Record Reviews

DAVID CROSBY ~ IT`S ALL COMING BACK TO ME NOW... ATLANTIC 075678262029 (Barcode: 075678262029) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1993 Released: 1994 This is the first live album by the iconic American singer / songwriter David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, recorded in December 1993 during the tour promoting the studio album "Thousand RoadsFind albums with this title" released a few months earlier. Crosby is accompanied by a dreamy band, which features guitarist Jeff PevarFind albums by this artist, bassist James HutchinsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Michael FinniganFind albums by this artist and drummer Jody CortezFind albums by this artist. Two vocalists: Graham NashFind albums by this artist & Kipp LennonFind albums by this artist sing beautiful harmonies with Crosby on the last three tracks and Chris RobinsonFind albums by this artist sings lead and backing vocals on one track. The album presents ten songs, all written or co-written by Crosby, two of which are previously unrecorded and the rest originate from the first three solo albums by Crosby and the Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist and Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist debut albums. The album is of course an essential Classic Rock performance, with Crosby and the band being in superb form and the sound of the recording representing accurately what was happening on the stage. In a way it is a summary of the first phase of Crosby´s illustrious career, beautifully presenting both his songwriting and performing talents. This album was followed by two decades of silence, as far as Crosby´s solo recording career was concerned. Crosby was and still undoubtedly is a voice of his (and mine) generation, not only as a composer but also as a lyricist, who touches upon subjects mostly ignored by the entertainment industry. His social consciousness was one of the most prominent voices of its kind in America, and although the American Social revolution of the late 1960s failed miserably, his statements will remain as historical evidence that some people at least cared and tried. This music is absolutely timeless of course and it sounds today way better than the "musical" rubbish the world is drowning in. For Crosby followers this is an essential part of his legacy, but every Classic Rock fan should be able to enjoy this album in full!

Updated: 18/01/2019Posted: 26/10/2018

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DAVID CROSBY ~ KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR 707108800722 (Barcode: 707108800722) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1989 Released: 1996 This is the second live album by legendary American singer / songwriter David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, recorded during the tour promoting his second studio album "Oh Yes I CanFind albums with this title". It was recorded at The Tower Theater in Philadelphia, PA on April 8, 1989 but released only seven years later in 1996, which technically means it was in fact Crosby´s first live recording, but the second live release. Crosby was supported by a great group, which included guitarist Dan DugmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Michael FinniganFind albums by this artist, bassist Davey FarragherFind albums by this artist and drummer Jody CortezFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen songs spanning the first two solo albums and earlier recordings with Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist. Following his jail sentence in 1986 Crosby was finally clean from his drugs and alcohol addictions and was in absolute top form with his voice strong and clear and his personal life back on track. As a result his solo performances on this album are considered as some of his best ever. Crosby´s songs are among the most remarkable and revered anthems of the generation born after WWII and they managed to withstand the test of time leaving millions of other songs behind and forgotten. That great talent to weave heartbreaking ballads and ass-kicking rockers, always accompanied by straight to the heart lyrics is something that keeps Crosby among the great icons of our generation. This album is a Classic Rock gem and a must to all David Crosby many fans!

Updated: 19/01/2019Posted: 19/01/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

CROSBY, STILLS & NASH ~ AFTER THE STORM ATLANTIC 075678265426 (Barcode: 075678265426) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1994 Released: 1994 This is the fifth (and so far the last) studio album by the iconic Classic Rock trio Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist. This album celebrated the 25th Anniversary of their legendary debut album and its release was followed by extensive touring. Assisted by a plethora of guest musicians, like keyboardists Craig DoergeFind albums by this artist and Michael FinniganFind albums by this artist, bassist James HutchinsonFind albums by this artist, and also including two Stills´ children and son of the album´s producer, the trio managed to produce eleven splendid new songs, two by David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, four by Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist, three by Graham NashFind albums by this artist and two co-written by Crosby with Nash or Stills. The only song coming from outside the group is an adaptation of a BeatlesFind albums by this artist song. Although poorly received both by the critics and the fans at the time, the music is characterized by the usual amazing vocal harmonies, great melodies and superb instrumental work, which is as good anything they recorded earlier, but might have sounded dated by (then) contemporary listeners. Mature and more experienced, the trio members might have lost some of their spontaneity and edge, but definitely gained finesse and sensitivity, and most importantly depth. The lyrics remain powerful and meaningful, and are an integral part of the overall artistic delivery. In historical perspective this album sadly remains overshadowed by the early work of the trio and the fact that it was released at the time when Classic Rock was being pushed out by other (then) contemporary musical trends, which in time led to the annihilation of Rock Music at large. For the true fans and connoisseurs of the trio´s recorded works, this album is an absolute must of course.

Updated: 02/02/2019Posted: 02/02/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

CROSBY, STILLS & NASH ~ CSN ATLANTIC 075678265020 (Barcode: 075678265020) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 1994 This is the second studio album by the iconic Classic Rock trio Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist. During the eight years that separate the trio´s eponymous debut album and this sophomore release the trio members were involved in the quartet Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist recordings, solo recordings and the Crosby & NashFind albums by this artist duo recordings among other activities, but did not manage to record together as a trio, which of course caused this album to be highly anticipated at the time. Assisted by a plethora of guest musicians like drummers Joe VitaleFind albums by this artist and Russell KunkelFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Craig DoergeFind albums by this artist and Michael FinniganFind albums by this artist, bassist George PerryFind albums by this artist and even including a string section, the trio managed to produce twelve splendid new songs, three by David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, five by Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist and four by Graham NashFind albums by this artist, which stand up to the level of the material included on the legendary debut album. The music is characterized by the usual amazing vocal harmonies, great melodies and superb instrumental work, creating an instant classic, which in retrospect turned out to be the trio´s all time best selling album, outselling even the legendary debut. Mature and more experienced, the trio members might have lost some of their spontaneity and edge, but definitely gained finesse and sensitivity, and most importantly depth. The lyrics remain powerful and meaningful, and are an integral part of the overall artistic delivery. The four songs by Nash turn out to be the strongest songs on the album, especially so the epic "Cathedral", which is probably his strongest song written after leaving the Hollies. But all the songs on this album are up to par with the usual standard expected from these great Artists. In historical perspective this album sadly remains overshadowed by the early work of the trio and the fact that it was released at the time when Classic Rock was being pushed out by other (then) contemporary musical trends, which in time led to the annihilation of Rock Music at large. For the fans and connoisseurs of the trio´s recorded works, this album is an absolute must of course.

Updated: 25/01/2019Posted: 25/01/2019

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CROSBY, STILLS & NASH ~ LIVE IN L.A. IMMORTAL 8712177052240 (Barcode: 8712177052240) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1982 Released: 2007 This is a little known, although seemingly perfectly legal live album by the iconic Classic Rock group Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist recorded during their 1982 tour which promoted their third studio album "Daylight AgainFind albums with this title". They were accompanied by a great band which included guitarist Michael StergisFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Michael FinniganFind albums by this artist and James Newton HowardFind albums by this artist, bassist George PerryFind albums by this artist, drummer Joe VitaleFind albums by this artist and percussionist Efrain ToroFind albums by this artist. The shows were taped and filmed for a TV special on the Thanksgiving Day weekend in November 1982 at the New Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, CA and later released as a home video also entitled "Daylight Again". This 2CD album originates from the audio recordings and presents twenty one songs. Some of the songs included here were also included on the Crosby, Stills & Nash first formal live album "AlliesFind albums with this title" released in 1983. The trio and the band are in superb form and go through the material included on their three albums as well as material recorded by the Crosby & Nash duo and their solo albums. The superb vocal harmonies and excellent instrumental work turn this album into a classic display of the combined talents of these superbly gifted musicians that sounds as good decades later as it did at the time of its recording. Some of the songs included here don´t exist in live versions on any other recording by the group. In retrospect it is a wonderful document of the Crosby, Stills & Nash musical ingenuity, which has almost no equals in quality and class among their musical cohorts over the decades. With superb sound quality, top notch material and brilliant performances this album is a breeze of fresh air among contemporary clatter which is considered music by some people. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 19/01/2019Posted: 19/01/2019

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG ~ LOOKING FORWARD REPRISE 093624743620 (Barcode: 093624743620) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1997 - 1999 Released: 1999 This is the third (and so far the last) studio album by the iconic Classic Rock group Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist. The album was initially planned as the next Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist album, but at a later stage Young joined the trio and contributed his playing and material to turn this into a bona fide quartet album. The four singers / songwriters are supported by keyboardist Michael FinniganFind albums by this artist, bassist Donald DunnFind albums by this artist, drummer Joe VitaleFind albums by this artist, percussionist Joe LalaFind albums by this artist and several other guests. The album presents twelve songs, recorded over a period of almost three years between 1997 and 1999, all bar one written or co-written by the group members, with David CrosbyFind albums by this artist contributing two songs, Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist three songs, Graham NashFind albums by this artist two songs and Neil YoungFind albums by this artist four songs. The last song was written by guitarist Denny SarokinFind albums by this artist, who also plays on the album. Personal conflicts, ego wars and genuine problems prevented Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young from fulfilling their tremendous potential and the fact that they managed to record only three studio albums is a travesty. "Looking Forward" sadly did not become prophetic as far as the quartet was concerned, although they did play several tours as a quartet in the years that followed. If any other group wrote and recorded these twelve songs they would have been considered as excellent, but sadly in comparison to their glorious past these songs, which also suffered from the uneven production, sound somewhat pale and underachieved, which gave both the critics and even the faithful fans plenty of opportunity to bitch bitterly, although it performed better in the charts than its predecessor "American DreamFind albums with this title". To be fair, in retrospect the album is not that bad at all, surely not in comparison to what passes as music these days. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young did not loose their ability to compose superb melodies, write meaningful lyrics and sing sublime vocal harmonies, which can all be found on this album. The album sounds quite nice and surprisingly stands the test of time relatively well, especially so the David Crosby and Graham Nash songs, which are up to par with their usual classics. Overall this is perhaps not the greatest recording by these iconic musicians, but definitely an album worth to be remembered and re-visited periodically, making sure it is not forgotten.

Updated: 02/02/2019Posted: 02/02/2019

CD 1 HDCD Recommend To A Friend