Crosby, Stills & Nash

One of my first album purchases. And there's a vague memory that it was actually a Christmas present from my parents.

It's been awhile since I've listened to it in its original format. You can still get lucky on the radio dial and pick up random selections from the record. Most of the songs became FM-radio staples back in the early 1970's. And most of the songs appeared years later in various greatest hits or other Crosby, Stills and Nash (and sometimes Young) compilations.

Their best album!! It still sounds great 45 years later. It doesn't seem possible ..... Closing in on half a century. Proud to say that I was there when the album initially came out. A teenager searching for great new sounds.

They came from The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and The Hollies. From here they branched out into CSNY, Crosby & Nash, Stills and Young, Manassas and everyone doing numerous solo projects. There were more great songs to follow. Also some forgettable stuff. This first group effort is strong through-out.

Tom Petty and Mudcrutch

Newly released .... The second studio album from Mudcrutch. Tom Petty's pre-Heartbreakers band. Sharing thoughts with the owner of my local record store this weekend .... We agreed that it sure was nice of Tom Petty and the other Heartbreakers who are involved, to take part in these Mudcrutch projects to assist the guys who didn't make it into Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, a little recognition.

And the music is pretty solid as well!! But then, that was never in doubt.

New Jayhawks!!

A new one from The Jayhawks!! Paging Mr. Proust. A little word association .... You say "Americana" or "Alternative-Country" and The Jayhawks are the first band that I think of. Another collection of great songs!! Guitars and vocal harmonies and the involvement of former R.E.M. members!

I'm not sure of my initial introduction to their music. Probably through my love of Son Volt's sound and the search for related music.

Always an emphasis on songwriting so there's never a danger of filler material.

On my short list for the best new releases of 2016.

Playing Roulette

A 2016 Record Store Day find. On ten-inch vinyl. Recorded in 1960. Part of my striving to be a John Coltrane completist though the actual music sure doesn't disappoint. He certainly was prolific in his relatively short time making music.