Customer Reviews

Long May You Run

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

From reading the reviews here one would think we're looking at a release by Stephen Hatfield and Neil McCoy. I suppose it's not surprising that Stephen and Neil's on and off-again relationship, their head-butting over who would get to play lead guitar, and the tension that would eventually dissolve the tour supporting this album would spill over into the reviews. It's too bad that those circumstances influence people's perceptions of the music though, because this is a thoroughly enjoyable album. As a fan of both artist's work, I find these tracks to be highly representative of everything else they were producing around this time... certainly not their best compositions or their most inspired recordings, but worthy additions to their catalogs.

I count myself fortunate to have been seated in the pavilion of the Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan in June, 1976 when the Stills-Young Band kicked off their tour, even if the sound turned out to be rather muddled and the two stars weren't frequently on stage together. While most of the setlist was dedicated to past hits, the evening did produce three of the finer selections from this CD: Still's staple from this tour, 'Make Love To You'; a song Neil first began performing with Crazy Horse while on tour in Japan earlier in the same year, 'Let It Shine'; and the title song, 'Long May You Run', which Neil first began performing in 1974. Only two other songs from the album, Neil's 'Midnight On the Bay' and 'Ocean Girl' would be offered on the truncated (17 concert) tour.

This collection boasts one classic tune, the title track, which rivals any of Young's best compositions. Another exceptional contribution from Neil is 'Fontainebleau', which is cast from the same mold as 'Cortez the Killer' with its loping beat and trademark guitar squelch and distortion. 'Midnight On the Bay', 'Ocean Girl' and 'Let It Shine' are pleasant-sounding, but unchallenging tracks by Young's standards.

Still's offers four tracks to Neil's five, but more total minutes on the disc. His best offerings are the blatantly seductive ode to one-night stands, 'Make Love To You' (with a tempo reminisient of Still's first hit, 'For What It's Worth'), and the bouncy, spiritual closer, 'Guardian Angel'. 'Black Coral' features it's own spiritual bent, as well as an intriguing melody. '12/8 Blues' is perhaps the weakest song on the disc, but like 'Black Coral' has an interesting, unusual musical structure, and together with 'Fontainebleau' adds some needed grit to the mix.

This album was recorded in Miami and the song selection suggests Stills and Young were hinting at a nautical theme for the disc. Obvious selections such as 'Midnight On the Bay', 'Ocean Girl' and 'Black Coral' wash together with lyrics from 'Long May You Run' ("Rollin' down that empty ocean road, get into the surf on time") and 'Fontainebleau' (...where the surfer works, till the break of day, cause it takes a shark, to catch a wave...) to carry the impression, inadvertent or not.

So despite the heavy critiques and unfortunate circumstances this reunion disc generated, I'm pleased two of my favorite artists, the dual backbones of Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, saw fit to give this a shot. I consider it one of the most unique collaborations of their careers, and the music a tribute to their talents. Oh... one other plus: lyrics are included.

So what if it's "not either one's best work"... it's good stuff. The music is easy to listen to, and it has something to say, and best of all, they are singing, not yelling or talking. It's the way music is supposed to be experienced... turn it on, kick back, and let it transport you to somewhere sweet. It's 70's rock, and there's nothing wrong with that.

I got this CD to get some additional Stills and Young classics for my collection of CSNY, and noted that the song LONG MAY YOU RUN is different than on Neil Young's Decade collection. On Decade, Neil notes that it is with CSNY, while this version has had Crosby and Nash's vocals removed, and some extra Stephen Stills added. Some great classic tunes here, including Still's Make Love To You and Young's Midnight On The Bay.

This album is very representative of the mid 70's mucic that Neil was doing. If you are a Neil collector, you need this album! The song titles Long May You Run and Fontainebleau are my favorite cuts.

I have lived with this release for close to 30 years and there are two things wrong with this release. The first is that their other two associates(Crosby,Nash), were just wrapping up their masterpeice 5 star release "Wind on the Water", as it suffers by comparison. The second is that both Crosby and Nash contributed their vocals to this project and the two principles had the bad sense to wipe those vocals prior to release.

All the negative reviews initially with the press were due to expectations that were looking for a CSNY album. or worse a return of the Springfield. Please!!!

When evaluated on it's own merits this is a damn good record. True Stills was writing mostly lame material at this time but I think that this material is his strongest and most soulful stuff since the first Manassas album. The people who are saying that Neil's stuff is so much stronger on this project are full of it. "12/8 Blues" and "Black Coral" are very solid songs and Neil's very presence pushes Stills to try harder. Proof of this is that his songwriting went right down the dumper again after this and the "CSN" reunion record. If "Midnight on the Bay" is a throw-away it is one of the best all-time leftovers and it has one of Neil's best lead vocals ever. I dock it a star for not having those guitar duels although some dope faded out the album as the sparks were about to fly on "Guardian Angel" another good Stills song.

We may have wanted more of it but to say there is no collaboration is just not true. Stills gives us a beautiful solo on Neil's "Midnight..." Neil can be easily heard on Stills'"Make Love..." and these guys always sound good singing together. The band was also perfect for this project. Great keyboards add to the soulful/summery/jazzy feel of the record. Neil produced the "classic" title track and another great track in "Fountainbleu" but in my opinion he also produced the only truly weak track on the album,"Let it Shine" as sloppy a vocal as he is capable of.

Neil will always be one of my favorites but the special nature of this album comes in the subtleties of the colaboration between. Subtle is not always good in rock & roll but it works here and he DID NOT do it alone..

Now you want a 5 star CSNY album from the mid-seventies ? Buy this and then get "Wind on the Water". Talk about a great beach album. Voila !

I had very high expectations for this record and was sorely disappointed. Simply put, this is not the best work of either Stills or Young. Nevertheless, there is a sort of laid back charm to the record, and if you are a fan of either there are a few worthwhile tunes here that you cannot find elsewhere.

The title track is a minor Young classic and easily the best song here. "Midnight on the Bay" and "Ocean Girl" are catchy throwaways that you may find yourself humming from time to time. "Let It Shine" is a loping country rocker with amusing lyrics that may be the second best song here. "Fountainebleu" is kind of dull, but features some nice guitar licks from Mr. Young.

Ah, the Stills numbers. . . less good. He had been in a serious slump since the first Mannassas album and it continues here. "Make Love To You" is about as clever and original as the title suggests. "Black Coral" is more interesting than good and lacks a memorable hook. "12/8 Blues" is Stills' highlight on the record, a solid blues rocker. "Guardian Angel" is a passable lite rocker, but again nothing special.

Most disappointing of all is the lack of actual collaboration between Young and Stills on any of these songs. None are co-written, and there are no duelling guitars. The extent of it seems to be a shared backing band and some overdubbed backing vocals. And lemme tell ya, a thrilling harmony duo Stills and Young are not.

So what have you got? Not a lot to get excited about really.

Considering the pedigree of the two principals, Long May You Run was a bit of a disappointment, but that shouldn't have been surprising to anyone who followed their careers. Neil Young always saved his best songs for his solo career, and by the time this record came out, Stephen Stills seems to have lost his muse. Still all is not lost. The title track is a gorgeous pop song that didn't get nearly the airplay it deserved and Fountainebleau is an underrated song that contains some scorching lyrics and some very nice guitar work. Not for the casual fan, but if you like Neil Young, it will make a nice addition to your collection.

This CD is one of the BEST CD's in the 70's If you like Neil Young, Steven Stills, You'll love this CD! There is not one bad song here. My Personal Favorites are the Title Track, Make Love To You, Ocean Girl, Midnight On the Bay, Fountainblue. I origionally had this on 8 Track when I was in High School and got sad when my 8 Track Player ate the tape!
Thank God this is now on CD!!!!

although a lot of critics had a field day with this album, further review shows it has aged better than a lot of contemporary releases. this cd is better than anything the eagles ever released. i played this on the beach in mexico on vacation last week and it went down as smooth as an ice cold corona. as a previous reviewer pointed out this cd has an ocean type themes throughout. if you like neil or csn, buy this, you will not be dissapointed!

Neill can certainly belt out tunes like no other. My Father, Jim, passed away of cancer in March. He was a BIG NEILL fan,and "Long May You Run" was his favorite song of them all. Jimmy B loved Neill and no one can take his place.I remember growing up in a Neill Young home. Every child should, as Neill has a good grasp of the political scene.We played "Long May You Run" at Dad's eulogy. It fit perfectly.