Lighthouse

David had not released a solo album in decades, and now in the past few years he has released "Croz" and most recently "Lighthouse," both of which are quite good."Lighthouse" is a musically pared down affair. The arrangements are sparse. It is largely acoustic with guitar, bass, and keys dominating the texture. There are no drums; there are no hard rockin' tunes, but the album does not suffer in their absence. Instead, we hear David's indomitable, warm voice dancing and twirling with the talents provided by Mike League, the leader of the Jazz ensemble Snarky Puppy. Mike adds vocals, as well as various guitars and basses to all the tracks. He also co-writes music and lyrics with David, and he produced the album. There are a few tracks where an additional musician or two is featured, but David and Mike are the constants.All in all, the record is atmospheric, and the production feels natural and not overly ornate. As to the content, of course, David shares a political song, "Somebody Other Than You." Although it's pointed, it's not angry, just focused. It addresses the willingness of politicians to send someone else's kid off to war. It's well done, however, the two songs to which I gravitated most are "City" and "By the Light of Common Day.""City" is a song about New York City, but it talks about the City as if it were a woman. David and Mike share writing credit for the lyrics on "City," but the music is Mike's. The verses have a punchy Blues feel that is punctuated by an acoustic guitar riff. The chorus expands though. The backing track is more dense and Mike and David use slightly dissonant harmonies that provide a tension that evokes the on-edge feel of the Big Apple."By the Light of Common Day" is the album's last track. It talks about where the inspiration, the muse to create, originates. How some people contend that angst is necessary to make good art, "As if being happy isn't quite enough/ Somehow I needed to make it rough." The song begins slowly and simply with a unison vocal and guitar melody, but it becomes more complex, both instrumentally and vocally, as it progresses, building to the album's most beautiful and full vocal harmonies. David's final thought on the creative process is that one must, "Go faithfully each day/ And open up your head some way/ Somehow." To what end you may ask? He assures, "And what will come in answer/ Some strong and gentle dancer/ Will carry a song through your door/ Some great lifting force of light/ Will come to balance fearful night/ Raise its voice and then raise yours." It's a beautiful peek into David's process and his current mindset.David has said he's currently the happiest he has ever been. He is also clearly in a rampantly prolific phase. "Lighthouse" is capturing the work of master a writer and performer as he taps into the energy of younger colleagues, allowing their creativity to bolster and drive his own. This one is not to be missed.

"Lighthouse" is an amazing album - everything that you might expect from David Crosby, and more ... vocals - lyrics - guitars - instrumentation - studio recording, mix, and production - Michael League's contributions - etc. ... all extraordinary.What Can Fans Expect From "Lighthouse"? ... from David Crosby:"I'm hoping that the songs will take them on a little voyage ... each one has its own thing to say ... we care about that ... we're trying to actually make you feel something ... if it does that, then it's a total success."

David Crosby's fifth album, Lighthouse, continues his amazing late career resurgence. At a time when his contemporaries are recording very little new music or are re-recording songs from their past, it is refreshing that David has not only released 3 albums in as many years but that all of them are written and performed at such a high level. Lighthouse focuses more on David's still exquisite voice and its acoustic leanings and less on accompaniment and dynamics. This is more of a chill out album than Croz is. Overall, the songs don't quite hit the heights as the best ones on Croz and that would be asking a lot. However, all of them are very good with the best tracks being "Somebody Other than You", the poetic "Paint You a Picture", "Look In Their Eyes", and "The Us Below" and the excellent harmonies on the latter two are very reminiscent of Crosby Stills and Nash. "The City" is a cool tune with a great chorus and nearly rocks out before it mellows at the end while "What Makes It So?" has a sparse and cutting lyric amidst its pretty melody. "By the Light of Common Day", is a strong closer and David and Becca Stevens' voices sound great together and this collaboration would really reach its fruition on the title track on David's next album, Sky Trails. Lighthouse is a near gem from David Crosby.

David Crosby's newest album, "Lighthouse" is one marvelous piece of work. I have met David numerous times throughout his career and have never found him to be more or less that a total jerk when dealing with people so I understand Graham and Steven and Neil not wanting to deal with his crap- however-- the guys has a writing and vocal talent that is truly incredible and hard to beat when he digs in and works! This album is a perfect example! Such a fine album which is really close in quality to "If I Could Only Remember My Name" and "Croz" which I believe are his best works-- this one is right there with those. It is strange to be recommending an album by someone whom I dislike personally so much-- however-- this is a fine piece of work!

Musically adventurous and esoteric, lyrically obtuse or in-your-face, tackling often politically-charged topics, Lighthouse seems to be aimed at the diehards, rather than casual Crosby fans. Still, with it's beautiful vocals and engaging musical accompaniment, it's strong enough to continue his impressive stretch of solid late career solo albums. Whether diehard or casual fan, regardless, Crosby proves once again he doesn't necessarily need Stills, Nash, or Young to make interesting music.

As someone who has absolutely loved "If Only I Could Remember My Name" for many years, and really enjoyed his 2014 comeback "Croz", I found "Lighthouse" be quite the snoozer. I tried, and I just couldn't get into it. I listened from beginning to end and was actually relieved when it was finally over. Some may like it, but it's a far different beast than "Croz" was.

David still has the pipes, unlike some of his other CSN compadres. The composition is vintage Crosby and the lyrics are thoughtful and haunting. Nice release for those who remember quality music. You obviously will not hear these tunes on commercial radio.

I'm a casual "fan" of Dave Crosby, enjoying his work with the Byrds, Graham Nash and (with ever decreasing rewards) CSN(& Y). Until recently, solo albums have been fairly rare and not very rewarding due to his commitments with CSN and his well publicised "recreational" and health problems.I had heard a track from this album online and, as this CD was cheap at the time , thought I'd take a chance with it.My hopes were so-so but I was pleasantly surprised at this album. With a small band and very sparse arrangements, Dave Crosby has made an album with the jazzy, folky style of his earlier days allowing the songs to breathe and weave their way into your consciousness. There is nothing that hits you immediately other than a chilled out feel but this album and the subtleties of the song and arrangements grow with each listen.What shocked me most is the state of his voice. It's excellent. At a time when many of the surviving musicians from the sixties and seventies are struggling with their vocals making many of them almost unlistenable (understandable what with age/abuse and overuse), here is a man who has abused his body and throat for years sounding almost as clear as forty years ago. Its quite uncanny. There is a touch of the Dorian Grey here.I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed the Crosby/Nash and CSN albums as a fine album

Late in the day David Crosby finds his muse and puts out his second strong studio album in a row and in as many years with a third scheduled for later on in 2017. This one is primarily acoustic guitar and vocals and more vocals without bass, drums, electric guitars et al.A daring move, this is what our 1960s visionaries should be doing, pushing the boundaries back and experimenting with new sounds. Full marks to producer Michael League for getting Crosby to follow this path and to follow it so successfully. Interestingly enough Crosby's vocal are as strong as ever, his tone pure and clear, and this is nothing short of a miracle considering the abuse he put his body through. Sail on, David, sail on.

'The things we do for love', 'The City' and 'By the light of common day' were the reasons I bought this solo release. Oh and also because of Michael League, he of 'Snarky puppy.'Croz sings great here. It's all laid back and calming. And yet his superb guitar playing is largely absent. But it doesn't matter because Michael League plays so confidently, giving us just the right soundscape for each song.The backing vocals elevate the songs also, especially on the otherwise sparse offering that is 'Look in their eyes.'I am a CSN fan first and foremost, but don't like Graham Nash outside of that group.IMHO, Croz doesn't need CSN but Nash does. On his own, Nash is an embittered disappointment whereas Croz sings about what's relevant to us all.Best song: "The city."

Wow Dave Crosby what a Maestro! So Underrated, even as he matures more in age the quality of ,the Music , the Guitar sounds and melodiesare just amazing. I truly thought that after Croz yet another Brilliant album from this man that it was going to be very hard to follow,. Well I don't mind admitting I was wrong this is as good as all his Masterpieces over the last 46 years. I have always been a Neil Young fan 1st in regards CSNY until now, but I think in my maturity I appreciate the Music of Dave Crosby in total as the Best. |He truly emphasises that "Music is Love"

Understated Brilliance. Dont understand the negative reviews. This album has feel. Stark with nowhere to hide for the vocals. Dont particularly like CSN so this was a punt. Sometimes they pay off. Highly recommended.