[2018-02-09] Chris Hillman "The Asylum Years" (Omnivore)

Linda · **Posted:** Fri Dec 08, 2017 9:06 pm

Description
Chris Hillman co-founded some of the most classic, seminal, groundbreaking acts of the ’60s and ’70s including The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, and The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band. But, in the mid 1970s, Hillman decided it was time to try things on his own.

1976 brought Slippin’ Away, the musical journeyman’s first solo release. Produced by renowned engineers Ron and Howard Albert (Derek And The Dominoes, Allman Bros., Jimi Hendrix), it was a star-studded affair, featuring members of Booker T. & The M.G.’s, Poco, Buffalo Springfield, The Turtles, and ace studio musicians. Hillman took his place as front-man, and the results were the epitome of the classic ’70s LA sound.

He returned the following year with Clear Sailin’, which saw him dial back the flashy supporting cast for a more traditional release—much like the iconic music he had created in his early years with The Byrds and Burritos. For Clear Sailin’ Hillman assembled a core band (including soon-to-be-superstar Richard Marx) with production helmed by Jim Mascon (Poco, Firefall). A number of songs feature co-writes with Crawdaddy magazine’s founder, Peter Knobler.

Hot on the heels of his 2017 critically acclaimed album (produced by Tom Petty), The Asylum Years presents both of those ’70s albums on one compact disc, with an essay from Scott Schinder, featuring a new interview with Hillman.

Having been a catalyst and innovator on the musical landscape for decades, The Asylum Years sees this byrd take flight.

Tracklist
1. Step On Out
2. Slippin’ Away
3. Falling Again
4. Take It On The Run
5. Blue Morning
6. Witching Hour
7. Down In The Churchyard
8. Love Is The Sweetwest Amnesty
9. Midnight Again
10. (Take Me In Your) Lifeboat
11. Nothing Gets Through
12. Fallen Favorite
13. Quits
14. Hot Dusty Roads
15. Heartbreaker
16. Playing The Fool
17. Lucky In Love
18. Rollin’ And Tumblin’
19. Ain’t That Peculiar
20. Clear Sailin’

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077ZCVZ6J/?tag=imwan-20

Linda · **Posted:** Fri Dec 08, 2017 9:07 pm

(The trailer shows February 2nd, but Amazon lists a February 9th release date.)

Rick A · 23 Jul 2006

I really like his new record produced by Tom Petty. I will be getting this for sure.

Renny · 26 Jun 2006

both of those albums are very good, i have had them for years, in fact, every chris hillman solo album (very rock oriented) is very good, kind of like the unsung byrd, i guess. i would include the souther-hillman-furay band with these. and don't forget manassas, i know that was stills' baby, but hillman played a very large role in that band too.

now, his work with herb pederson, is very different, almost totally bluegrass.

and his work with the desert rose band is much more country tinged, with really nice vocals.

for $17 ($8.50 per album), it would be a very good addition to any collection.

tideshea · **Joined:** 27 Mar 2014 **Posts:** 225

So underrated. Clear Sailin' is such a great song.

mikepasqua · **Joined:** 30 Apr 2009 **Posts:** 161

I have the ones that were issued by Wounded Bird but I'll get this. Slipping Away was a great first effort and did prove (according to Chris) that he was "saving the good songs for himself" (which explains the weak offerings on the second SHF Band and the Byrds reunion album. One thing they got wrong was the identified the Richard Marx on Clear Sailing as the "Endless Summer Nights" artist.....it's a DIFFERENT Richard Marx (he now performs as Richard B Marx to avoid the confusion).

Renny · 26 Jun 2006

this was also the first appearance of stephen stills' 'witching hour' ( a truly great stills tune) on record. stills released it on the manassas 'pieces' album but still has never released it as a solo artist himself.

Linda · **Posted:** Sat Jan 06, 2018 5:58 am

The pre-order price has dropped by $3, and is now $13.99:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077ZCVZ6J/?tag=imwan-20

[2018-02-09] Chris Hillman "The Asylum Years" (Omnivore)

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