The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken is the thirteenth studio album by REO Speedwagon, and was released in 1990.
It marked the end of their contract with Epic Records and is, to date, the last REO album to chart, peaking at No. 129 on the Billboard 200. The song "Love Is a Rock" reached No. 65 on Billboard's Hot 100, and "Live It Up" reached No. 6 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. "Go For Broke" was written for the film Days of Thunder but ultimately not used.
The album's title was taken directly from the cover illustration by Mark Ryden, as bassist Bruce Hall explained:25 Years Ago: REO Speedwagon Regroup With 'The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken
Following the departure of two long-time members, guitarist and songwriter Gary Richrath and drummer Alan Gratzer, more than half of the songs on this album were written or co-written by keyboardist Jesse Harms. It is also the first album to include guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt who remained with the band until their 2024 breakup, and currently tour with classic-era and longtime lead vocalist Kevin Cronin.
Track listing
Personnel REO Speedwagon Kevin Cronin – lead vocals, acoustic guitar Neal Doughty – Hammond organ Jesse Harms – keyboards, backing vocals Dave Amato – lead guitar, backing vocals Bruce Hall – bass Bryan Hitt – drums, percussion
Additional performers Steve Forman – percussion Debra Dobkin – backing vocals Beth Hooker – backing vocals Darlene Koldenhoven – backing vocals Janis Liebhart – backing vocals Andrea Robinson – backing vocals Machan Taylor – backing vocals Terry Wood – backing vocals
Production Kevin Cronin – producer Jesse Harms – producer Tom Lord-Alge – producer, recording (3–11), mixing Jim Scott – producer (1, 2), recording (1, 2) Julie Last – assistant engineer (1, 2) Steve Gallagher – assistant engineer (3–11) Mike Tacci – assistant engineer (3–11) Ted Jensen – mastering at Sterling Sound (New York City, New York). David Coleman – art direction, design Mark Ryden – illustration Dennis Keeley – photography
Charts
Album Chart (1990) Peakposition
Singles YearSingleChartPosition1990"Love Is a Rock"US Billboard Hot 10065US Mainstream Rock31Japanese Singles Chart53"Live It Up"US Mainstream Rock6Canadian RPM Singles Chart81
Release history Region Date Label Format Catalog # USA August 1990 Epic Records Stereo Vinyl E-45246 USA 1990 Epic Records Tape ET-45246 USA 1990 Epic Records CD EK45246
References
External links