What does it sound like?:
After a turbulent few months that sees a split with his wife of 38 years and the dissolution of his 48 year friendship with David Crosby, Graham Nash has released his first album in 14 years, This Path Tonight. Produced by guitarist Shane Fontayne, the 10 songs cover doubt, loss, memories and hope and contain some of Graham’s most personal and introspective lyrics.
The album poses more questions than answers beginning with the title track, “Where are we going?” and in the following songs Graham goes on a journey unsure of the destination and with continuous glances over his shoulder at where he has come from and what he has left behind. ‘Beneath The Waves’ appears to relate to Crosby and their relationship and comments in recent interviews. “Fifty years before the mast, how long will it last before sinking?” before closing with “holding my breath, it’s causing me pain, for so many years”.
Shades of Joni Mitchell in Fontayne’s playing on ‘Target’ one of the most uplifting tracks on the album. A gentle paean to a new love. The final three tracks, loosely connected, cover the subject of beginnings and endings. ‘Golden Days’, a reflection on Graham starting out with the Hollies. ‘Back Home’ a tribute to Levon Helm and finally ‘Encore’ which reflects the opening ‘This Path Tonight’ with the question “What are you going to do when the last show is over”
10 songs by a man in his seventies reflecting on past events and worried about his future, it’s as open and honest an album that I’ve heard in a long time and Graham’s voice is as strong and as sweet as when he first caught up with Crosby and Stills in the late sixties. A clean break from CSNY seems to have energised Nash to produce an album that his age and experiences have engendered and stands as one of his best since Songs for Beginners.
What does it all *mean*?
Regardless of age and success, the doubts remain. Moving forward always requires looking back.
Goes well with…
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
CSNY, Joni etc…
Dissolution of his friendship with David Crosby? Do tell.
http://www.spin.com/2016/03/graham-nash-david-crosby-im-done-f-you-crosby-stills-nash-young-breakup/
The album seems to have been generally panned in the music press, but I’m with you on this one, I really like it.
There’s one thing I always have to remind myself regarding the “music press”; with rare exceptions they are all toss-pots. Once you remember that fact you can make your own mind up without any doubt that you missed something.
Funny but I had just put this on about 45 seconds before looking on here!
I have played it two or three times over the last couple of weeks and find it ‘okay’ Not great but not bad. Certainly, for me, the David Crosby (Croz) album from 2 years ago seemed much more instant on the first few plays.
Nash’s voice is still good. At times, for some reason, I think ’80’s’ music as I listen!
Shame about the wife and Crosby breakups!
Croz has two new albums out soon – one live solo acoustic and one studio. Should be excellent, if ‘Croz’ is anything to go by. Superb album.
Graham Nash is on Later live tonight, BBC2 10pm and of course the inevitable full length show late this Friday. Have put on to record, heard a few tracks and this is a maybe purchase for me, will look forward to watching Jools (for once,) Iggy Pop on too. What chances a duet? Well in my dreams, eh?? ;o)