Graham NashCritiques

1 Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
Written-By – Stephen Stills
7:22
2 Marrakesh Express
Written-By – Graham Nash
2:36
3 Guinnevere
Written-By – David Crosby
4:43
4 You Don't Have To Cry
Written-By – Stephen Stills
2:43
5 Pre-Road Downs
Written-By – Graham Nash
2:59
6 Wooden Ships
Written By – David Crosby & Stephen Stills
Written-By – David Crosby, Stephen Stills
5:22
7 Lady Of The Island
Written-By – Graham Nash
2:36
8 Helplessly Hoping
Written-By – Stephen Stills
2:37
9 Long Time Gone
Written-By – David Crosby
4:17
10 49 Bye-Byes
Written-By – Stephen Stills
5:15

Bonus tracks:
Do for the others
Song with no words
Everybody's talkin'
Teach your childrebn

This was a very enjoyable book. I really liked reading about the making of the songs.

It seems that Graham Nash is a really nice guy and I will appreciate his music even more after reading his story.

Thank you Crown Archetype and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read this book.

These kinds of biographies are often light and fun. And when they're autobiographies, even more so...a glimpse into the artist's view of how things went down. Of course, his perspective is biased,and we don't know if the story would be different if told by Crosby, Stills or Young, but who knows? Nash writes candidly and passionately and that makes a good read.

CSNY is one of the anomalies of my music likes. Normally, a whiny twang would send me running, but as with some other one-offs from my youth, I liked them and I still do - love the three part harmony. I've got a mind to listen to their discography again...this time armed with a bit of knowledge of how some of the songs came about.

Off the Record, Graham Nash and Manuscript Originals Presents Songwriters on Songwriting...25 of the Worlds' Most Celebrated Songs (2002)

Through the celebration of twenty-five classic songs, the volume (hosted and narrated by Graham Nash) contains individual audio interviews with each writer, highlighting the scenario surrounding the chosen classic song.

For someone loving a journey into musical archives, you'll find audio interviews (2 discs), commentary, photos and snippets of musical history.
You'll also see original, handwritten and signed lyrics of the featured song.

In my opinion, it's a trip worth taking.

I had no idea where to direct my thoughts on Wild Tales...

Simply...it was one of the best written musical autobiographies I've ever read.
I listened to Graham Nash deliver his story and had a hard copy to the side to see the photos included.

candid... surprisingly heartwarming...sometimes heart-wrenching....

I couldn't put it down.

"Graham Nash���the legendary musician and founding member of the iconic bands Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Hollies has given us a work that belongs on the reading list of every classic rock and roll fan."

In a fiercely intense chronicle, we revel in moments of glory and success but we are not spared "dark side of stardom, "particularly the drug-fueled ego trips and meltdowns" that accompany tales of sex, drugs and rock and roll.
Wild Tales journals amazing times in the world of rock music..yet, you can't help feel a certain sadness for all of the times "Wasted on the Way."

Yes, "it all comes down to the music "(Graham Nash) but we learn so much more about love, friendship and loyalty.

I recommend this not only to CSN(Y) fans but to all "students" of classic rock and roll.
It's chronicled with precision and has a historical presence.

If you want an honest look at this time period and the journey of CSN (Y), it's here.
No holds barred.
You'll also explore many of the passions of Graham Nash's life...
Don't pass by this one!

I love a lot of Graham Nash's music and I respect him as a songwriter and as the "secret sauce" high harmonies in Crosby, Stills, & Nash's music. So I was interested in learning what he had to say about his life. I found that he had a short book's worth of interesting stories which he turned into a long, poorly written book. He also came across as tremendously arrogant and wildly impressed with himself. OK, he's accomplished a lot, but so have a lot of musicians. Even Sting (not one to hide his light) manages to come across as somewhat humble and grateful for some lucky breaks in his book "Broken Music." Meh.

alright... where to begin? i guess i should first say that there is not a lot of new stuff in nash's book that i had not already known/read about in memoirs from other musicians that were all part of those crazy laurel canyon years. so there was nothing hugely revelatory for me in this book. the other thing i should say is that i am a big fan of CSN and CSNY. their sweet, sweet harmonies are just insane. IN--SANE!

back in university, i worked at a small pub in the very small town where my school was located. it was a great place and the owner was terrific with the students who worked for him. every tuesday evening was 'acoustic tuesday', hosted by these two awesome guys who, being born too late, missed the hippie days. it was an open mic-type thing and while the hosts keep things rolling, anyone could get up and sing. CSNY featured a lot in the rotation. a couple of friends and i sang and played guitars and often would do a song or two each tuesday. i think of these as my 'good ole days', and get warm and fuzzy recalling practising our harmonies in cramped bathrooms (really - 3 singers and 2 guitars fills a tiny space quickly!), the shower rooms in residence (such awesome echoes and way more space, but a little cold), the quad, and the pub's kitchen (snacks!) -- trying to find sweet spots where the sound was perfect! *wistful sigh*

so that's my preamble to say these dudes have meant a lot to me for a long time. and i am sure anyone who loves these guys has their own great memories and reasons for how they helped or were important in their lives. and i know they were a messed up bunch of weirdos with outsized egos. but there is still something about their lives, music and times that make them so compelling. so i picked up nash's book.

as far as a memoir from a musician... it isn't the worst-written i have encountered. it feels like nash's own voice, like he's just having a conversation. (though in the acknowledgments, he thanks another writer who helped tame his words - but there's no co-authorship on the book). there is a good dose of the sex, drugs, and rock and roll lifestyle offered up from nash and some good looks at the writing and recording processes. i think where i had some issues, though, came from nash kind of putting himself above everyone else. sure, he admits to his own foolishness, impulsiveness, and ego... but he always presents himself as in control and self-aware. yet... the book repeatedly offers examples where this is not the case. (and the book is quite repetitive, that is definitely something very noticeable.)

late in the book, i felt nash got far too in-depth concerning david crosby's story. a lot of it is known already about when crosby hit bottom, so it isn't like nash is telling (wild) tales, it just felt somehow inappropriate. if nash had written a book about their time as a group, or focused more on how david's behaviours and situations impacted him, as opposed to just being sensational, it would have read better. when nash does comment on how david was affecting him, it was dealt with fairly quickly, leaving me with 'yeah... but?!' moments (for example: nash mentions he paid for david's son's schooling. that's it.) of course stills, crosby and young are going to feature - this isn't my issue at all. it's just... there is a fairly big crosby section and probably this is best left to crosby. i don't know if i am explaining myself well here or not, or if this makes sense. i guess i came away feeling nash isn't the most trustworthy fellow. but i suppose it's reasonable to wonder that about anyone who's has been in the entertainment world. it's a strange best.

i did take away some positives - nash is a happy guy, he's had a very fortunate life, and a family he loves and who are successful and thriving. he's a lucky bloke and he knows it. the book also includes some wonderful photographs, so that's always a nice bonus with memoirs like this. one thing i have said before, and will offer up again now: with publishing and tech where they are at these days, memoirs from musicians should include download access to a playlist of songs mentioned. get on that publishing industry, okay? thanks!

reading notes:

• graham nash loves boobs! graham nash loves women! graham nash couldn't keep it in his pants.
• graham nash gets married young, but is touring a lot and sleeping around all the time (see bullet point #1)
• marriage ends, no surprise, but it ends calmly - wife has found someone new too. but nash notes that after the breakdown of his marriage and an earlier issue with his dad and the police, he had a hard time trusting anyone after his marriage ended. umm.... yeah, but: as far as relationships, who should have trusted you?
• i adore graham nash and CSN so much. so. much. sigh. nash seemed fairly lucky right from the start of his musical career.
• coke and guns are a bad combination. don't touch either things. ever.½

You can practically feel his heart breaking on these songs, simple, beautifully written and realized. If I were Joni Mitchell I'd still be in love with him.

I had no idea where to direct my thoughts on Wild Tales...

Simply...it was one of the best written musical autobiographies I've ever read.
I listened to Graham Nash deliver his story and had a hard copy to the side to see the photos included.

candid... surprisingly heartwarming...sometimes heart-wrenching....

I couldn't put it down.

"Graham Nash—the legendary musician and founding member of the iconic bands Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Hollies has given us a work that belongs on the reading list of every classic rock and roll fan."

In a fiercely intense chronicle, we revel in moments of glory and success but we are not spared "dark side of stardom, "particularly the drug-fueled ego trips and meltdowns" that accompany tales of sex, drugs and rock and roll.
Wild Tales journals amazing times in the world of rock music..yet, you can't help feel a certain sadness for all of the times "Wasted on the Way."

Yes, "it all comes down to the music "(Graham Nash) but we learn so much more about love, friendship and loyalty.

I recommend this not only to CSN(Y) fans but to all "students" of classic rock and roll.
It's chronicled with precision and has a historical presence.

If you want an honest look at this time period and the journey of CSN (Y), it's here.
No holds barred.
You'll also explore many of the passions of Graham Nash's life...
Don't pass by this one!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ♥♥

This is a very interesting book if you can get past Mr. Nash's gargantuan ego. It is all here - his childhood, the Hollies, the friendships, the drugs, the fights and ultimately Crosby, Still, Nash and sometimes Young. Nash is a drama king and everything that he and his friends did or said was laced with creativity or profound implications. But. he won't put you to sleep. I personally loved the credit he gave to the Everly Brothers for the massive affect they had on his musical life. Any classic rock fan will like this book.

Listened to the audio version, read by Graham Nash himself. I never knew how interesting Grahm Nash could be. I am a child of the 60's and loved Crosby, Still, Nash (and Young). Their voices and creativeness have always been astounding to me. Listening to this biography/memoir of Graham lets the public peek into what made the group who they were. The group had years of durgs and interpersonal problems which both tore them apart and drew them together again. Graham tells the story of his musical and personal journey; from his childhood in England, to becoming an American citizen to being presented before the Queen of England and on to the Rock Hall of Fame. He tells you what makes him "tick" and why. He is a man of passion, integrity and committment to his friends and family. I was truly inspired to be a more honest person by reading this book. I do not agree with his politics, for the most part, which even surprises me more that I was impressed with what I read . He gives much credit to the people in his life who helped him make good decisions and achieve his life goals.

INFORMATION-This album contains the following tracks:
1 Suite: Judy Blue Eyes (Stephen Stills), 0:33
2 On the Way Home (Neil Young), 3:48
3 Teach Your Children (Graham Nash), 3:02
4 Triad (David Crosby), 6:55
5 The Lee Shore (David Crosby), 4:29
6 Chicago/We Can Change the World (Graham Nash), 3:11
7 Right Between the Eyes (Graham Nash), 3:37
8 Cowgirl in the Sand (Neil Young), 3:59
9 Don't Let It Bring You Down (Neil Young), 3:31
10 49 Bye-Byes/America's Children (Stephen Stills), 6:35
11 Love the One You're With (Stephen Stills), 3:19
12 Pre-Road Downs (Graham Nash), 3:04
13 Long Time Gone (David Crosby), 5:58
14 Southern Man (Neil Young)
15 Ohio (Neil Young), 3:34
16 Carry On (Stephen Stills), 14:19
17 Find the Cost of Freedom (Stephen Stills), 2:21

Recorded live at the Filmore East, New York, June 2-7, 1970 ; the Chicago Auditorium, Chicago, Ill., July 5, 1970 ; The Forum, Los Angeles, Calif., June 26-28, 1970.

Nash has a huge ego. Comes across as a moral coward in his relationships with just about everyone. The funny thing is that he thinks he's such a great guy.

Could've done with more of Crosby's 'wild tales'.

I don't know much about reviewing books, but since there are no published reader reviews here yet, I will say a few things. First of all, I listened to the audio version which was done by the author himself. Very well done. (Caveat here, when he would sing lyrics from time to time I was a bit surprised because these parts didn't seem very pleasing to my ear. But I don't know much about music, either, except what I like.) The book takes him from his childhood in postwar England to time of publication and always held my interest. At one time he alludes to Gertrude Stein's salons. Occasionally I saw a bit of a parallel in terms of the gatherings of musicians he was a part of that brought incredible musical talents together. Granted Stein's events brought together artists from a wide range of disciplines, but Nash and the musicians he interacted with certainly were a vanguard of music. Musicians' use of drugs over time was dealt with frankly and sometimes introspectively. The devastating impact for some was not shied away from. All in all, I found this an interesting book and enjoyed connecting his stories to the recollections of where I was when I listened to the music of which he speaks. Eight years younger than Nash, I was listening to him from his Hollies days and the music he was an integral part of, from singer to writer to musician, was the music I grew up with. Oh yeah, and that I still enjoy now. Definitely recommended.

1 Carry On
Written-By – Stills*
4:28
2 Teach Your Children
Written-By – G. Nash*
2:55
3 Almost Cut My Hair
Written-By – D. Crosby*
4:31
4 Helpless
Written-By – N. Young*
3:41
5 Woodstock
Written-By – J. Mitchell*
3:57
6 Déjà Vu
Written-By – D. Crosby*
4:15
7 Our House
Written-By – G. Nash*
3:01
8 4 + 20
Written-By – S. Stills*
2:09
Country Girl (5:14)
9.1 Whishey Boot Hill
Written-By – N. Young*
9.2 Down, Down, Down
Written-By – N. Young*
9.3 Country Girl (I Think You're Pretty)
Written-By – N. Young*
10 Everybody I Love You
Written-By – N. Young*, S. Stills*
2:22

Credits:
Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals, Producer – Stephen Stills
Bass, Percussion – Greg Reeves
Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Piano, Vocals, Producer – Neil Young
Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals, Producer – Graham Nash
Guitar, Vocals, Producer – David Crosby
Harmonica – John Sebastian
Percussion, Drums – Dallas Taylor
Steel Guitar, Slide Guitar – Jerry Garcia

INFORMATION-This album contains the followning tracks:
1 Carry On (Stephen Stills), 4:25
2 Teach Your Children (Graham Nash), 2:53
3 Almost Cut My Hair (David Crosby), 4:25
4 Helpless (Neil Young), 3:30
5 Woodstock (Joni Mitchell), 3:52
6 Déjà Vu (David Crosby), 4:10
7 Our House (Graham Nash), 2:59
8 4 20 (Stephen Stills), 1:55
9 Country Girl: Whiskey Boot Hill/Down, Down, Down/"Country Girl" (I ...) (Neil Young), 5:05
10 Everybody I Love You (Stephen Stills / Neil Young), 2:20

Thanks to a GOODREADS giveaway & Crown Publishing Group; I won a signed copy of Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life (Paperback) by Graham Nash ... a signed copy: well, someone stuck a sticker with his signature on the inside title page.. but still, I won it!!!!!