Customer Reviews

Slippin Away

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

 

 

Chris Hillman never seems to get his due. His band mates and collaborators always seems to get more acclaim than he does, despite almost 40 years of creating excellent American music. This 1977 album came after Hillman, J.D. Souther, and Richie Furay failed to become the new Eagles and is one of the strongest outings of his career. That is saying a lot as Hillman was a key part of the Byrds "Sweetheart of the Rodeo," the Flying Burrito Brothers "Gilded House of Sin," and "Manassas" with Stephen Stills. Yet Gram Parsons, Roger McGuinn, Emmy Lou Harris, David Crosby, and Stills sport stronger reputations than Hillman in the eyes and ears of many music critics. Maybe Hillman is just too nice a guy. Whatever, this solo album (the first of his career) features several great songs in the 1970s Southern California singer-songwriter mold. If the Eagles had covered "Slippin' Away," it would be in constant rotation today on classic rock radio. "Step on Out" is a great opener and later a country hit for the Oak Ridge Boys. "Love is the Sweetest Amnesty" is as sweet as its' title and "(Take Me In Your) Lifeboat" is a rousing gospel closer. Hillman is a fine singer, deft Mandolin and bass player, and a strong songwriter. His recent work with Herb Pederson and with Larry and Tony Rice is rich and rewarding. This album got lost in the country rock glut of the mid-1970s, but it stands out nicely today as one of the best solo efforts from a former Byrd.

Chris Hillman is one of the most under rated country rockers.He comes from a blue grass and folk music beginnings. He was an original member of The Bryds, Manassas and The Flying Burrito Brothers. The Souther, Hillman, Furay Band was never adequately promoted and folded after two albums. His solo work and Desert Rose Band is also under rated.This is one of his best efforts (1976). The song Witching Hour is a classic country rocker. Other outstanding songs include Step On Out, Blue Morning, and Midnight Again. It's about time Chris Hillman was recognized for his forty years as one of the best.Three of his songs, Witching Hour, So You Want To Be A Rock And Roll Star, and It Doesn't Matter are in my top 100 all time country rock songs. JB

Fine debut album from ex-Byrd, ex-Burritto Hillman. He's in good voice, the band is excellent, and the song "Step on Out" is a hit waiting to happen -- even now.

This is Chris' first solo album following his association with Manassas and Souther, Hillman, Furay Band. With talented musician's like Herb Pedersen and Byron Berline, Chris offers a wonderful mix of songs from the reggae tinged Down in the Churchyard, the Steve Stills penned Witching Hour and the bluegrass/gospel of (Take Me in Your)Lifeboat. A very solid album. If you like the music that Chris involves himself with you will enjoy this album.

Side One
1. Step on Out
2. Slippin' Away
3. Falling Again
4. Take It on the Run
5. Blue Morning
Side Two
1. Witching Hour
2. Down in the Churchyard
3. Love Is the Sweetest Amnesty
4. Midnight Again
5. (Take Me in Your) Lifeboat

The music in this album is very good. It is not like what you here in Desert Rose Band or The Byrds. It shows another side of him instead of the country rock or bluegrass which he is really good at. Down In The Churchyard is an OK tune but does not compare to what he did with it while with the Flying Burrito Brothers. Steppin On Out was a little different than what I here on the Desert Rose Band. I recommend this album to the die hard Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Desert Rose Band or even The Hillmen fans. It shows a lighter side of him which leads to how we know him today.

I purchased this as an LP when it was first released and had fond memories of it. In retrospect, it seems a bit slight and not particularly deep. The songs are smooth but not all that deep. The passage of time has not been kind to this album.