Since yesterday’s post was focused on the Stills Young Band, today I decided to focus on the other two members of CSNY.
The original version of today’s song is from the Bryds and is one of David Crosby’s best songs with them. The cover is by his partner in crime Graham Nash. I don’t really know the story behind Graham’s cover, although I understand it is from a CSN studio archive tape. I think you will enjoy both takes but I admit that I am partial to the Byrds original with David on lead vocal. Let me know which version you like the best.
I should have subtitled this post Great Exit Lines:
As you probably know this was the title song from the 1976 album by the Stills Young band (a natural sub-group of CSNY given Stephen and Neil’s history as the dueling lead guitar players for Buffalo Springfield). What you may not know is that Neil Young left the band, totally unannounced, after only 9 of the planned dates of the tour supporting the album. Much to Stephen’s credit he soldiered on to complete the scheduled tour dates as a solo act. My favorite part of this story is the telegram that Neil sent Stephen to let him know that he was gone. The telegram said, and I quote,:
Dear Stephen, funny how some things that start spontaneously end that way. Eat a peach. Neil
I love Neil but this was over the top and way cold. Much more coming your way soon about Buffalo Springfield in the huge, multi-part, post that I am working on.
One final comment….for years I assumed that Neil wrote this song for Stephen but as you heard on the video, he wrote if for a car. So much for sentiment.
Leslie West, guitarist extraordinaire formerly of Mountain and the incredible power trio of West, Bruce, and Laing. From what I have read, Pete Townshend wanted to do the session without overdubs and Leslie was invited to play the second guitar part. I don’t know if this is true but I do know that this performance was amazing.
If this has whetted your appetite to hear more from Leslie, take a listen to this track from the first West, Bruce, and Laing album called Why Dontcha. The song starts kind of slow but don’t give up on it. After a short bluesy vocal by Jack Bruce, Leslie blows the roof off with some unbelievable power chording and a guitar solo to die for. Let me know what you think.
This is the first in a series of posts that will highlight classic rock songs that feature someone from outside the group sitting in. For this series I post the song on one day and identify who is sitting in the following day. I hope you enjoy the concept and maybe learn some interesting music history in the process.
This first post in the series features the Who performing Baby Don’t You Do It in a New York recording sessions that was scrapped leading up to what eventually became the classic album Who’s Next (there is a real interesting back story here that we will address in a future post…without giving the story away I will tell you that Who’s Next was released in an effort to salvage something out of a much bigger project that collapsed). The song was eventually released in 2003 as a bonus track in a Deluxe edition of Who’s Next. It’s a truly amazing performance by the entire band and by the musician that was sitting in on the session. The first time I heard the song my ears perked up because I immediately recognized the sound of the added musician. Take a listen and see if you recognize the sound as well.
The answer as to who was sitting in will be posted tomorrow.
Speaking of “Sittin In”, it is the name of Loggins and Messina’s first album. Much more about Loggins and Messina, why their first album was named “Sittin In”, and how the group came about is coming in the huge, multi-part series of posts that I am currently working on. As a bonus, enjoy this cut from the album.
A Poco classic from the Indian Summer album. This was quite a change-up from the 4 minute country rock masterpieces that they are better known for. Much more about Poco coming in a huge multi-part series of posts that I am currently working on. In the meantime, enjoy this bonus Poco track.
The biggest event in music this week, maybe this year, has to be South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. With 2,000 acts in just four days there is more music than anyone could possibly digest. In this post I am highlighting a few of the acts planned for this years festival that are new to me but that show incredible potential. Take a few minutes and give these acts a chance….I am sure you will find someone new that you like.
Sleeper Agent
Milagres
Shimmering Stars
Chappo
Milo Greene
Daughter
The Milk Carton Kids
Lost Lander
I am guessing that most of you are like me and will be unable to attend the festival. Luckily for us, National Public Radio will be at the festival to provide us with coverage. If you are interested I highly recommend that you check them out at the following link:
As you look around the NPR site be sure to take advantage of their free download of 71 MP3s from South by Southwest performers. As always, let me know what you think.
When I started this Blog my intent was to start a dialog with other people on the internet that share my love of music. In two short months I am happy to report that music lovers from 16 different countries have visited this blog; however, so far this has been a monologue. Please help start the dialog by contacting me and letting me know: what you think about the blog; what you think about specific blog posts; or topics that you would like to have me address in future posts. There are three ways that you can provide me with your input:
Use the comment feature at the end of each blog posts
Send an email message to: bestmusicyouhaveneverheard@gmail.com
Send a tweet to: musicnotheard
To kick things off, please read my blog post from yesterday and let me know the music releases so far in 2012 that have you the most excited. I will share the best feedback that I get in a future blog post.
Thanks again for reading my blog and thanks in advance for providing your input. I am working on some exciting new themes for upcoming posts that I think you will really enjoy so please check back often.
Here are a few things that you might have missed so far this year. If you give them a chance, I think you will find some new music that you like. My favorites are Kathleen Edwards, Snow Patrol, and Bruce Springsteen.
I have also include a couple of coming attractions for upcoming releases scheduled for the next couple of months.
1. Todd Snider, In Between Jobs (Album: Agnostic Hymns and Stoner Fables)
A hard, unblinking look at our country, as it exists today.
Bonus Todd Snider: Conservative Christian……
2. Alex Chilton, EMI Song (Album: The “1970” Session)
Alex between the Box Tops and Big Star. Enjoy!
3. The Cranberries, Tomorrow (Album: Roses)
The Cranberries are back….in a big way.
4. Kathleen Edwards, Change The Sheets (Album: Voyageur)
I have been a fan for years. With Justin Vernon of Bon Iver on board as producer, she has exceeded my expectations.
5. Jackson Browne, Love Minus Zero/No Limit (Album: Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan)
Jackson and Dylan….need I say more?
6. Snow Patrol, The Garden Rules (Album: Fallen Empires)
I love Snow Patrol. This album continues to grow on me.
7. Not An Airplane, Speak In (Album: It Could Just Be This Place)
Alt Country’s version of mini rock operas.
8. Bruce Springsteen, Shackled and Drawn (Album: Wrecking Ball)
Bruce holds up a mirror to the US in 2012. Why has this man not been appointed Poet Laureate?
9. The Jezabels, Endless Summer (Album: Prisoner)
An amazing US debut for The Jezabels!
10. Kevin Gordon, Colfax/Step In Time (Album: Gloryland)
I have been saving this one for a Long Song Tuesday post but Kevin deserves a shout out as one of the best so far in 2012.
Looking Forward To These In The Next Few Months
1. Alabama Shakes, How Many More Times (Album: Boys and Girls – April 10, 2012)
This group hits close to home…literally. This Led Zeppelin cover is not on their upcoming album but it provides an excellent introduction to the group.
2. Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Horse Back (Album: ???)
Do you sit around and worry that no one remembers the art of the jam? Rest easy…the Horse is back. I can’t wait for the new album.
3. The Temper Trap, Rabbit Hole (Album: The Temper Trap – June 5, 2012)
I have to be honest, this first track from the upcoming album by The Temper Trap was a disappointment to me. Still hoping the remaining songs on the new album will be as good as those on Conditions.
With no disrespect to Paul McCartney, I love the Faces 1972 cover of his first solo record. The cover serves to reminds us of: what a powerhouse the Faces were as a band; what a great musician/singer Ronnie Lane was; and what a tragedy it is that we lost him way too early to MS. Of course Rod’s performance is great as usual.
Speaking of losing Ronnie to MS, you might not be aware that Rod, Ronnie Word, and Jimmy Page paid his medical bills for years. Rod and Ronnie Wood also donated all of their Faces royalties to Ronnie once he got sick. Musician’s take care of their own and we all have to respect that. As always let me know that you think.
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