Buffalo Springfield

Curiously, the original stereo version of "Baby Don't Scold Me" has never been included in a CD issue. It was available on the first stereo vinyl LP issue in 1966, but only the mono version of the track is here and on the box set. Curious!

Buffalo Springfield was neither the first vehicle for nor the first group to record and release works by founding members Richie Furay, Stephen Stills, and Neil Young. Rather, it was a sounding board and a starting point for a new direction in rock and the beginning of stardom for its aforementioned members (and even later, Jim Messina of Loggins and Messina fame). Stephen Stills would emerge as the group's main songwriter but, as with Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, he would soon be surpassed for quality of work by peer and colleague Neil Young. The dynamics between the two are simultaneously famous and infamous, yet the mutual admiration and inspiration is evident on this and all future Stills-Young projects.

Emerging at a time when The Beatles had led the British rock brigade into America, and the US had replied with the Dylan-inspired folk rock of The Byrds and The Mamas and The Papas, The Buffalo Springfield would introduce more of a country flavor to the spectrum (a la The Band, latter-day Byrds, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and The Flying Burrito Brothers). Like The Band, Springfield would include both Americans and Canadians, just as CSNY would add an Englishman and former Hollie to the mix. Not necessarily making this a melting pot, it does bring to the fore different cultural elements and an innovative blend of ideas.

This release serves as an appropriate crash course to the form, both in its advantages and disadvantages, and as an excellent introduction to the musical careers of Stephen Stills and Neil Young (Furay's light not shining quite as brightly even though he would achieve some standard of success with Poco). As the saying goes, "the best is yet to come!"

stephen stills "for what it's worth" is, of course, a classic song. "burned," neil young's strongest effort for this album, is another classic song. the rest of it is all very good. i would say that it does sound a bit dated, however;, and that this one is mostly for fanatics of 60's music. your average "artic monkeys" fan is not going to find this a good match for their musical sensiblities. better was on the way from buffalo springfield. their next album, "buffalo springfield again" is an all out rock masterpiece that everybody should own, whatever your age or inclinations.

Originally saw the blessed light of day in 1967, some oldie fans may not realize that Buffalo Springfield actual had several full length albums out. Can't believe these guys had JUST one hit. Anyway,this twelve track self-titled CD reissue has several should - have / could - have - been hits as far as I'm concerned. Cuts like "Go And Say Goodbye", the Beatles - like "Sit Down I Think I Love You", "Everybody's Wrong", "Burned", the jamming bluesy "Leave" and "Pay The Price" (with it's catchy riffs) along with their sole hit "For What It's Worth" all make this disc a keeper. It's obvious this band was a heavy influence on later artists such as the Eagles, Gram Parsons, BoDeans and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Recommended.

A very impressive set of songs here. The only thing that could of improved this record was a better production. The production here is horrible, you can't even make out what the great Bruce Palmer is doing on bass. IT's worth it for the talent and great set of songs.