Byrds in Flyte.

I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of David Crosby today, January 19, 2023. The music of The Byrds and of Crosby Stills Nash (and Young) helped me through some incredibly difficult times throughout my life. An instant smile would appear on my face the moment I heard one of the familiar tunes. The line of ‘Southern Cross’ which states: “She is all that I have left, and music is her name” is a line which will resonate with me for the rest of my life, and I will always hear the sweet harmonies of Crosby, Stills, and Nash when I even read the words. Music has been the only constant in my life, and so the passing of one of the finest musicians from that generation does leave a deep hole in my heart.

The impact that Croz left on the music industry is one that will be felt for generations to come, and that is something that I feel should be a comfort to all of us during this time. His legacy will live on. May he rest in eternal peace. My heart goes out to his family. his friends, and his fans during this difficult time.

Today, I was able to snag this beauty at the closest record store to my house. It was the last one left and the only Record Store Day release (that I was looking for) available in the store. The second I found it, I paid and left the store because I didn’t want to get too crazy in an already packed store, and because this gem was all I really needed. A couple of hours later, after running a few errands, I was home and ready to listen. I’ll start off by saying that I was incredibly excited to have this in my hands even before I bought it. 

1. BACK STREET MIRROR: I love the Dylanesque delivery of this first song, I also love the sort of Renaissance vibe I got from the beginning instrumentals -- they drew me in a lot, I’ll admit. A great start to a great album.

My favorite lyric -- Boarded in on the thirteenth floor of the Hotel Confusion I was asked 'Don't you think that your thoughts are only an illusion?' 

2. DON’T LET IT FALL THROUGH: The instrumentals of this song remind me of late Beach Boys songs. This one was really upbeat and catchy, and it really makes you want to dance. I like the liveliness of it.

My favorite lyric -- Well, I'm gonna give you everything, all the love that I have 'cause you know that I need it, too.

3. YESTERDAY AM I RIGHT: Everything about this song just blends together beautifully. From the lyrics and the upper inflection of some of the notes vocally by Gene, down to the instrumentals which complement the slightly somber lyrics, everything is wonderful about this.

My favorite lyric -- I’d give up the highway if I’d knew that you would give your lovin’ to me. The letter that I got from you that told me you had gone, has gone clear through me.

4. IF I HANG AROUND: This one is probably my favorite out of all 6. The melody and vocals are just gorgeous. It’s very mellow but also very poignant and it’s just Gene Clark. That’s the simplest description that I can give: it’s Gene Clark.

My favorite lyric -- Super-insensitive reaching out for the sun, if I hang around should I say I’ve only begun?

5. SHE TOLD ME: I love the blend of guitar and vocals in this song. It’s very smooth. Some of the lyrics are very reminiscent of the lyrics of ‘If I Hang Around’, about just beginning and needing the sun. It seems the former song is a sort of response to the “she” in ‘She Told Me’.

My favorite lyric -- She didn’t know why she had been so designed and she was suddenly spinning and beginning to believe in what would just occur.

6. THAT’S WHAT YOU WANT: This is my second favorite off of the album. I love the desolate western sound of the guitar. The photograph of Gene on the lyric sheet within the record sleeve is very pensive, and I can imagine that’s how he looked when writing the lyrics to this song. It’s a fitting final song on the album, yet also an unfortunate one because it means it’s the end of the album.

My favorite lyric -- He must come to live upon your wish that the night was day, as your thoughts will be with-out him just because.

Chris Hillman, 1965.