Grand Funk Railroad - In Need (1969)

November 13, 2018: I may feel the need to repeat myself here as this is the second video I have done from one of the best hard rock albums to end the 1960's and launch the start of the 1970's. I am speaking of the notorious Red Album by Grand Funk Railroad, released in December 1969. This LP is one of the pride and joys of my vinyl collection and as near perfect as albums get. "Paranoid" was the first track to get a lot of air play, entirely on FM radio. I recorded it to reel-to-reel tape and enjoyed it that way for a while, but curiosity eventually won out and I had to find out for myself what lie hidden behind that formidable-looking red and white album cover staring at me every time I found myself in the record section. To my delight, side one was largely a set of fabulous short rock and R&B songs like "Please Don't Worry" and "Mr. Limousine Driver." Side two was more progressive with only three tracks, two of which were "Winter and My Soul" and the aforementioned "Paranoid." But there was something special concluding both Side A and Side B, longer songs with fantastic lead guitar work, "In Need" and the cover of The Animals' "Inside Looking Out."

I found myself leaning more in the direction of liking "In Need" over "Inside Looking Out" for some reason, although technically both are about on par. I think "In Need" offers more variations though ... listening to the upbeat R&B beginning, which sounds much like some of the preceding tracks on Side A, you would never guess at the heavy "Paranoid" style ending complete with an unbelievably rapid acapella guitar solo. Nor the extended harmonica section prior to that either. Much to my surprise, actual live performances of "In Need" apparently do not exist, although there are many of "Inside Looking Out." I decided to put my synchronization talents to work and create a composite live performance of "In Need" from multiple sources, making it appear that Mark Farner is singing the lyrics (in many places his mouth actually does match the words perfectly rather than "sort of") and that the instruments are being played as prescribed by the music. Simulated synchronization is what I call it. Because the color and texture of each source is different, I applied a polarizing special effect to the performance as well. Hopefully this will be fun to watch.

[juanlamaupin]

Rock n roll is here to stay ❤❤❤❤😂😂😂😂🎉😮😊😊😊😊😊

[mariuszkosek]

To jest bajeczne, jeden z najlepszych zespołów na świecie, , ,

[billr]

HOF needs to be calling...I mean, what the Exact you know what?

[ColinAdlam]

The totally awesome In Need, GFR's finest moment!!!

[robertduggan]

In Need??? I'm In Need of More!!! Thanks G.F.R. Much love, Robert 😘💖

[MIKECNW]

Wonder why CL stations have ignored GFRRD's 1st year in existance?

[randyjackson]

First 8-track I ever bought was Mark, Don & Mel 1969-71. Still have it. Double box 2 tapes. Lots of great songs. And it still plays on my old 8 track players. Love GFR.

[phoenixgreen]

Great film clip. I do love 60's 'colour-separation' visuals! Thanks ☮