Oakland's Vinyl Vault - So Far

Hello again! This week, we will be looking at one of the few compilation albums in my collection: So Far by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.



Release: August 19, 1974

This is not your typical compilation album. Mostly because Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young had only made ONE studio album together before this came out, and ONE non-album single. So how is it possible that they made a compilation album? Ah, well it turns out they also have songs that are from the Crosby, Stills & Nash (no Young) catalog. A catalog, that consisted of ONE album.

Yes, this is a compilation of two albums, and one non-album single (and its B-side). That is how much people loved Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. I myself got the album because I wanted the non-album single, "Ohio," and I liked the cover art, which is a picture drawn by Joni Mitchell.

There's not much to say about the album musically. Obviously all the songs on it, with maybe the exception of "Find the Cost of Freedom," the B-side to "Ohio," are hits, otherwise they wouldn't be on a compilation album.

Anyway, here is that B-side, "Find the Cost of Freedom." Enjoy.



Pat is crazy.

Oakland's Vinyl Vault - Let's Get It On

Valentine's Day is far behind us, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't still be romantic. So this week, find a lover and listen to what one critic called "one of the most sexually charged albums ever recorded:" Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye.



Release Date: August 28, 1973
Singles: Let's Get It On, Come Get to This, You Sure Love to Ball

Before I get into the music, I have to say a little bit about the artwork. In the gatefold, Marvin has written a little note to his listeners. It starts with "I can't see anything wrong with sex between consenting anybodies," goes on to say "Have your sex, it can be very exciting, if you're lucky. I hope the music that I present here makes you lucky," and ends with, "and thanks to all you women for sweet inspiration." I cannot think of a more perfect note to go along with this album.

Now, the music. It opens with, of course, the title track, which is one of my favorite songs of all time. It's beautiful. Now, if you can play it loud enough, or have sex quiet enough, to hear the rest of the album, it is also quite good. The album gently makes love to your ears with it's soulful vocals and smooth groove.

Rating: One eight-inch (Ok, seven-inch) thumb straight (slightly curved) up - A great, iconic album. Delivers exactly what you'd expect, and more.

Now here's "If I Should Die Tonight." Enjoy.



Pat is crazy.