Album 12 in Poco's long and consistent catalog, Rose of Cimarron is slightly less raunchy and less striking than the group's usual pastiche of rock, country and bluegrass. Paul Cotton's fondness for the I-IV chord change wears thin, as does his rather plain voice. (Drummer George Grantham should sing more.) On the other hand, Cotton's catchy "Too Many Nights Too Long" is one of the record's highlights. Pedal steel/guitar player Rusty Young, continuing to be more visible following Richie Furay's departure, contributes four cuts—his only weak spot is "Company's Comin'," the mindless gaiety of which sounds like a television jingle. Disappointingly, Timothy B. Schmit's two songs lack the inventive hooks that earmarked his past work. But Poco's high vocal harmonies and instrumental arrangements remain superb, and the four still relish additional players on nearly every tune—Al Garth's saxophone on "Starin' at the Sky" is a particularly pleasant, unexpected twist. (RS 217)

CHARLEY WALTERS