Two Lane Highway

Zoo Freaks, get ready to cruise down the open road with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Two Lane Highway" by Pure Prairie League from their 1975 album of the same name. This country rock classic, written by lead guitarist Larry Goshorn, is a perfect anthem for road trips, with its driving rhythm and evocative lyrics. One fan on Amazon shared how they transferred the album to cassette in 1976, playing it on repeat during drives to Yosemite and the SF Bay Area, claiming it kept them awake after long partying weekends. The song’s infectious energy, fueled by stellar pedal steel from John David Call and guest appearances by Emmylou Harris on vocals and Johnny Gimble on fiddle, makes it a standout track that captures the spirit of freedom and adventure.

The recording of "Two Lane Highway" had its own journey, taking place across multiple studios, including Capitol Records in Hollywood, Record Plant in Los Angeles and Sausalito, and RCA Records in Nashville. The album also featured contributions from Chet Atkins and Don Felder of The Eagles, adding to its star power. A Discogs listing notes the 1975 vinyl release included a quadraphonic sound version, showcasing the band’s embrace of cutting-edge audio tech. Fans on Amazon rave about the vinyl’s superior sound quality compared to the digital CD, with one reviewer lamenting how the digital version lost some of the original’s warmth. The album’s iconic cover, featuring the band’s mascot "Sad Luke" illustrated by Bill Brown, has also won hearts, with one buyer noting how their cowboy friends, who perform charity shoot-outs, loved the artwork’s rugged Western vibe.

Pure Prairie League began in the mid-1960s in Southern Ohio as a group of friends jamming on cover tunes. Founded by singer-guitarist Craig Fuller, drummer Tom McGrail, and steel guitarist John David Call, all hailing from Waverly, Ohio, the band took its name from a fictional 19th-century temperance union in the 1939 Errol Flynn film Dodge City. McGrail came up with the quirky moniker, and it stuck. By 1970, they’d built a strong local following in Cincinnati, catching the eye of Cleveland-based rock promoter Roger Abramson. He signed them to a management deal and secured a contract with RCA Records. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1972, featured a Norman Rockwell-inspired cover of "Sad Luke," which became a recurring motif for the band. Despite critical praise, the album didn’t sell well, leading to lineup changes, but Fuller and new members like drummer Billy Hinds and bassist Michael Reilly pushed forward, recording their breakthrough album Bustin’ Out later that year.

The band’s persistence paid off with their 1975 album Two Lane Highway, which climbed to No. 24 on the Billboard charts, their highest-charting release. Over the years, Pure Prairie League has seen many lineup changes, with no single member staying for the entire ride, but John David Call remains a key figure in the current roster. They’ve influenced modern country rock acts like Keith Urban and Wilco, and their 2024 album Back on Track proves they’re still delivering their signature sound. Connect with the band on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates. Fans can also join the conversation on the Pure Prairie League Fan Club on Facebook or check out their merch and tour dates on their official website. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!