Hippo Chick's Grooves: Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield


Hey, groovy readers! It’s Chick here, your favorite hippo with an ear for the classics. This week, we’re diving into the swirling, psychedelic whirlpool that is Buffalo Springfield’s second album, Buffalo Springfield Again. I know what you’re thinking—“Chick, how can a hippo appreciate the intricate nuances of 1960s rock?” Well, when you can play as many instruments as I can, you develop a pretty keen ear for great music. So, grab your favorite pair of headphones, and let’s get into it!

A Tightrope of Talent

Before we dive into the album, let me just say that learning to walk on a tightrope has given me a whole new appreciation for balance—both in life and in music. And boy, does Buffalo Springfield Again balance a lot of elements! This album is like trying to juggle piano, guitar, flute, bass guitar, upright bass, cello, marimba, organ, and euphonium all at once. Trust me, I would know.

The Kaleidoscopic Soundscape

Released in 1967, Buffalo Springfield Again is a perfect example of the late '60s experimental rock era. The band, featuring future legends like Stephen Stills, Neil Young, and Richie Furay, really pushed the envelope on this one. It’s an eclectic mix of folk, rock, country, and psychedelia—kind of like if you threw a marimba and an organ into a blender with a splash of euphonium for good measure.

Standout Tracks

  • “Mr. Soul”: Neil Young kicks off the album with a riff that could wake a hippo from a deep sleep. It's raw, it's edgy, and it's got that unmistakable Young touch. If this song were a tightrope, it would be strung high above a canyon, daring you to take the first step.

  • “Bluebird”: Stephen Stills brings a touch of folk rock that builds into an almost orchestral crescendo. Imagine trying to play the flute while balanced on a high wire—it's that kind of beautiful chaos.

  • “Expecting to Fly”: This Neil Young ballad is hauntingly beautiful. The lush orchestration and Young’s ethereal vocals make you feel like you’re floating. Or, in my case, like I’m trying to find my way out of a particularly tight box (remember, I’m claustrophobic!).

The Hippo Verdict

What makes Buffalo Springfield Again so special is its fearless exploration. It’s like the band was walking on a musical tightrope without a safety net, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Each track offers something new, from the rock 'n' roll swagger of “Mr. Soul” to the dreamy melancholy of “Expecting to Fly.”

This album isn't just a collection of songs; it's a journey. And as someone who’s on a journey to conquer the tightrope, I can tell you that every step is thrilling, nerve-wracking, and ultimately rewarding. Buffalo Springfield didn’t play it safe, and neither should you when it comes to your musical tastes.

So, next time you’re looking for an album that takes you on a wild ride, give Buffalo Springfield Again a spin. And who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire you to take on a new challenge, whether it’s picking up a new instrument or, like me, finally mastering that tightrope walk.

Until next time, keep the music playing and never stop dreaming,

Chick

To listen on Spotify click here

To buy your own copy (and support this blog) on Vinyl click here CD click here

Watch on YouTube 

Do you love an animal-themed band or album that you think I should review? Email me your suggestion at beastlybanterblog@gmail.com

About the Author



Hailing from Cincinnati with Kenyan roots, Chick is our music maestro. Every Tuesday, Hippo Chick's Grooves delivers reviews of artists and albums with animal names. Chick also has a knack for playing various instruments and harbors a dream of tightrope walking.

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