MusikLaden Live (1972)
Excellent Soundstage Performance
In 1972, with an already embarrassingly rich resume (Buffalo Springfield, Super Session, CSN&Y), Stephen Stills’ finest hour was still to come. Along with ex-Byrd/Burrito Chris Hillman, Stills co-founded Manassas and issued a 2LP declaration of independence that was called “a sprawling masterpiece” by the All Music Guide. Manassas was barely 6 months old when they convened at the film studios of Germany’s Radio Bremen to record this excellent 35+ minute live performance for the TV show, MusikLaden. Released on DVD in 2000 (reportedly, the only visual documentation of the band), this audio version of MusikLaden Live captures Manassas, with no audience, expertly fusing Stills’ musical passions (blues rock, Latin & country) into a distinctively potent blend. Note this set’s suite of songs, beginning with “Song Of Love” and running uninterrupted through to “Jet Set (Sigh).” Instead of concluding the run as originally recorded on the LP (with “Anyway”), Stills throws the band a live curve ball (you can actually hear the momentary confusion) and, in front of the rolling cameras, kicks off an extended jam instead. The DVD is worth owning just to see Stills’ short-lived Manassas in performance mode, something most of us never got the opportunity to experience.
Bound To Fall
It Doesn’t Matter
Hide It So Deep
Song Of Love
Rock & Roll Crazies/Cuban Bluegrass/Jet Set (Sigh)/Jam
The Treasure
10 Comments
Thank you. I'm looking forward to listening to this. Stills is, I believe, a vastly under-rated musician.
John_R in WA
Just so Stills live last night in Jax Florida. He was in fine spirits w/ good stories. The acoustic tunes were the best.
Hey John in WA: I dont know if Stills is under-rated but he said the new album isn't selling because of a dipshit marketing program. Didya see CSNY last Summer in Seattle: The whole is much better than the parts!
Stills is a genius – an overused word but applied correctly in this case. Listen particularly to his first 3 solo LP's and the MANASSAS LP. CSN&Y goes without saying … \m/
Thanks a bunch Willard for the SS and M vid -a real beautiful treat for this old timer -did you see coverage of the man with Crosby and Nash at Glastonbury 09-he can still cut it big times!
Censusloss
Was lucky enough to see Manassas live in NYC. Figured it to be Terrific or Terrible, a roll of the dice. Turned out to be better than expected or hoped for. A killer band.
Last of The Red Hot Burritos PLUS a fired up Steven Stills, too bad they didn't stay together a little longer.
Find it HERE.
This may not have been the only TV performance of Manassas. I have a teenage memory of them making an appearance on the ABC program "In Concert" sometime in the early 70's. Can't offer much more than this vague assertion on the subject.
Another FYI
Later
FlashG
New link up.
We’re replacing all those MF’s as we speak. Everything should have a new MF (or an old DP) link within the week. Thanks Flash.
Tanx for the effort.