Review Buffalo Springfield- Again (1967) *** 1/2

album review

Catfish

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Classic Rock Album of the Day- Buffalo Springfield- Again (1967). *** 1/2

After panning the Captain Beyond Lp the other day, I wanted to kind of stay with the "Supergroup" concept a tad longer. And back in the late '60's there existed a "click" of folksy rocking mostly American groups and soloist who made a lot of music and sold a lot of records. Giving birth to the Singer/Songwriter genre. Several bands, including The Byrds, Crosby Stills, and Nash, Neil Young/Crazy Horse, Poco, Eagles, Loggins and Messina, and others, had roots or association with Buffalo Springfield.

The band only made 3 albums, but it was a nice run. The true creative center of the group of course was around the tandem of Neil Young and Stephen Stills. Incredible talent in just those two alone. The added guitar talent between the two was impressive too. But in the grand scheme of the world of singer/songwriting fellowship, itchy feet has always been the boon/curse. They tend to be a pretentious lot, and the spot light and egos are always and ever evident for friction. That is why with a few exceptions, these groups have mandated equity and the touchy egos are so evident here. That equal concept is so stark in that in "Again" there a 4 Stills songs, 3 by Young, and 3 by Richie Furay. I have a strong suspicion that that "evenness" was not an accident.

There weren't many choices for a Springfield review, since they only made 3 LP's. And between the 3, it was really a choice of the first 2. Their debut contains their best and most histro-iconic song of all with "For What It's Worth", which is one of the staples of any 1960's mix and a metaphor for the protests of the era. I personally liked the second album better due to Neil Young's increased contributions. What is also evident is the 3 worst songs on the album were Furay's additions. Middle 4 by Stills, and the best 3 by Young. Needless to say this might have been a 4 star or better if they had left the songwriting just to Young and Stills. And strangely Young's (And maybe Still's Bluebird) 3 are the best. Talk about a tiered album in terms of quality.

I mentioned earlier of the nature of ego problems, and this album famously is a poster child of that concept. After making the initial recording, each artist, over the next nine months did their own production, and the end product pieced together at the end. Chaos. By last and final album, they pretty much mailed in, just to meet contractual obligations, and it has plenty of filler. With all this drama, I am shocked that Neil Young joined C,S&N for an album a few years later. I guess not too many grudges persisted.

Fun Fact: Neil Young's band prior to Buffalo Springfield was called "The Mynah Birds". They never released an LP, but one of Young's band mates was Rick James.... Yes.... that Rick James of Funk Fame.

Side 1-
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Mr. Soul- Hardest rocking tune on the LP. Heavy, and almost psychedelic tinged fast, upbeat, and rocking. Young obviously has been given more latitude with this one and subsequent. He definitely has eclipsed Mr. Byrd, and I can imagine Stills didn't like that at all. Contains some of the albums best dueling guitar work. 3

A Child's Claim to Fame- Never seen such a contrast in songs, one to another. From Mr. Soul's acid rock barrage, to what seems to be a "keep a straight face" standard Country and Western" number. In C & W terms, it is not that bad, but I seriously doubt many there were many Buck Owens fans buying this album. 9

Everydays- Hodgepodged generically. And not that good at any of them. Still's weakest contribution. 7

Expecting to Fly- Celestial like, and done masterfully. Young's first foray into enigmatic singer songwriting that would propel later into his huge solo career. If this hadn't been recorded, I seriously doubt Harvest, and Heart of Gold would have ever been realized 2

Bluebird- By far Still's best contribution. Has that true 1960's vibe, and outside "For What It's Worth", maybe his most long lasting contribution. Great guitar work from Young and Stills. This one is about the only one that seems like a collaboration, instead of 3 songwriters working in a vacuum. Stephen Stills could absolutely shred an acoustic guitar. 4

Side 2-
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Hung Outside Down- Decent, but not a great rocker 6

Sad Memory- Sappy and pointless garbage. Remember the scene in Animal House when Blutarski smashes the guitar on the stairs? You get the picture. Richie should have left the songwriting to the big boys. 10

Good Time Boy- Now Furay does his best Mitch Ryder impression. the fact this is his best on the LP, is sad... really sad. 8

Rock and Roll Woman- I like this one, but the unevenness of it hinders the sound. The hard forced but effective chorus is a nice touch. 5

Broken Arrow- Masterful songwriting by Neil Young. My favorite of his pre- solo career. Great story telling. Great musical creation. His unique phrasing cutting in and out of 4/4 to 3/4 is amazing. Young starts the song with a redux of Mr. Soul, then takes the listener into a tour of the random and off beat, with Indian imagery. A theme he would use many times and effectively. This song is another cornerstone of the enigmatic and unpredictable career of Young. 1


 

dr wu

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Brilliant lp imo......all 3 by them are must haves for those into the country folk rock sound they helped to pioneer.
 

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