Chris Hillman co-founded some of the most classic, seminal, groundbreaking acts of the ’60s and ’70s including The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, and The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band. But, in the mid 1970s, Hillman decided it was time to try things on his own. 1976 brought Slippin’ Away, the musical journeyman’s first solo release. Produced by renowned engineers Ron and Howard Albert (Derek And The Dominoes, Allman Bros., Jimi Hendrix), it was a star-studded affair, featuring members of Booker T. & The M.G.’s, Poco, Buffalo Springfield, The Turtles, and ace studio musicians. Hillman took his place as front-man, and the results were the epitome of the classic ’70s LA sound. He returned the following year with Clear Sailin’, which saw him dial back the flashy supporting cast for a more traditional release—much like the iconic music he had created in his early years with The Byrds and Burritos. For Clear Sailin’ Hillman assembled a core band with production helmed by Jim Mascon (Poco, Firefall). A number of songs feature co-writes with Crawdaddy magazine’s founder, Peter Knobler. Hot on the heels of his 2017 critically acclaimed album (produced by Tom Petty), The Asylum Years presents both of those ’70s albums on one compact disc, with an essay from Scott Schinder, featuring a new interview with Hillman. Having been a catalyst and innovator on the musical landscape for decades, The Asylum Years sees this byrd take flight.
B**S
Chris Hillman's first steps to a solo career
Chris Hillman's first two solo efforts after being a secret weapon-type player in the Byrds, the Burritos, Manassas, and the fan embraced, critic rejected singer/songwriter super-group the Souther Hillman Furay Band. These two albums (Slippin' Away and Smooth Sailin') were proof positive that Chris was more than ready to step out front to lead his own band. From Slippin' Away, "Step on Out" foreshadows his later country-rock success with the Desert Rose Band; "Witching Hour" does right by his association with Stephen Stills & Manassas, and "(Take Me in Your) Lifeboat" is a lively harmony-laden bit of bluegrass. Clear Sailin' is a bit more (over?) produced but also has its share of highlights, including a terrific cover of Danny O'Keefe's "Quits," an interesting take on the old Marvin Gaye Motown hit "Ain't That Peculiar," and the lovely title track and album closer, a Chris Hillman-Rick Roberts co-write.
E**.
I have always felt "Slippin' Away" was one of the best and most overlooked albums of the 70's
A "package" CD, combining the albums "Slippin' Away" and "Clear Sailin'". Since its original release, I have always felt "Slippin' Away" was one of the best and most overlooked albums of the 70's. It is a classic that few folks are even aware of. His Buffalo Springfield and Manassas roots run deep throughout this incredible work; not one bad cut. I would have given this CD 5 stars but unfortunately, "Clear Sailin" doesn't quite measure up to its predecessor. In the liner notes, even Chris admitted it wasn't as good as he was hoping for, but it still offers some very good cuts. Yet, the cost of this CD doesn't even come close to the worth and value of the great work found within "Slippin' Away". Do yourself a favor - treat yourself to one incredible album that you probably didn't even know existed. You'll be so glad you did.
B**R
Two Outstanding Albums On One CD
It's easy to forget -- between his work with the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers before, and the Desert Rose Band after -- just how fine Chris Hillman's two mid-1970s country-rock albums for Asylum were. This CD popped up as a potential item for me and I grabbed it up, and am I glad I did! The playing and singing are superb, and while Hillman's second album isn't quite as good as his first, they both make for delightful listening 40 years on, full of good songs and great playing. And it now seems obvious that Hillman was generating superior to solo work to that of his ex-bandmate Roger McGuinn during the 1970s.
J**.
Get back to your roots
I love this music. As a fan of The Byrds, I enjoy Chris Hillman’s music. This is his first two solo releases on one CD. Twenty songs, Lott of enjoyment. Well worth the small investment. Get back to your roots. You won’t be sorry.
A**R
chris Hillman has always been one of my favorite Byrds this 2 album cd shows him at the ...
chris Hillman has always been one of my favorite Byrdsthis 2 album cd shows him at the start of his solo careerexcellent quality &packaging rcb
D**T
Cant miss with Chris!
Love these tunes from Chris Hillman. He has an amazing voice and incredible songs. More people should be aware of Chris. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with the Byrds.
R**Y
Skip it!
Poor songwriting and performances. Great artists, but much too early in their careers.
A**R
Always liked Chris Hillman
But was reluctant to get this,finally did and glad I did.Older songs I forgot about.
M**D
Updated them to CD as they are excellent songs and played by REAL
Bought the two albums on vinyl when they were released.Updated them to CD as they are excellent songs and played by REAL musicians
M**L
Not Career Defining, But An Interesting Turn
Hillman has always been a little like the Pete Best of the country rock set, missing out on the acclaim that his more his mates in the Byrds garnered, and long overshadowed in his brilliant Burritos output by the contentious homage paid to bandmate Gram Parsons garnered in “creating” the country rock hybrid. Even in Mannassas, his steady playing and bandleader duties were second fiddle to the talents and ego of Stephen Stills. Yet throughout his considerable musical journey, Chris Hillman has been Mr Dependable, writing decent songs, and producing very listenable albums. This “two for one” release, from his stay with the Asylum label, is no exception. Listening to them now, they sound more “of the time”, than dated, and the “Slipping Away” album particularly strong, with great harmonies, strong songwriting, and a crack band, including Steve Cropper, Donald Dunn, and Jim Gordon. The two ex-MG members didn’t plug in for just anyone, which speaks to the respect Hillman commanded among musicians, even if the press never quite got it.
C**N
souvenirs
pour completer ma collection de Chris Hillman que je possède en vinyls
E**K
Five Stars
Great album. Excellent service.
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