This year’s Black Friday Record Store Day offered a variety of intriguing music releases, including vocal-isolated versions of popular songs, live performances, and special editions. Among the highlights was a live album featuring Buffalo Springfield, a notable band from the 1960s that included Neil Young, Stephen Stills, and Ritchie Furay. Known for their energetic live performances, Buffalo Springfield’s music from this period has mostly been preserved in concert bootlegs, making this official release a significant event.
The newly released double album includes Buffalo Springfield’s performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967, marking the first official live record for the band. While the album captures the band’s sound, it also reflects the turmoil within the group during that time, notably due to Neil Young’s brief absence. Dewey Martin’s drumming and Bruce Palmer’s robust bass provide a vibrant backdrop, showcasing talents from all band members, including Stills’ emerging songwriting abilities.
This record also features performances of songs that hint at the band’s potential developments, revealing the early collaborations between Stills and Crosby. Despite some imperfections in the performances—particularly in songs like “Hung Upside Down”—the album offers a glimpse into the unique sound that Buffalo Springfield cultivated live. As fans listen to this long-awaited release, the hope remains that more recordings and possibly footage from this legendary band will surface in the future.