Wrong End of the Rainbow

Released in late 1970, Wrong End of the Rainbow represents a pivotal moment in Tom Rush's career where he leaned further into the emerging country rock sound. Following his self-titled 1970 release, this album features a sophisticated ensemble including David Bromberg on pedal steel and John Locke of Spirit on keys. The record is notable for its mix of well-chosen covers - including a definitive take on James Taylor's 'Sweet Baby James' and Jesse Winchester's 'Biloxi' - alongside Rush's own evocative compositions like 'Merrimack County'. Critics often cite this era of Rush's work as a blueprint for the Americana genre, blending traditional folk sensibilities with the rhythmic drive of rock and the emotional directness of country. The album reached #110 on the Billboard 200, cementing Rush's status as a tastemaker who helped bridge the gap between the Greenwich Village folk scene and the Southern California singer-songwriter movement.