Record Reviews

CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG ~ 4 WAY STREET ATLANTIC 075678240829 (Barcode: 075678240829) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 1992 This is the first live album by the iconic Classic Rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist, recorded during the 1970 tour promoting their debut album "Déjà VuFind albums with this title". The four band members are accompanied by bassist Calvin SamuelsFind albums by this artist and drummer Johnny BarbataFind albums by this artist. The album was originally released as a double LP, with the first LP including acoustic performances in various configurations and the second LP including electric performances by the full band. When first released on CD (as a double CD) in 1992, the first CD was expanded to include four additional individual acoustic performances. Additional tracks recorded during this tour were later released on the "CSN (Box Set)Find albums with this title" compilation. The material includes songs from the debut album by the group as well as songs from the debut album by Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist. In addition songs from solo albums by all four members, which were still unrecorded or unreleased at that time, were also included. Despite the enormous tension and personal dispute between the band members, the performances are all perfectly executed, as expected. The acoustic and electric sides of the band´s "personality" are representative of their collective immense talent both as musicians and performers. In retrospect it is interesting to compare these youthful performances with the later renditions of the same songs in order to follow the development of these wonderful artists over the years and watch them gracefully getting mature and even old, without losing any of their talent or artistic integrity. For the numerous fans and followers of the group this is an essential piece of their legacy!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 21/01/2019

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM NASH ~ SONGS FOR BEGINNERS ATLANTIC 081227977078 (Barcode: 081227977078) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2011 This is the debut solo album by British singer / songwriter Graham NashFind albums by this artist, one of the 20th Century Classic Rock icons, who is still active today. After a glorious career in the UK as a member of the legendary group The HolliesFind albums by this artist, Nash moved to the USA to join David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist (and later Neil YoungFind albums by this artist) to form one of the most influential Classic Rock bands in history: Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist (and Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist). Nash was decisively the catalyst and bonding element of these bands, with his British Cultural background, lyricism and superb feel of vocal harmony, as well as his personal manners and attitude, which was often in complete contrast to his American partners. This album was recorded in wake of the success of the CSN&Y debut album "Déjà VuFind albums with this title" released in 1970, which prompted all four members of the band to release solo albums, all of which were superb pieces of musical ingenuity. In retrospect, however, this album and David Crosby´s "If I Could Only Remember My NameFind albums with this title" stand out as icons of the era. The album presents eleven original songs, all written (music and lyrics) by Nash, except for one which was co-written with the British guitarist Terry ReidFind albums by this artist, an old friend and partner. Nash is supported by a formidable team of musicians, which includes vocalist Rita CoolidgeFind albums by this artist, Jerry GarciaFind albums by this artist, David Crosby and Dave MasonFind albums by this artist on guitars, Neil Young on piano, Bobby KeysFind albums by this artist on saxophone, bassist Calvin SamuelsFind albums by this artist and Phil LeshFind albums by this artist, drummers John BarbataFind albums by this artist and Dallas TaylorFind albums by this artist and numerous others. The songs exemplify not only his exceptional harmonic and melodic qualities but also his social awareness, which is strongly present in the fabric of the lyrics, many of which would become an integral part of the protest songs sung by the young generation in the early 1970s, when lyrics were meaningful and could move mountains. In retrospect this album is one of the absolute top achievements of the Classic Rock era, and remains completely relevant today, not losing an iota of its splendor and power over time. Almost half a Century after this music was created, it is still fresh, moving and exceedingly beautiful. How sad that nobody makes music like this any more…

Updated: 09/09/2018Posted: 09/09/2018

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

STEPHEN STILLS ~ STEPHEN STILLS ATLANTIC 075678280924 (Barcode: 075678280924) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 1995 This is the debut album by American singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist and one of the greatest icons of American Classic Rock, Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist. Released alongside the solo albums by his fellow members of Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist, which were recorded following the release of their debut "Déjà VuFind albums with this title" album, where each of the four musicians emphasized his personal preferences and stylistic idiosyncrasies. Although Stills plays many different instruments on the album and sings the lead vocals, he is supported by what seems to be a who´s who gathering of the Classic Rock icons, including John SebastianFind albums by this artist, David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and Graham NashFind albums by this artist on vocals, guitarists Jimmy HendrixFind albums by this artist and Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, drummers Ringo StarrFind albums by this artist and Dallas TaylorFind albums by this artist, bassists Calvin SamuelsFind albums by this artist and many others. The album presents ten original songs, all by Stills, many of which remain to shine brightly fifty years later as timeless Classic Rock anthems. Stylistically Stills continues the Buffalo SpringfieldFind albums by this artist songwriting tradition as well as developing new ventures into Classic Rock balladry and embraces social awareness as one of his main themes. Although received relatively coldly at the time of its release, Stills and this album proved the critics and to some extent the fans wrong, as this material grew stronger in time, serving as a painful contrast to songwriting, which followed later on. Stills´ unique talent to combine the electric guitar with great melody lines remains sadly unparalleled over the years. The album offers an incredible diversity, flirting with Rock, Jazz, Country, World Music and many other influences, which at the time were truly prophetic and ahead of their time. Stills simply refused to be boxed within the Pop / Rock boundaries, which made him one of the great heroes of the era. I can´t imagine any serious record collection that does not include a copy of this milestone album, way beyond the strict Classic Rock frame of reference. It still is one of the greatest American Rock albums of all times and it doesn´t look like this will change anytime in the foreseeable future. An absolute epic essential must have!

Updated: 28/03/2019Posted: 28/03/2019

CD 1 HDCD Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

STEPHEN STILLS ~ LIVE AT BERKELEY 1971 OMNIVORE 515 (Barcode: 810075113013) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2023 This is an archival live album by American singer / songwriter Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist, recorded on August 20 and 21, 1971 during the tour supporting Stills’ second solo album. with a stellar team of musicians, including bassist Calvin SamuelsFind albums by this artist, drummer Dallas TaylorFind albums by this artist and the legendary Memphis HornsFind albums by this artist. Lifetime friend David CrosbyFind albums by this artist joins Stills on two songs. The album presents fifteen tracks, almost all with songs written or co-written by Stills. The music includes acoustic material, which features Stills on guitar / piano and vocals, including the spine-chilling duets with Crosby, and also more electric Rock oriented material, which features the full band with the horns. Several songs from the Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist repertoire are naturally included as well. Stills is absolutely amazing as a guitarist and vocalist and his output over the years is obviously at the very top of American Rock achievements. He has very few competitors as far as writing brilliant songs, with intelligent lyrics, full of social awareness, which were the soundtrack of my generation. Not surprisingly, the music lost absolutely nothing of its strength and beauty over the time, and remains at the core of classic Rock. As uplifting as it is, it is also devastating, showing the tragic state of contemporary music, which completely “lost it” in time. Overall, this is a great document of the era, spotlighting the incredible talents of one of the greatest American Rock heroes, captured for posterity. It takes just one man with his acoustic guitar and incredible charisma to mesmerize thousands of people, no effects, electronics, auto-tuning and all the gadgetry that replaced talent over time. This is as good as music gets, no BS, and let’s not forget it.

Updated: 04/06/2023Posted: 04/06/2023

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

STEPHEN STILLS ~ STEPHEN STILLS 2 ATLANTIC 075678238925 (Barcode: 075678238925) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 1991 This is the second studio album by iconic American singer / guitarist / songwriter Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist. Following the release of the epic debut albums with Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist and Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist, Stills was the second member of these groups to release a solo album, and in his case two solo albums in rapid succession, his eponymous debut and this, its successor. He was supported on this album by bassist Calvin SamuelsFind albums by this artist and drummers Conrad IsidoreFind albums by this artist and Dallas TaylorFind albums by this artist, as well as several high profile guests like keyboardists Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist and Billy PrestonFind albums by this artist and guitarists Nils LofgrenFind albums by this artist, Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist and Jerry GarciaFind albums by this artist. David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and others sung backing vocals on some tracks and the famous Memphis HornsFind albums by this artist played brass arrangements on selected tracks. The album presents twelve original songs, all by Stills. Although coldly received by the critics at the time, in retrospect this album is a splendid collection of superbly crafted songs, which Stills has been weaving with great talent since his Buffalo SpringfieldFind albums by this artist days. His ability to amalgam American Country, Folk and Blues with Rock and even Latin Music enables him to create a versatile musical output matched only by a few other songwriters of his generation. In retrospect the album stands the test of time wonderfully, without losing any of its superb melodic sensitivities, sincerity and values. Stills might not be a highly sophisticated lyricist, but his honesty and straightforwardness are often more explicit and striking than complex lyrics created by his peers. Almost fifty years after this album was created, it still offers more music than most of the "music" created today, which of course is hardly surprising.

Updated: 31/07/2019Posted: 25/01/2019

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

STEPHEN STILLS / MANASSAS ~ MANASSAS ATLANTIC 075678280825 (Barcode: 075678280825) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 1996 This is the debut album by the short-lived excellent band ManassasFind albums by this artist led by legendary American Rock icon Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist which also included ex-ByrdsFind albums by this artist / Flying Burrito BrothersFind albums by this artist vocalist / guitarist Chris HillmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Al PerkinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Calvin SamuelsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Paul HarrisFind albums by this artist, drummer Dallas TaylorFind albums by this artist and percussionist Joe LalaFind albums by this artist. Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist bassist Bill WymanFind albums by this artist guests on several tracks. The original double LP album presents twenty one excellent songs, split across the four sides of the two LPs with a separate subtitle for each of the sides, all bar one written or co-written by Stills and superbly performed by the band. Stills emerges on the album not only as a first rate vocalist, guitarist and bandleader but primarily as a superb songwriter, cementing his status initiated as a member of Buffalo SpringfieldFind albums by this artist and Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist, where he already contributed some of his finest creations and his material featured on the two solo albums released before forming Manassas. Musically the album epitomizes the best of American Rock, which emerged from the amalgam of Blues, Folk and Country music with electric Rock And Roll. Plenty of heartfelt vocals, excellent vocal harmonies and surging guitar work supported by rock steady rhythm section were the ingredients of the irresistible formula that American Rock knew how to push to the max at the time. In retrospect this album is often considered as one of the top achievements of American Classic Rock in the 1970s, listed side by side such albums as Derek And The DominosFind albums by this artist masterpiece "Layla And Other Assorted Love SongsFind albums with this title". Dedicated to the great and prematurely dead American Rock Heroes: Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Al WilsonFind albums by this artist (of Canned HeatFind albums by this artist) and Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, Stills clearly defines his influences and pays tribute to the fallen victims of the demanding Rock careers. An essential piece of the American Classic Rock heritage, this album is a must in any serious Classic Rock collection and definitely worth to be re-discovered by the new generations of listeners.

Updated: 18/01/2019Posted: 18/01/2019

CD 1 HDCD Remastered Recommend To A Friend