Customer Reviews

Stills/Illegal Stills/Thoroughfare Gap

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

 

 

BGO usually does a nice job of remastering previously issued CD's by artists such as Dan Fogelberg, Loggins & Messina, Poco, etc., but it missed the boat on this one. While it's nice to have these three CD's in a double disc package, BGO apparently didn't give too much attention to detail in that a portion of one of the songs has been cut off. On this BGO version, the song "First Things First" begins with Stills immediately singing the title of the song. However, the original version of that song from the "Stills" album contains an approximate 10 second introduction before the vocals begin. Cutting the length of a song is inexcusable, and is synonymous with poor quality control for a CD package that should have been better.

It's a true pleasure to have these three generally overlooked albums available in a single package, even "Thoroughfare Gap," probably Stills' least essential album, but which sounds better now than it did in 1978. (Compared to most current music, just about anything from 30 years ago sounds better.) At any rate, "Stills" (1975) and "Illegal Stills" (1976)can stand with the man's more well-known efforts, both arguably superior to either "Stephen Stills 2" or "Down the Road." As for the shortcomings mentioned in another review, the first 10 seconds of "First Things First" are also missing on the CD issued by Columbia, so BGO can't be blamed for that. Regarding sound quality, compare the Columbia CD of "Illegal Stills" with the new version and it's obvious the audio has been upgraded. Maybe not dramatically, but it's nice to have the "bottom" restored without having to boost the bass control on one's receiver. The liner notes are interesting, though flawed ("Love the One You're With" and "Sit Yourself Down" are NOT on "Stephen Stills 2.") All in all, an essential release for any fan of Stephen Stills.

The Stills CD if by far the best not a bad song on it, worth the price alone.

Illegal Stills is also very good, although I didn't care for every song, still an added bonus to the Stills CD.

Thoroughfare Gap I didn't really care for, a song or two maybe, but for the most part It's just not something I would have bought myself, but it came with it so I'm not really complaning.

To recap: Stills - Awesome, a must have. Illegal Stills - Cool, Not Bad, Enjoyed it. Thoroughfare Gap - Ok I guess, Not a Must.

These are great records. Still Stills and Illegal Stills are the best, but Thoroughfare Gap is a must have for completest. You can't get it any other place. Very nice packaging and liner notes.

I owned two of these albums as vinyl back in the 70s when they were first released.

I have enjoyed Stills since the late sixties so it was a lay-down card trick I would enjoy these albums. Lost them due to petty theft and storm damage and of course they weren't release readily in Australia, s-o-o-o-oo-o, when I went "surfing" with Amazon and found them both PLUS an album I hadn't reviewed or listened to regularly (Illegal Stills) I was rapted...repeat...rapted. I would recommend them ALL to avid Stills fans and to some novice listeners. I enjoyed re-acquainting myself with them immensely. BUY THEM GUYS, before you can't!!!!