by John DuffyThough its cover art and title allude to Legend (1978), Poco's only real blockbuster album and last of any true merit, Running Horse, reaches back no further than the group's last studio album, 1989's Legacy, a cobbled together reunion album produced in part by Richard Marx. The production on Running Horse is equally weak, tentative, and thin, with dated highly guitar tones and studio feel. Surprisingly little of founder Rusty Young's famous pedal steel work is evident, odd considering his prowess on that instrument helped introduce it to the non-country world (Greg Leisz bow down). It's as if the alt-country explosion of the mid-'90s never happened. With so many groups owing a debt to Poco, it's hard to understand why while listening to Running Horse. All that said, Young and guitarist Paul Cotton's songs display charming honesty and rich emotional depth, more so than most any mainstream country release could muster. "Every Time I Hear That Train" does feature some fine harmonies, but it's a pale glimpse. Even without a major-label deal and much technical support, they could have done much better. Little Feat alum Craig Fuller appears as a guest and co-writer.