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David Crosby

If I Could Only Remember My Name - Atlantic - 1971

Tracks: 1. Music Is Love / 2. Cowboy Movie / 3. Tamalpais High / 4. Laughing / 5. What Are Their Names / 6. Traction In The Rain / 7. Song With No Words / 8. Orleans / 9. I'd Swear There Was Somebody Here

Comments:

David Crosby's first solo album from 1971 was recorded with great help from prominent friends; especially Nash and Young. Also members of the Grateful Dead appear on several songs, and although the album may not contain really great songs, it is an album characterized by both the atmosphere and harmony - not least vocally - like ”Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young”.

In fact, the opening song, "Music is Love" could be recognized as a CSN&Y song - written with Young and Nash, and with only Steve Stills missing the recording. This song is also one of the more catchy - Crosby's own songwriting was rarely distinctly melodic or catchy.

On the lenghty "Cowboy Movie" Crosby shows surprisingly strong and powerful vocals – he is usually known as fine harmony singer with a slightly tenuous solo voice. "Cowboy Movie" could be compared with both Neil Young's "Southern Man" or Donovan's "Season of the Witch" - but unlike these two great songs "Cowboy Movie" come out somewhat unresolved.

Several of the songs have a certain improvisational character and are often built around by only two chords. But still also characterized by fine vocals and melodious acoustic guitars. For people unfamiliar with this period in music, the album may appear a bit … well, boring. Still, an Eloquent and Evocative Period Piece


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