The 500 - #188 - Buffalo Springfield Again - Buffalo Springfield

I was inspired by a podcast called The 500 hosted by Los Angeles-based comedian Josh Adam Meyers. His goal, and mine, is to explore Rolling Stone Magazine's 2012 edition of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. 

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Album: #188
Album Title: Buffalo Springfield Again
Artist: Buffalo Springfield

Genre: Multiple genres: Folk Rock, Psychedelia, Rock, Country Folk
Recorded: Three Studios - Two in Los Angeles, California, and one in New York City, New York

Released: October, 1967
My age at release: 2
How familiar was I with it before this week: A little

Is it on the 2020 list? No
Song I am putting on my Spotify Playlist: Mr. Soul

Much of my early exposure to music came from high school parties in the '80s. In a time before streaming music services, compact discs, music television and even the "mixed tape", the soundtracks at these teenage gatherings often emanated from the family record player. Consequently, entire album sides played to entertain this awkward, ebullient, juvenile congregation of (sometimes) stoned or drunk participants in the throes of developing their social skills.

  Some ‘80s parties relied on the old family stereo cabinet for music,

often tucked against a wood-paneled wall in a shag-carpeted basement.

The choice of music was reserved for the host. However, the music savvy were always nearby to offer suggestions. There were many records I first heard at house parties which are on The 500 list, including Paranoid by Black Sabbath (#131), Physical Graffiti from Led Zeppelin (#73) and this week's record, Buffalo Springfield Again, from Canadian/American folk rock group Buffalo Springfield. Formed in Los Angeles in 1966, the group comprised Americans Stephen Stills and Rich Furay, and Canadians Bruce Palmer, Dewey Martin and Neil Young.

Buffalo Springfield in 1966 (l-r) Stephen Stills, Rich Furay, Bruce Palmer, Dewey Martin and Neil Young.

I was pleasantly surprised by the sound of Buffalo Springfield the first time I heard it with friends who were mainly a heavy metal/classic rock crowd. At the time, most parties featured music by Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and the aforementioned Sabbath and Zeppelin. To play music from a group influenced by folk, country and psychedelia, like Buffalo Springfield, seemed an odd choice. However, this was one of the best things about being at a party. It was a chance to hear something new and learn about a different group. I distinctly remember reading the album jacket while this record played. I liked the name Buffalo Springfield – not knowing they took their name from a company that made industrial steamrollers.

The back cover of the Buffalo Springfield Again album.

In a previous post about Neil Young's 1979 record, Rust Never Sleeps (#351 on The 500), I wasn't charitable in my assessment of his nasal-sounding voice. However, I didn't mind it on the opening track, Mr. Soul, which has been a personal favourite  since I first heard it. As I said in that post, Young’s voice has grown on me. Like a fine wine, my appreciation of his talent has grown with age. The rest of the record is terrific, with four of the five members taking vocal duties on the 10 tracks. I've always been a fan of harmonies and variety on a record, which Buffalo Springfield Again delivers in spades. As I revisited it for this post, I was surprised to realize I hadn’t purchased a copy for my collection. Probably in my youth I failed to recognize how good this album is.

Buffalo Springfield induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
in 1977 - Young chose not to attend.

The group released only three records between 1966 and 1968 before disbanding to pursue other projects. However, their influence was seismic, hence their induction to the Hall of Fame in 1997. Some members went on to enjoy successful solo careers; others either formed or joined bands that became popular and often influential. Among them were Crosby Stills Nash & Young; Poco; The Flying Burrito Brothers; and Manasas.

Buffalo Springfield left a music legacy that continues today. Surprisingly, they are not represented on the 2020 500 list, which is a glaring omission.