Customer Reviews

When the Pain Dies Down: Live in Paris (Dig)

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Chris Stills has the perfect storm in his gene pool. Of course, you know that his father is Stephen Stills, and at the oddest times you can here Dad's inflections and musicianship coming through in the son. What you may not appreciate is that Chris's mother is one of the most formidable French singer-songwriters ever, and her star rose so significantly in the 70's in France and Quebec province that she was, in fact, far more popular than Stephen. That's not to diminish either of them via the cult of personality. The point is Veronique Sanson was an incredibly important force in world music before rock and pop ever got to looking beyond its anglo-american borders. Veronique wrote songs of passion and power and had an even more commanding stage presence than Bonnie Raitt, Joni Mitchell, or Emmylou Harris. That's saying something. She was an incredible pianist. Her CD LIVE AT THE OLYMPIA, is still available on Amazon.ca, and if you like Chris Stills, go listen to Mom. That's where it is really coming from.

As for this terrific EP, this is such a great record that I really wish Chris had turned out a complete live set. It's just brilliant start to finish. Chris has all of his parents' musical chops and their vocal power, especially his father's when dad was in his prime. Bi-lingual, he turns in one of the very best renditions of a Band tune you'll ever hear. You'll figure it out. In so doing, he is perhaps closer to the roots of what the Band stood for than even the Band's renditions of this timeless song.

So, for $9, pick this up. The return on the investment will delight you. A superb, superb CD. Would that Lennon's kids had this kind of talent.

I really appreciate the previous reviewer's perspective on the talent from this musical family. Chris Stills is just a very musically gifted singer/songwriter, and the songs from this Paris concert are just perfect. The titled song, When The Pain Dies Down is just a beautiful ballad. He has several songs sung in French, and the sing along with the audience has me singing along as well. The Band would be proud to hear the rendition of Fannie.

I have listened to his album, 100 Year Thing, and just love it!! After seeing the live recording in a San Francisco Virgin Record Store, I bought it immediately, and have enjoyed it everytime I play it. Chris's acoustic playing, along with his wonderful vocal talent takes you to a wonderful Paris concert setting that must have been one heck of a show!

JLMankin