Pickin' Up the Pieces

As a foundational album of the emerging country-rock genre, Poco's 1969 debut 'Pickin' Up the Pieces' is built on Richie Furay's bright, optimistic songwriting, with several tracks originating from his tenure in Buffalo Springfield. The album's sound, guided by producer and guitarist Jim Messina, is defined by a blend of energetic instrumentals and tight, multipart vocal harmonies, all prominently featuring Rusty Young's pioneering steel guitar work. The sessions were marked by the abrupt departure of bassist Randy Meisner, whose lead vocals were subsequently re-recorded by drummer George Grantham, though his bass playing and backing vocals were retained in the final mix.