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Running Like the Wind

The Marshall Tucker Band - Running Like the Wind Audio CD

A fair review of the The Marshall Tucker Band "Running Like the Wind" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all The Marshall Tucker Band reviews here, or go back to the The Marshall Tucker Band tabs.

Band: The Marshall Tucker Band
Title: Running Like the Wind
Rating:

Release Date: 2005-05-17
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Running Like the Wind 2: Last of the Singing Cowboys 3: Answer to Love 4: Unto These Hills 5: Melody Ann 6: My Best Friend 7: Pass It On

Marshall Tucker Fan
I hadn't heard these tunes for 20 years and as soon as I discovered this CD online, I had to have it! This is one of my favorite MTB albums, a great mixture of southern rock and contemporary sounds, with a little jazz thrown in. Going through my old albums, I ran across this one. Not your run-of-the-mill southern rocker, grind-it-out tunes; instead a great variety of tunes. . . tunes you'll be whistling the day away with.

Time sometime heals ...
. . and erases the youthful prejudices brought on by a sense of betrayal and loss. I vividly recall the times surrounding the release of "Running Like The Wind" and can now see that my rejection of this 1979 release was based more on those feelings than on the performances presented therein. Southern rock and Capricorn Records were facing an uphill battle during the disco era that was in full swing at this time. When MTB signed on with Warner Brothers my initial reaction was that they had sold out and had become part of the corporate music machine. My guess is that many others had the same thoughts as "Running Like The Wind" still could have been a monumental success had the original fan base simply given this release an unbiased listen.

There is much to like here as the songwriting and performances are mighty fine. Everyone is on their game including Doug Gray who consistently delivers top notch vocals on 6 of the 7 tracks. Tommy Caldwell steps up to the mic for the one remaining track, "Melody Ann", and delivers a warm, southern tribute to his special lady. This track has that "Where We All Belong" feel to it and would have fit in nicely on that album.

Harkening back to the formula used to kick off "A New Life", RLTW opens up with an extended, moody title track that clocks in at 9+ minutes and sets the bar high. "Last of the Singing Cowboys" comes next and is an outstanding story song that expands the boundaries of where MTB's western swing/jazz numbers had gone previously and would rarely reach again. No doubt Warner's input regarding the arrangement and production on this specific number transformed it into the big-time event it ends up becoming. Fortunately, Toy Caldwell punctuates the proceedings with his trademark licks leaving MTB's unmistakable brand permanently imbedded.

"Answer to Love" is the third track and features Doug Gray's vocals which are subtle and plaintive throughout until he delivers the powerful plea that concludes it. "Unto These Hills" comes next and is an extended workout where Toy shines and shares the spotlight with Jerry Eubanks. The aforementioned "Melody Ann" slides into to the fifth slot preceding another Warner influenced number, "My Best Friend". This high energy tune is given a full, west coast horn arrangement similar to what the Doobie Brothers had employed on their "Stampede" album (1975 WB). Toy really gets to cut loose on the tail end of this one. By contrast, the next track "Pass It On" is a return to basics and the more traditional MTB sound. This is another tune that would have fit well on any of the preceding Capricorn-era albums and closes the album out nicely.

I am certainly glad that I gave "Running Like The Wind" a fresh listen after all of these years. It showcases a different MTB sound that is very enjoyable and is a welcome addition to my music collection.
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Tucker still riding high..
I was a die hard tucker fan & at the time seen them in several live shows. I remember when this album came out. During this period having 8, 7 or even 6 songs on an album wasn't unusual. Even to this day I wish there were at least a couple more songs from this album. Since there were no radio play hits from RLTW people didn't know it. It surely didn't generate anyone new who had never heard of the MTB. I think that's why people didn't respond high to it. I think the title track was and is a great new turn for the band. It really shows of the talent of George, Toy & Jerry. I only wished they would have played it more in concert. "Falling In Love With My Best Friend" is a rocking little # that albums later on, you won't hear that passion. "Last Of The Singing Cowboys" is Tommys song. I think this is a great song that should have gotten air play.

Running Out of Wind
Unfortunately, I do believe that 'Together Forever' marked the high point of MTB discography, in all aspects. I am a die hard MTB fan, and honestly, went into listening to this LP with high hopes. With 'Together Forever' MTB had the cleanest sound, the best engineering, top notch production, phenominal guitar playing and songwriting by Toy Caldwell, and solid, skilled vocals by Doug Gray.

'Running Like the Wind' could easily have been titled 'Running Out of Wind' as Doug Gray's vocals are clearly not up to task. Whatever transpired between the two albums, something had taken a serious toll on the band. Toy Caldwells once prominent guitar is nearly missing entirely from the album, with only token appearances in a few tracks. Doug Grays vocals are wavering, thin, uncoordinated and hollow. the album is laden with horns that feel both out of place and contrived.

I say this with deep regret, this was the album that MTB should never have made. Compare this to ALL previous releases. Is this due to a new Producer, new label and a band that was becoming both musically, physically and mentally exhausted?

The Marshall Tucker Band was one of the best groups to come out of the 1970's and will always be on the top of my list. This 1979 release brought an immediate end to the MTB signature sound that we are all fond of. Perhaps for some this is welcome. For others, a sad closure.

I appreciate the 5 stars given by the previous 2 reviewers, but I fear the rating has been given out of (due) respect to Tommy, Toy and George. (RIP) MTB is a 5 star band. But this album was not.

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Marshall Tucker Join Warner Brothers In Style
Except for the jazz-funk abomination, "Last Of The Singing Cowboys", the album is great, and features numerous excellent songs. With RUNNING LIKE THE WIND, the Marshall Tucker Band joined Warner Brothers Records, and the results were great. This album shows that, contrary to popular belief, MTB did not lose it immediately after the jump to Warners.

You can see a complete list of all The Marshall Tucker Band discography, or go back to the The Marshall Tucker Band tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.