Apparently, they would play the legendary "Freebird" but without vocals, only a spotlight shining down on a deserted microphone: a very fitting tribute to Ronnie Van Zant. Listening with a different set of years has its benefits because I can now fully enjoy this album in its full splendour. I wonder if that would work with a Duran Duran album. No, I don't think I'll try it.

Next post: 38 Special- Wild Eyed Southern Boys

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