Unicorn-Blue Pine Trees (1974)

With a harmonious blend of folk and country rock, Unicorn was an excellent band that, in 1974, gained the approval of guitarist David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), who went on to produce their second album and even play sporadically on it and their next recording. This British group had been performing for several years under different names (The Senders, The Pink Bears, and The Late Edition) before settling on Unicorn. Signed to Transatlantic Records, they released their debut album, "Uphill All the Way", showcasing their distinctive style, which drew influences from American bands like America, Poco, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. A style heavily influenced by American musical roots, blended with the pastoral sounds of British folk, and complemented by harmonious vocals and refined melodies, made "Blue Pine Trees" and its follow-up, "Too Many Crooks", two little gems of the American country/folk rock genre that sadly went unnoticed. This second album features beautiful folk melodies such as "Autumn Wine," "Just Wanna Hold You", "The Farmer", "The Ballad of John and Julie", and "Blue Pine Trees", tracks that perfectly counterpoint the rhythmic country rock songs "Holland", "Nightingale Crescent", "In The Gym", "Volcano" and "Rat Race".