Classic Masters (Grand Funk Railroad album)

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Classic Masters is a compilation album from Grand Funk Railroad. Released in 2002, it is one in a series by Capitol Records.

Classic Masters was intended to replace 1991's Capitol Collectors Series compilation, although track-wise they are identical except for one song. Both albums have 15 tracks, but Classic Masters includes "Take Me" whereas Collectors Series has "Inside Looking Out". The only other difference is the order of the tracks on the disc.

It's amazing to realize how enormously popular these Michigan rockers were in the early 70's. Popularity for Mark, Don & Mel meant blue collar appeal while the pop critics of the day hated them. The merits of anthems like "Were An American Band" Closer To Home" and the covers of "The Locomotion",Feeling Alright & "Gimmie Shelter" or obvious, but a best of collection like Classic Masters enables deeper appreciation of tracks like "Time Machine" "Shine On' & "Mean Mistreater" (the live track) & "Bad Time" the bands last charting single.

Classic Masters is 24-bit remastered whereas Collectors Series is credited as being mastered from the original stereo mixes. Classic Masters should be considered the better of the two CDs sound wise, but the Collectors Series does have better liner notes.

You can think of this CD as a sampler to the recently reissued/remastered Grand Funk catalogue on Capital.