Record Reviews
11 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | GRAHAM NASH ~ EARTH & SKY
MAGIC 3700139305003 (Barcode: 3700139305003) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2001
This is the third solo album by British singer / songwriter Graham NashFind albums by this artist, one of the greatest Classic Rock icons of all times. Nash maintained a more or less steady solo career in parallel to his activity as a member of Crosby & NashFind albums by this artist, Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist and Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original songs, all written (music and lyrics) by Nash with one song co-written with American singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Joe VitaleFind albums by this artist, who also plays on the album. The numerous musicians who took part in recording of the album include also bassist Tim DrummondFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Craig DoergeFind albums by this artist and guitarist David LindleyFind albums by this artist. David CrosbyFind albums by this artist plays guitar on one tune and sings backing vocals on two and Stephen StillFind albums by this artist plays guitar on one tune.
The album offers an excellent collection of typical Nash songs, based on wonderful melodic motifs and supported by intelligent and often politically oriented lyrics. The superb team of musicians creates a wonderful example of Classic Rock atmosphere, which by the time this album was released was almost completely abandoned by the music scene. The album is full of excellent instrumental performances and superb soloing, in addition to heartwrenching lead vocal parts by Nash himself.
In retrospect this is one of the strongest solo efforts by Nash and the fact that it is almost completely forgotten these days is a crying shame. It serves as a closing chapter of the 1970s for Nash´s solo career, which except for the relatively less important mid 1980s album "Innocent Eyes" will have to wake for more than a coupe of decades to flourish again.
For the many Nash fans, this forgotten gem is definitely worth to be revisited, although it is not easy to be found. Listening to it almost four decades after it was released was a joyful experience for me, which I recommend to all Classic Rock fans. They don´t make music like this any more and since the mold is almost lost, let´s keep this music alive as long as we can!
| | Updated: 18/11/2018Posted: 18/11/2018 | 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 ~ BROADCAST COLLECTION 1973-1979
SOUNDSTAGE 50 (Barcode: 5294162605028) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1979 Released: 2018
This archival Box Set collects live radio broadcasts by the great American singer / songwriter / guitarist Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist, captured over a period of six years during various concerts in the USA (and in one case in Cuba). The music includes mostly original songs by Stills, from either his solo albums or the albums he recorded with David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, Graham NashFind albums by this artist and Neil YoungFind albums by this artist. Surprisingly most of the music was recorded solo, with Stills singing and playing guitar, piano and harmonica. In some cases, he is accompanied by additional musicians, sadly not specified on the Box Set artwork.
These six CDs show Stills as a superb, charismatic performer, able to hold a huge crowd of listeners mesmerized by his performances. He also proves to be one of the greatest American Rock guitar players, a position criminally overlooked by both listeners and critics alike.
Of course Stills is also a superb songwriter and many of his songs are absolute Classic Rock anthems, covering a diverse spectrum of sub genres, from beautiful Soul ballads to Country, Rhythm And Blues and Rock. For people, like yours truly, who experienced this music as part of the Soundtrack of their Lives, this is an irresistible trip down memory lane, which boldly recaps why going to concerts used to be a life-changing experience.
With well over six hours of brilliant music and great vibe, this Box Set is definitely something every Stills fan the world over should enjoy immensely.
Side Note
Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time.
Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere.
The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners.
Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 21/06/2021 | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEPHEN STILLS ~ JUST ROLL TAPE
RHINO 081227997915 (Barcode: 081227997915) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2007
This is a wonderful album with archival material by the iconic American singer / guitarist / composer Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist. Stills recorded this material using some spare studio time following a recording session he played on, singing early versions of songs, some of which were destined to become anthems of his generation. He is completely alone in the studio with his acoustic guitar. The album includes twelve songs, eleven of which he wrote and one, the epic "Wooden Ships" he co-wrote with David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and Paul KantnerFind albums by this artist. The album also includes a bonus track, the source of which remains undisclosed. The original master tapes of these recordings were considered to be lost for decades and the fact we can listen to this music is a pure miracle.
At the time these songs were recorded Stills was playing the last gigs with the disintegrating Buffalo SpringfieldFind albums by this artist and obviously already planning the forthcoming super trio of Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist. Three of the songs present here would be part of the eponymous debut album by Crosby, Stills & Nash, others appeared on the first two solo albums by Stills and on his first album with his group ManassasFind albums by this artist. Other great demo material by Crosby, Stills & Nash can be heard on their great archival "DemosFind albums with this title" album.
This album shows Stills completely "naked" and as such emphasizes his enormous talent as a songwriter and performer. Although completely informal, this music is the sound of an era, where music stood at the centre of human Culture, not only as a symbol of Art, but also as a form of philosophical, social and political expression.
Side Note: Just a few months ago I had the pleasure to attend the Crosby, Stills & Nash concert in Rome. Hearing four thousand people singing along with the legends on stage was a deeply moving experience, and so was their timeless exquisite music.
| | Updated: 09/02/2016Posted: 09/02/2016 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Bonus Tracks 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 ~ LIVE AT SHEPHERD`S BUSH
RHINO 081227984694 (Barcode: 081227984694) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009
In 2015 I had the immense pleasure to catch a concert by Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist in Rome, which turned out to be one of the greatest musical experiences of my late life. It proved to me that talent knows no age limits and true Art overcomes the hurdles old age places in front of us all. For almost three hours Crosby, Stills & Nash took me back to the heyday of my youth via a music propelled time machine. I wept and laughed, sung along and joined the four thousand strong crowd in an ecstasy of nostalgia, but also in a feeling of togetherness that I can only remember as far back as the Woodstock days, where Crosby, Stills & Nash played their first gig together.
This album presents a solo concert by Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist, captured in 2008, which presents his life spanning career as a singer / songwriter from his early days with Buffalo SpringfieldFind albums by this artist, via Crosby, Stills & Nash (and Young), ManassasFind albums by this artist and his other endeavors. The concert includes fourteen songs, split into two sets: an acoustic and an electric set. The first set presents Stills completely solo just singing and playing his acoustic guitar, while the second set presents him playing the electric guitar and supported by keyboardist Todd CaldwellFind albums by this artist, bassist Kenny PassarelliFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe VitaleFind albums by this artist, all three also singing vocal harmonies. Stills wrote ten and co-wrote one (with Graham Nash) of the songs present here and three are by other songwriters. The album also includes a DVD with the same material.
Albums like these are often criticized by critics as nothing more than a "dinosaur experience", with the artists performing just crowd-pleasers and basically riding on waves of nostalgia. This album is nothing of the sort. Yes Stills performs some of his material that has gained him his legendary status, but he also proves that he is completely relevant today and his music simply does not expire with time. In fact there are very few contemporary music acts that can stand up to such artists as Stills, both as far as vitality and surely quality is concerned.
For the hordes of Stills fans (we are dying but we are still here) this is a must of course, but younger music lovers should also find this interesting, provided of course they have the ability to distinguish between music and the bullshit the media is brainwashing them with. I hope to catch these heroes of my youth live on stage again, even if I have to do it in a wheelchair.
| | Updated: 29/10/2016Posted: 29/10/2016 | CD+DVD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEPHEN STILLS ~ LIVE IN CONCERT
ROX VOX 1006 (Barcode: 5292317100626) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 2015
This is a live recording of two concerts by the iconic American singer / multi-instrumentalist / songwriter Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist, which were originally broadcast by the legendary radio show King Biscuit Flower Hour. The concerts were recorded just three months one after the other (October 1976 and January 1977), the first of which was recorded completely solo and the second in a trio setting with bassist George PerryFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe VitaleFind albums by this artist. Together the album presents nineteen songs, most of which were written by Stills, spanning his entire career to date and including material from the Buffalo SpringfieldFind albums by this artist, Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist and his solo albums.
The music showcases the extraordinary qualities of Stills as a singer, brilliant guitarist and of course seminal songwriter. These performances are significantly different from other available recordings of this material and therefore should be highly interesting to the many Stills fans and considering the fine sound quality of this material, it is absolutely worth investigating. It seems Stills is largely underappreciated and somewhat forgotten today, which is a great pity as in retrospect he surely is one of the brightest stars of American Classic Rock – and don´t you forget it!
Side Note
Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time.
Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere.
The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners.
Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!
| | Updated: 24/05/2019Posted: 24/05/2019 | CD 1 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 ~ STILLS / ILLEGAL STILLS / THOROUGHFARE GAP
BGO 748 (Barcode: 5017261207487) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1975 - 1978 Released: 2007
American singer / songwriter / guitarist and Rock icon Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist needs no introduction to any 1960s / 1970s music fan. His many landmark performances with the Buffalo SpringfieldFind albums by this artist, Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist and Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist are all milestones of Rock music and are widely known. However, his solo output in the years following the early 1970s peak of popularity is much lesser known and often sadly forgotten.
This album collects together three of his solo albums (the third, fourth and fifth studio albums) recorded in the mid to late 1970s for the ColumbiaFind albums on this label label, all of which have been out of print for ages. The cast of characters taking part in the recording reads like the who´s who of the US music scene at the time and Stills´ songwriting is as strong as ever.
Although these albums had limited commercial success, they are great examples of his abilities and remarkable talents, which surely deserve to be remembered. I haven´t listened to this music in ages and hearing it now, over 30 years later, not only brings back many memories, but also reaffirms Stills´ status as one of the most memorable American music makers of the 20th Century. Definitely worth investigating!
| | Updated: 21/01/2019Posted: | CD 2 Slipcase 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 |
|
