Buffalo Springfield
Retrospective
Released: 1969
Members:
Stephen Stills-Guitar, Vocals
Ritchie Furay-Guitar, Vocals
Neil Young-Guitar, Vocals
Bruce Palmer-Bass(RIP 2004)
Dewey Martin-Drums
Track Order:
For What It's Worth
Mr. Soul
Sit Down, I Think I Love You
Kind Woman
Bluebird
On The Way Home
Nowadays Clancy Cant Even Sing
Broken Arrow
Rock And Roll Woman
I Am A Child
Go And Say Goodbye
Expecting To Fly
Information:
Though they are not commonly mentioned, Buffalo Springfield remain a legendary band. They accomplished more so much more in their short sprall as a band than what other bands couldn't do in a lifetime. The sound they made was unlike anyone had heard before. Stephen Stills voice combined with Neil Young's was a force to be reckoned with. Founded by Stephen Stills and Ritchie Furay on April 6, 1966, Neil Young, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin soon joined. They released their debut, self titled album in 1967. Buffalo Springfield was a breakthrough hit, scoring the most popular single they would have, "For What It's Worth". Later that year, the band performed at the renound Monterey Pop Festival alongside the Byrds' David Crosby. In 1968, Ritchie strayed away from the band to form his own group, Poco. Later in '68, Buffalo Springfield released their second album, "Last Time Around". Finally, on February 13, 1969, Retrospective is released as a greatest hits album. The album eventually reached one million sales and was certified platinum. After this successful, short-lived career, Buffalo Springfield disappeared but didn't exactly break up. The band still lies dormant.
For What It's Worth-5/5
This is one of the most famous political songs ever written. It immediately draws you in with its mysterious guitar and bass drum. The lyrics in this song are incredible, Stephen Stills at his best. I'm almost positive that everyone reading this review has heard this song before. It will remain a classic to Stephen Stills collection.
Mr. Soul-5/5
A catchy guitar riff lures you into this song, with seemingly angry lyrics being sung by Neil. Stephen harmonizes with him which brings so much to the sound of the song. The feel to the song is almost poppy, and it almost sounds like a Rolling Stones song. A necessity to the album.
Sit Down, I Think I Love You-4/5
This is a very poppy song, however, with references to drugs. An emotional, clean guitar riff is destroyed with the distorted soloing of a second. Nothing else stands out in this song besides the pure catchieness of itself. A good song, but nothing past that.
Kind Woman-5/5
This is one of the best and most emotional songs Ritchie Furay has ever written. This song makes you feel as if you're the last one in a late-night country bar. A spectacular piano and guitar solo in the background with heartfilled singing make this song a sad one at best.
Bluebird-5/5
A sudden change in emotion to this song is obvious. One the best acoustic guitar parts ever written is played perfectly by Stephen Stills. He also plays an amazing acoustic solo later in the song. Slow harmonizing lyrics last for about a minute until the instrumental part of the song. The song fades, then re-opens with a blaring banjo and one more line of lyrics. It will be your new favorite song.
On The Way Home-4/5
Another poppy, happy song. Bruce Palmer stands out in this song to me. He is a very underated bass player, proven by his interludes and solos in between lyrics. A dubbed orchestra is added to the song, along with a horn section. Nothing special here folks.
Nowadays Clancy Cant Even Sing-5/5
An emotional work of lyrics is brought to this song, some of Young's best. Electric and acoustic guitar almost duel in this song. An added marimba seems out of place in this song, but does it's job. A quiet harmonica inthe background sooths the song. Great title also.
Broken Arrow-5/5
This song is the albums epic, the definite peak. It's divided into three parts, the first seems to start as a recording from a live show. It breaks into a verse sung by the one and only Neil Young. The lyrics of this song are also a plus. The second part of the song starts with the droning sound of a circus tune, then again, breaks into a verse. The song starts to build up at this point with an orchestra and piano added. Finally, the third part of the song begins with snare drum(Dewey Martin also plays great) and starts the final verse. The third part is also a bit slower, put the soloing piano sounds great. After a fade, the song exits with a jazzy-like duet between a clarinet and piano, and eventually, a heartbeat. Perfect song.
Rock And Roll Woman-5/5
This is probably the bands second most famous hit. A catchy and familiar guitar riff brings in a series of Doo's and La's. Stills sings excellent as Palmer hammers the bass. A sure familiar classic.
I Am A Child-4/5
A harmonica brings in this emotional Neil Young song. Young sings hauntingly about his childhood and his father. Acoustic guitars solo in the background, but the songs ends to soon. Almost as if it was cut off.
Go And Say Goodbye-4/5
The biggest change in songs happens here. It blares open with fast paced country guitar soloing and singing. Layered vocals are great in this song, this very, very odd song.
Expecting To Fly-5/5
It opens like a philharmonic orchestra to a Coldplay song. Haunting singing is led by Young, but layered out is the most important part. This is the perfect sad song to close out the album.
Buffalo Springfield is an amazing band with a vast aray of great songs. The future careers of two of the members would prove this true. Stephen Stills and Neil Young joining CSN&Y, and Young's famous solo career define folk-rock.
Final Rating-4/5
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