As we've noted previously on Music Friday, the early 70s were an explosive period of creativity and self expression in rock music. Where we may wait years between albums today, many artists (like Elton John) were releasing several LPs a year.
50 years ago this year, Crosby, Stills & Nash were at their zenith. They released 4-Way Street (with Neil Young). And each member of the band released solo albums. So much to say and so little time.
From the CSNY live album, this is the studio version of "Ohio."
Stephen Stills released his second solo album that year featuring, "Change Partners."
Graham Nash (featured last week as a member of the Hollies) released Songs for Beginners, with Neil Young's protest song "Chicago."
And David Crosby's If Only I could Remember My Name? Not a lot survives from that period on YouTube...but this Tiny Desk Concert is pretty sublime.
But, interesting that CSNY, more than any other group of the era that attained superstar status, did so in no small part by challenging the political status quo. Not that some of today's artists aren't following in their footsteps. But, there aren't as many as in the 60s and 70s.
Is that's what missing in today's discourse?
A great collision of talent! And yes, productivity isn't what it once was.
Posted by: Lee Tasseff | April 18, 2021 at 14:37