The Adventures of Panama Red (Columbia KC-32450, 1973) is widely regarded as New Riders of the Purple Sage's commercial and artistic peak, reaching #55 on the Billboard 200 and earning RIAA gold certification. With Garcia long departed, Buddy Cage (pedal steel) had solidified as the band's defining voice, his quicksilver runs the centerpiece of every track. The core lineup — John Dawson (guitar, vocals), David Nelson (guitar, vocals), Dave Torbert (bass), Spencer Dryden (drums), and Cage — was produced by Nashville veteran Norbert Putnam, giving the album tighter arrangements than any prior NRPS release. The title track became an FM radio staple; Buffy Sainte-Marie and Donna Jean Godchaux contribute backing vocals. The record distills the hippie-country-rock vision at its most focused and commercially successful.
Tracklist
- 1 Panama Red 2:46
- 2 It's Alright with Me 2:41
- 3 Lonesome L.A. Cowboy alt version 4:03
- 4 Important Exportin Man 2:25
- 5 One Too Many Stories 2:52
- 6 Kick In the Head 2:30
- 7 You Should Have Seen Me Runnin 3:00
- 8 Teardrops in My Eyes alt version 2:22
- 9 L.A. Lady 2:12
- 10 Thank the Day 2:22
- 11 Cement, Clay and Glass 2:33
